"Unemployed and 62". I got the word Thursday about midmorning. Many things going thru my mind. The positions I have held thru the years after graduating with an AA in "Drafting and Design Technology" in 1973 are: Design Draftsman, Senior Designer, Machine Designer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer and Laser Nester/Draftsman. Unfortunately my cognitive function has diminished along with only the partial control of my clinical depression. I went to Job Service before I went home and got enrolled and updated in their system. That was an ordeal as their system was not functioning as it should and I had to do repetitive entries as the existing information could not be modified, so I had to enter it from scratch. Through the years, I have done almost all my own mechanic, plumbing and electrical work as well as numerous construction projects. I am trying to figure out what that experience would do for me to help pay the bills. My son left factory work last summer and went to Truck Driving School. That is a possibility, but I am not sure that is what I want to do. I need to see what programs they have available for retraining. I was not surprised that I was let go, but 5 others were also sent away. Three departments and ages ranging from about 22 to almost 80 for a part timer. Last years sales were way down from previously and the first quarter is over with little short term hope to turn around anytime soon. The things, I need to get going on are getting my Income Tax information gathered up. With the passing of my wife last year, it is going to be pretty complicated. She passed a year ago tomorrow. That and updating my resume, and getting my contacts updated. Another major issue is finding Health Insurance. I guess I need to multitask on these issues. I welcome all suggestions, well wishes and prayers. Thanks, Roy
- Thread starter IA Roy
- Start date
farmerwithmutt
Well-known Member
Maybe a blessing in disguise. If it's only you take social security and start traveling . There was a guy he said he's going to San Diego they told him to forget it well he did it and wrote about . Why didn't they think he could do it well he was in his 70 ' s on the east coast and to top it off on a bicycle!
This might be the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one.
This might be the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one.
Russ from MN
Well-known Member
- Location
- Bemidji MN
Don't they offer any retraining for laid off people? When the paper mill closed where I used to work some of my friends that were still working took 2 years of retraining at full unemployment and then some who were close to retirement age did that. I left before this all happened at age 58 and it's the best thing I ever did, considering my medical problems since.
Are there any trade/technical schools in the area? With your education and experience, you may qualify for an instructor's job. Worth checking out. They may not pay top wages, but most have a good benefit package.
Also check government from town to the state for possible openings. They are more prone to hire people of your age than the private sector.
Also check government from town to the state for possible openings. They are more prone to hire people of your age than the private sector.
I agree with Farmerwithmutt. Something better will show up. It happened to me twice.
You should be able to draw unemployment. I know its hard to do but try not to worry too much about bills. Good luck and keep us filled in. Maybe its time to do that special project you always wanted to do.
You should be able to draw unemployment. I know its hard to do but try not to worry too much about bills. Good luck and keep us filled in. Maybe its time to do that special project you always wanted to do.
Yup, BTDT. Lost my engineering job at 59. Never worked again. The few interviews I got I could see they were over when they saw my grey hair. Problem is that when times get tough the engineering departments are the first to get cut. Because they fired a bunch of us "old timers" they were forced to let go some of the younger folks so the average age was around 50 or 55 (I think) so they wouldn't face age discrimination suits. The good thing is you won't be 'unemployed' for long. Once your unemployment insurance runs out you fall off the rolls and technically become 'out of work'. Makes everything look rosey for the administration.
Pair-a-dice farm
Well-known Member
If you still want to work just keep your eyes and ears open. I was offered one of my old jobs this morning. I'm 58 and haven't worked there in 16 years. I asked why they wanted someone as old as me and he said that they knew my work history and the younger crowd ain't worth spit. If I didn't have to drive over 100 miles a day it would be tempting but 12 hour rotating shifts and taking care of 70 cows might be a strain.
In Arkansas there are getting to be a lot of new jobs, I've never seen anything like the construction going on now for new industry. The concrete plant is working 2 shifts 7 days a week just to keep up.
