Dear Dorothy,
A year ago I was unemployed and had to attend the job centre. They told me because of my age [56] I stood very little chance of getting a decent job and should accept anything. They destroyed my confidence and made me take a job on minimum wage. Now I once again find myself unemployed. How do I handle their soul-destroying inference that I am not doing well, and have, at 57, nothing to offer?
Yours Sincerely,
Boson
Dear Boson,
Here’s what I’d suggest: seek out an alternative way of finding work. If the job centre is going to belittle and depress you: there are other places.
The economy is stifling, as we know, and the competition for jobs is tight. I’m friends with a handful of people over 60 who have multiple degrees and are struggling to find work. If you’ve tapped out your personal networks (have you told everyone you know, in all your circles, that you’re for hire? Are you sure?) then I’d get creative and pile your skills into an email and circulate it among your friends and family, then I’d hit the internet and see who’s offering what.
There are tonnes of listings online, you’ll just have to spend a lot of time digging. Nobody has anything to offer. Don’t believe that. And if the job centre is making you feel that way, look elsewhere. But also: make sure it isn’t you taking things too personally. The people at the job centre are probably stressed and busy and suffering in their own ways – and human kindness may not be their top priority. Just remember that.
Yours Truly,
Dorothy