Retrenched and forced to re-enter the workforce at age 50

Sydney 5 March, 2004 - At 52, Mark Ewin is tired of being told 'You're too old to work'. Retrenched and forced to re-enter the workforce at age 50, he asks that employers give mature-age job seekers a fairer go, and praises those organisations who value life-experience as much as qualifications.

"I started work for a rapidly expanding IT company in Sydney in 1979 and stayed on board for 23 years. But one day as I prepared to return to work after my annual leave, I was pulled into a meeting and told I had been made redundant. I was 50 years old".

Mark then embarked on a job hunting mission, where he doorknocked, sent nothing short of 400 resumes, and even sought help from several employment agencies. But everywhere he went, he was either ignored or given the same response - 'you're just too old to work' .

"One of the biggest losses I experienced being unemployed was leaving the home I'd made for myself in Kirribilli. The longer I stayed unemployed, the less confident I felt in my ability to get back into the workforce", says Mark.

"Even with more than 23 years of experience and work-skills gained since I was 16, I was unable to secure another permanent-full time job for two years which was incredibly frustrating. While I had a few casual jobs in that period, it wasn't enough that I could save for my retirement, and the insecurity of a casual role was an issue for me", says Mark.

But Mark didn't give up so easily. Despite the setbacks, he always had an end-goal in mind to keep him motivated. "While I enjoy the city-life, I really am a country man. So with my new career back on track, I'm going to start saving for my retirement in the country where I was born. While I planned to retire at 60, I guess things change, so I expect to be back in the bush when I'm 65 instead".

Also with the help of Jobfind Centres in Sydney, Mark received one-on-one interview, resume and presentation advice and encouragement from staff. And as part of the Federal Government's Job Network, Mark was able to access the largest database of jobs in Australia using Jobfind's internet services and was subsidised for new clothes for interviews.

With this support, Mark managed to line himself up with a permanent full-time role conducting clerical and administration work in the public services sector - with his retirement vision set firmly in his mind.

"One of the most amazing things about this whole experience is that my first job back in the workforce after a two year hiatus is in same building as where I had my first job as a 16 year old kid! Somehow, I think it's a sign that things will certainly get better and pick up from here", Mark says.

"In retrospect, I think finding a job involves harder work than the job itself. But now that I have my security back, a terrific position and great people to work with, the effort behind job searching is definitely worth it", says Mark.

According to Jobfind Centre Manager Sydney, Ian Bridger , the best way to cope with losing a job is to make yourself a new one through job-hunting. Treating the search for a new career as a full-time job lessens the sense of loss and puts you back in control of your work life.

"Given the significant contribution work makes to our lives; it is both normal and healthy to experience grief and stress over job loss or retrenchment, especially for mature-age workers. But there is a way to deal with it", says Ian.

"Jobs give us control over our life, opportunities to use our skills, routine and variety. But job-hunting can provide all of these things if you approach it with the commitment and attitude you would bring to any other job. Research and experience tells us that being consistent and positive is the key to success in the job search process", he said.

Ian says the hardest process for most mature-age job seekers after becoming retrenched, is overcoming poor self-esteem and lack of self confidence.

"Being thrust back into the job market after 23 years in a secure environment is a shocking experience, and the job hunting process can be very daunting.

We encourage mature-age job seekers to work out a plan to get back into the game, and help them to overcome personal barriers to employment", says Ian.

Ian says the change in Mark's attitude since he found employment has been incredible, and says it's encouraging to see more and more businesses giving mature-age job seekers a fair-go.

"Gaining a quality candidate with a strong work ethic couldn't be more valuable and employers are just beginning to recognise the experience, knowledge and know-how a mature-age worker can contribute to the workplace", says Ian.

"Mature-age workers are some of the most reliable, patient and best communicators around. Dollar values can't be placed on life skills, but in a work environment, these qualities make a genuine difference in the way businesses are run", says Ian.

Contact information:
info@jobfindcentre.com.au