In Arkansas there are getting to be a lot of new jobs, I've never seen anything like the construction going on now for new industry. The concrete plant is working 2 shifts 7 days a week just to keep up.
Janicholson
Well-known Member
With the experience you have, there are a dramatic number of jobs. Do you know ProE- Creo, or Inventor, or Solid Works? If not , see if you can get into a tech school/community College to train on one of them. Jobs galore in mid MN. Jim
Steve@Advance
Well-known Member
Sorry to hear your getting laid off, none of us are immune. With your credentials someone will pick you up. Put the word out to as many people as you can. I would be much more likely to hire someone I knew, or someone who came recommended than just blindly taking applications.
As the line from the song goes... "Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place!"
https://youtu.be/tIZitK6_IMQ
As the line from the song goes... "Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place!"
https://youtu.be/tIZitK6_IMQ
Ted in NE-OH
Well-known Member
Go to a financial adviser, maybe you can retire, I did retire at 62, 11 years ago and don't regret it one bit. You can get Social Security at 62 even if it is reduced. If you take a low paying job for a few years that will be averaged in with the good years and lower your SS some. Do you have a pension? If you think you might be able to retire, I would milk the unemployment for all its worth and then retire.Check it out you might be supersized. Then you can play with tractors or whatever.
I agree with Ted at 62 man should be financially fit to ride it out.. Use the unemployment check , find someone to let you help a little for cash or gas money. I THINK depending on what insurance your company you can ride by paying the premium for a year . Don,t get real excited it takes less to live IF you don,t have a bunch of big payments than one thinks.
You will be OK.
You will be OK.
Larry EC-OH
Member
Hey Roy,
Keep your chin up! As the others have said it's not the end of the world and could be the beginning of something better. I know it probably goes against your grain, but tell others that you know that you are looking for a new opportunity. Networking is a wonderful thing. More and more employers are rethinking not hiring older workers because: 1 - we don't do drugs, 2 - we'll show up on time, and 3 - we put in an honest days work.
Larry
Keep your chin up! As the others have said it's not the end of the world and could be the beginning of something better. I know it probably goes against your grain, but tell others that you know that you are looking for a new opportunity. Networking is a wonderful thing. More and more employers are rethinking not hiring older workers because: 1 - we don't do drugs, 2 - we'll show up on time, and 3 - we put in an honest days work.
Larry
Dave H (MI)
Well-known Member
Going back a few year now, probably 2/3 of the tax returns that came across my desk had UE compensation forms included in the packet. It was terrible. The majority of families we serviced had at least one person unemployed. This year I can tell you I have only seen 2 of those forms. Things cycle up and down that way. I have seen it many times, but that does not help you at 62. By the time jobs come back in your area you may be wanting to retire...if you do not do it now. I had a couple a fellas who actually did the truck driving thing in their sixties. Worked it a few years and then retired. It is not as easy as it sounds. When they worked they tended to get some of the routes the lifers did not want. New Jersey was one they complained about, don't remember why. Bottom line though, it was a fairly steady income and it got them through. It is a really hard thing to lose a job after 50. Maybe some of the advice here will help.
TomH in PA
Well-known Member
Health Insurance isn't an issue. Say what you will about external_linkcare, it guarantees you get coverage. So go to Healthcare.gov and sign up.
Apply for unemployment compensation, it should give you at least six months. Then spend those six months deciding how much income you need; if social security plus savings won't do it start looking for a job you could do for the next few years as soon as you can.
These things have a way of working out, even though it might not seem like it today.
Apply for unemployment compensation, it should give you at least six months. Then spend those six months deciding how much income you need; if social security plus savings won't do it start looking for a job you could do for the next few years as soon as you can.
These things have a way of working out, even though it might not seem like it today.
