Reprint From Column in Palm Beach Post, Sunday, July 6,2003, Toby Chabon Berger
A corporate restructuring forced Sid Poe into early retirement before he was ready for it. Sid had planned on working as a Community and Government Relations spokesman for Bellsouth for many years to meet his family responsibilities. Armed with a Rolodex filled with names and numbers of his vast contacts in executive offices throughout Southeast Florida, Poe began his networking. Although former business associates warmly welcomed him, no one was able to offer more than advice. “They all acknowledged my worth and promised they would be on the lookout for me,” he said.
Poe decided on a “bridge” job by taking on consulting projects as an alternate pathway to full time employment. After the first consulting project ended, the search for other consulting projects or full time employment became an extended one. Sid said, “I refused to give up; I know there were organizations that would benefit from my many years of experience and my acquired knowledge.” Poe was persistent, and is currently a contracted consultant coordinating Community Relations for New England Tech and Florida Culinary Institute, a Vocational College in West Palm Beach. “I would like to make this consulting assignment a permanent one; but there are no guarantees as long as the economic road to recovery remains a bumpy one,” he said.
Times are changing for people like Poe. Tom Shea, Managing Principal of Right Management Associates, Florida/Caribbean, with offices in West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, says, “Although some prejudice still exists, the job market has opened up for dynamic baby boomers who are now in their late 50’s. They may have cashed out with early retirement packages, but they certainly don’t consider themselves old. Playing golf has lost its challenge because it is no longer a part of the business game. Many boomers have decided to continue their careers. Early retirees find consulting and entrepreneurship a viable route to take; while others are being hired by companies that need their expertise.
Hiring managers recognize, that a senior level person may only be available for two to three years, a concept that formerly discouraged hiring older workers. But now there is a growing market niche for those who can hit the ground running and make sound business decisions quickly. Working for two or three years is no longer relevant since there is no impact on the company’s retirement plan. They have a lot to offer while they are there; talent is difficult to find,” Shea said.”
Paul Hiderman, SPHR, Director of Human Resources of Tyco Safety in Boca Raton and Vice-President of the Human Resources Association in Palm Beach County agrees that there are more opportunities opening up for the older worker. “Wise employers in today’s market are looking for experienced people. They are welcoming seasoned professionals with a track record,” he says. Hiderman also says, “instead of apologizing for or trying to mask their ages, job candidates should boast of their achievements. Close the gaps, and stay current with new trends in industry”. He also advises that networking should include involvement in the activities of trade associations where you are very visible and can show off your skills.
Michele Dobos, PHR, Assistant Vice President, Employment and Recruitment Manager, Human Resources Manager of Fidelity Federal Bank, West Palm Beach; and, current President of the Human Resources Association of Palm Beach County, said, “there are many jobs in the banking industry for people with retail and customer service. They must be willing to make a career change and often, start over. But we give them rigorous training and opportunities. One of the biggest challenges for many of the older workers I interview is often their lack of computer skills,” she said.
Not so for Judy O’Brien, Stuart, age 83, who recently completed computer skills training while earning a Computer Professional designation from the Treasure Coast One Stop Career Center. “For a long time, I was reluctant to learn to use the computer because my mindset was stuck on my IBM typewriter. My mentor, Kathy Winstanley, Director of the Treasure Coast One Stop Centers sponsored by the Workforce Development Board, insisted that I try computer training. Now I love using the computer and all the software,” she said.
O’Brien began her second career with the Senior Aides program in Martin County for workers 55 and older. Administered by the One Stop Career Center and the program provides training and placement in non-profit agencies with paid part time salaries for one year. O’Brien proved herself so valuable that after a year of part time work, she was hired full time as a receptionist handling multiple phone lines and answering inquiries from customers.
Kathy Winstanley says, “in addition to the senior aides program, we are prepared to assist older workers who have been laid off and need to work full time. We help them with their resumes and their interviewing skills.”
“A major challenge existing for older workers is that they find searches difficult to sustain over long periods of time. They become discouraged and will look for excuses to slack off,” says Tom Shea. “They must find ways to stay motivated in spite of the headlines screaming there is a 6% unemployment rate. Instead, they need to concentrate on becoming a part of the 94% who are still employed.” Shea cautions older workers to stop thinking of themselves as too old or overqualified. He also says, “Continue networking, contribute in some way, and focus on how your achievements relate to current industry trends. Arrange activities where you will remain on the radar screen.”
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