"The current economic climate provides a unique opportunity for older professionals to identify niches for their expertise, rather than worrying about where there are actual job openings," says Ehlers.
By way of example, he cites the case of an older candidate who'd been an on-air personality with several major radio net works. At first, the man had trouble finding a job on air in the competitive, youth-oriented world of network radio. So he decided to switch gears to consulting and was able to convince a small Chicago station to create a spot for him.
As a consultant, he was able to help station executives with programming decisions, coach on-air personalities and even work with the sales force to develop strategies. Rather than leaving the industry he loved, he was able to parlay his extensive media expertise into whole new areas of skill and experience. The key was adopting a more independent mind-set.
The reality of age discrimination means that older workers often need to develop more autonomous ways of working rather than rely on a single employer for their whole paycheck. Happily, many experienced professionals seek greater freedom and independence, anyway. If that's your situation, starting your own new venture may be the best way to go, especially if you have lots of ambition and energy left for work.
Col. Harlan Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, was 64 years old when he decided to franchise his restaurant and method of making fried chicken. Ten years later, he had more than 600 franchises operating under the KFC name. Not surprisingly, Col. Sanders believed that mandatory retirement was a waste of valuable brain power, talent and energy. He thought it should be eliminated.
The Generation Gap
Many employment dilemmas today are a result of a lack of respect and appreciation for intergenerational differences, says Rosemarin. And the misunderstandings work both ways.
One 58-year-old engineer displayed an attitude toward younger colleagues that a co-worker finding another position, he blamed his problem on an indifferent job market. He might have had better luck had he accepted responsibility for his own predicament, and taken a more positive approach.
If you're interested in more traditional employment routes, be careful not to reinforce age-related stereotypes in interviews, says Rosemarin. Instead, take the initiative to show how (and why) you'll fit into the corporate culture.
As a 50-something consultant, Rosemarin remembers working for a high-profile, youth-oriented entertainment company where anyone over 55 was considered ancient history. Rather than react defensively, she played up that she's a highly energetic woman who's always on the move with new ideas and projects-just like her creative clients. The recognition of similarities (age differences notwithstanding) made them much more receptive to the solutions she proposed.
Like comedian Rodney Danger field, some older workers are so busy complaining they "don't get no respect" that they fail to realize they aren't showing others much respect, either. Strangely enough, you can stop that cycle of disrespect by showing more self-respect. Once you know and appreciate your own value, no one can diminish your worth, no matter how rude they might be. What's more, when you present yourself as a self-respecting professional who's earned your wisdom and experience, others will be more inclined to treat you that way. In other words, the world may start to reflect back what you show it.
Rosemarin remembers her own astonishment when talking to a 29-year-old outplacement intern at Chemical Bank in New York who told her, "I can't wait to be your age." When pressed for reasons, the intern explained: "In this field, where I'm expected to counsel so many senior executives, age helps with credibility and respect."
The intern's comment reinforced Rosemarin's belief that there are advantages to being whatever age you are. The real key is to recognize and promote those advantages. If you've achieved some stature in your field and want to continue achieving in leadership roles, this means building on your professional credentials rather than downplaying or denying them. You may be surprised to discover how much you can accomplish in the years you have left.