Neighbor got laid off about 20 years ago, from his truck driving job. He applied for re-training in environmental field- got his full unemployment compensation, plus all tuition and fees paid for 2 years while he went to community college for an AA in Environmental Science. He never did get a job in that field, and eventually went back to truck driving, but had a nice hiatus from work and got to hang around with college kids for a couple of years rather than be at home with SWMBO, which was much more pleasant for him.
It sounds like you'd like to work, and with your credentials, you may just be able to find something, but I agree that at 62, it may be tough. You'll be better off staying on unemployment rather than taking the first low paying thing that comes along. I'd think you could look for work in your field until rocking chair was about to run out, then do the re-training bit. That's going to get you a lot closer to full retirement age. Don't know what your financial circumstances are, but I wouldn't start social security at 62 unless you have a lot of retirement funds socked away. If you're going to depending primarily on Social Security, try as hard as you can to delay taking it until age 66. The reduced amount you'll get at 62 will start looking pretty meager in a few years.
It sounds like you'd like to work, and with your credentials, you may just be able to find something, but I agree that at 62, it may be tough. You'll be better off staying on unemployment rather than taking the first low paying thing that comes along. I'd think you could look for work in your field until rocking chair was about to run out, then do the re-training bit. That's going to get you a lot closer to full retirement age. Don't know what your financial circumstances are, but I wouldn't start social security at 62 unless you have a lot of retirement funds socked away. If you're going to depending primarily on Social Security, try as hard as you can to delay taking it until age 66. The reduced amount you'll get at 62 will start looking pretty meager in a few years.
I agree with some of the others that it may be a blessing in disguise. I was forced to go out of business at age 57 becuz of the housing bust of 08. I did handyman jobs, was caretaker of the local park, worked as a carpenter helper and did some sheet rock hanging and taping. When age 62 came I signed up and continued with handyman stuff, I am now 67 and all is well financially. The LORD will provide just look to him for guidance and watch what happens.
IlliniJohn
Member
Completely agree on the external_linkCare system - - worked for both my daughter and son last year, and at 1/4 the cost of continuing their previous companies insurance thru COBRA.
Also agree with signing up for Unemployment ASAP - - Layoff isn't your fault and that is why its available.
Breath In, & Breath Out - as others have said, it ain't the end of the world.
Lastly, look into Contract Engineering Companies - -a LOT of big companies (Boeing, John Deere, Caterpillar) are laying off permanent engineers and hiring Contract engineers (makes a lot of sense, right???) Nice thing, a project may be completed at one client, but the Contract agency moves you right over to another.
Best Wishes!
John
Also agree with signing up for Unemployment ASAP - - Layoff isn't your fault and that is why its available.
Breath In, & Breath Out - as others have said, it ain't the end of the world.
Lastly, look into Contract Engineering Companies - -a LOT of big companies (Boeing, John Deere, Caterpillar) are laying off permanent engineers and hiring Contract engineers (makes a lot of sense, right???) Nice thing, a project may be completed at one client, but the Contract agency moves you right over to another.
Best Wishes!
John
Ande
Well-known Member
Roy,
Like Larry said, hold your chin up.
I owned a Farm equipment dealership for many years, and remember a few years back before I sold it, I was looking for an employee. I had 1/2 dozen apply, but they didn't really fit good if you know what I mean. Then this guy came in and put in a app., and before he walked out he turned around and said to me, if you want you can tear up my app. I said why do you say that, he said well you see I'm 65. I said ohh, ok. Can you start Monday???
Like Larry said, hold your chin up.
I owned a Farm equipment dealership for many years, and remember a few years back before I sold it, I was looking for an employee. I had 1/2 dozen apply, but they didn't really fit good if you know what I mean. Then this guy came in and put in a app., and before he walked out he turned around and said to me, if you want you can tear up my app. I said why do you say that, he said well you see I'm 65. I said ohh, ok. Can you start Monday???
Dave Salway
Member
Sorry to hear this . My story is wife and I owned our business for 30 yrs.
1 yr. ago Dec. had my 4th. back operation a 8 levels neck fussion and never
totally recovered . I will be 61 in April and in Jan. got hired by another
custom cabinet shop as a supervisor. We realize the blessing this was at
my age and physical condition . My wife also suffers from drug resstent
depression so over the last year private insurance has been cancelled .
I am telling you this so you know there can be hope . We now have
insurance , 401 know, vacation , and a constant paycheck .
Our prayers are that GOD will bless you to .
1 yr. ago Dec. had my 4th. back operation a 8 levels neck fussion and never
totally recovered . I will be 61 in April and in Jan. got hired by another
custom cabinet shop as a supervisor. We realize the blessing this was at
my age and physical condition . My wife also suffers from drug resstent
depression so over the last year private insurance has been cancelled .
I am telling you this so you know there can be hope . We now have
insurance , 401 know, vacation , and a constant paycheck .
Our prayers are that GOD will bless you to .
DENNIS MIN
Member
illinijohn,
That "external_linkcare" did not come from "him".
I paid for it in taxes. If your savvy at math, perhaps I could have donated more than the government clipped from the top of my income.
D.
That "external_linkcare" did not come from "him".
I paid for it in taxes. If your savvy at math, perhaps I could have donated more than the government clipped from the top of my income.
D.
sorry for your loss.well when i turned 62 i said to hel= with it ran my own Excavating biss for 45 years made a good living but worked 7 days a week and spent a ton of money keeping things running. well tell you what it is the best thing i ever did took my SS and it covers the bills each month do odd jobs and spend the winter in Florida have just as much or more money now then before and have a LIFE to do what i want to bragging just tell you you will be just fine. hate external_link but do have his ins and that was a life saver the poorer you are the better off you will be as far as that part goes
GeneMO
Well-known Member
- Location
- Pilot Grove, Mo.
Crop insurance adjusters are always in demand. Depending on area. Some companies hire full time, some "per-diem" or part time. Some hire a combination of both.
They like older folks. Lots of retired teachers crop adjust.
Gene
They like older folks. Lots of retired teachers crop adjust.
Gene
flying belgian
Well-known Member
Yep, I agree with many of the others. When one door closes, another one opens. Seen it many times. Including my own experience. You'll be fine. Take advantage of all services available to you. Seams devastating today but tomorrow not so bad. And by next week you will have a new plan in place and by next month you will be off and running. Next year you will realize it was the best thing that ever happened to you. Save my post and mark on your calendar to read it next year and then post back saying that flying belgian was absolutely right. I'll be waiting.
Tramway Guy
Well-known Member
If you are as handy as you sound, consider big box home improvement stores or Hardware stores. They want people who can assist with advice for customers.
IlliniJohn
Member
I'm not sure what "feeling the Bern" means, unless its being for Bernie, which I'm not.
And I and my kids have always paid our own way.
No, external_linkCare didn't "come from him" - - but it is the law and is legal and is available, thus my kids used it for the short time they were unemployed, instead of the $800/per month for COBRA extension of their former employers' plans - which was their way of paying their own way instead of going on Medicaid or borrowing from my wife and I.
And, yes, I understand math, but fail to understand your statements.
Live your lives as best you can, and we will do the same.
And I and my kids have always paid our own way.
No, external_linkCare didn't "come from him" - - but it is the law and is legal and is available, thus my kids used it for the short time they were unemployed, instead of the $800/per month for COBRA extension of their former employers' plans - which was their way of paying their own way instead of going on Medicaid or borrowing from my wife and I.
And, yes, I understand math, but fail to understand your statements.
Live your lives as best you can, and we will do the same.
dennis min- Shouldn't it really be called 'RomneyCare'?...since he was the first to implement this style of healthcare in Massachusetts.
Way before our current president even brought it up.
Just a quick copy and paste.....:
"On April 12, 2006, Romney signed legislation that mandates that nearly all Massachusetts residents buy or obtain health insurance coverage or face a penalty (up to approximately $2000 for 2008 or equal to half of the lowest cost premium offered) in the form of an additional income tax assessment. The bill established a regulatory authority called the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority to implement the law and establish insurance standards. For residents below certain income thresholds and without adequate employer insurance, state subsidies were established, by using funds previously designated to compensate for the health costs of the uninsured".
Poke here
Way before our current president even brought it up.
Just a quick copy and paste.....:
"On April 12, 2006, Romney signed legislation that mandates that nearly all Massachusetts residents buy or obtain health insurance coverage or face a penalty (up to approximately $2000 for 2008 or equal to half of the lowest cost premium offered) in the form of an additional income tax assessment. The bill established a regulatory authority called the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority to implement the law and establish insurance standards. For residents below certain income thresholds and without adequate employer insurance, state subsidies were established, by using funds previously designated to compensate for the health costs of the uninsured".
Poke here
MarkB_MI
Well-known Member
- Location
- Motown USA
I'm sorry to hear about your bad fortune. Two things stick out: You're 62 years old, an age where most folks are at least thinking about retiring. And it sounds like you don't think you can continue to do the same sort of work you were doing at your old job. I think you need to step back and think long and hard about your plans for the next five, ten and twenty years.
Since you've been working for over forty years, you should have something coming to you in the way of a pension, 401k or IRA. With Social Security, will that be enough to maintain your current lifestyle? If not, you will have to either go back to work or change your lifestyle. Even if you do go back to work, you might still not have enough coming in to continue living the way you are today.
Maybe it's time to downsize your life. Do you have property or possessions that aren't bringing in money and from which you aren't getting any enjoyment? Time to get rid of them. Horses, boats and big houses come to mind. Are you maybe supporting family members who should be taking care of themselves? You have to take care of Number One, so start breaking plates. Focus on the things in your life that bring you joy, and dump the things that bring you aggravation.
If you feel like working, then do so. But don't think you have to do the same sort of work you did in the past. Find something with a little less stress, even if it means less money. Someone mentioned working at a big-box hardware store; a fellow I worked with retired after 35 years in a high-stress job and went straight to work at HD. He loves his job! Find work that you enjoy; there are plenty of jobs these days so there's no need to take one you don't like.
Good luck.
Since you've been working for over forty years, you should have something coming to you in the way of a pension, 401k or IRA. With Social Security, will that be enough to maintain your current lifestyle? If not, you will have to either go back to work or change your lifestyle. Even if you do go back to work, you might still not have enough coming in to continue living the way you are today.
Maybe it's time to downsize your life. Do you have property or possessions that aren't bringing in money and from which you aren't getting any enjoyment? Time to get rid of them. Horses, boats and big houses come to mind. Are you maybe supporting family members who should be taking care of themselves? You have to take care of Number One, so start breaking plates. Focus on the things in your life that bring you joy, and dump the things that bring you aggravation.
If you feel like working, then do so. But don't think you have to do the same sort of work you did in the past. Find something with a little less stress, even if it means less money. Someone mentioned working at a big-box hardware store; a fellow I worked with retired after 35 years in a high-stress job and went straight to work at HD. He loves his job! Find work that you enjoy; there are plenty of jobs these days so there's no need to take one you don't like.
Good luck.
COBRA health insurance has to be offered for 18 months, assuming you had a company plan and there are 20 or more employees. You pay the full cost of it, the employer and the employee cost. Just heard this this morning from a financial planner on the local talk radio show. Also, he was talking about Medicare and how if you don't sign up when eligible, at 65 or after, and not covered by an employer plan, you could be without coverage for a time until the next open enrollment period AND you'll be penalized an additional 10% of your Part B premium FOR LIFE! He said you have 8 months from the day you retire to sign up. The open enrollment is Jan. 1 but your coverage won't start until the next July. So, don't let that slip your mind when you get there.
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