Stephen Viscusi is an American author, columnist and broadcast journalist in the workplace genre. Viscusi is the author of “Bulletproof Your Job” (HarperCollins).
Dear Stephen,
Everyone says the economy is going gangbusters, unemployment statistics are down, and all I hear about from my friends is how well everyone is doing. Everyone except for me, that is! I am in my early 50’s and I have been unemployed for two years, going on three. At first I was interviewing all the time, but now I only occasionally get interviews, and it seems like even those are slowing down. I need a job. My wife is a school teacher, so luckily I am on her benefits, but I am too young to retire, and also can’t afford it. When I was working, I was in sales, but now I feel like a house that has been on the market for too long. The longer it’s on the market, the less desirable the house becomes and the price ends up going way down. When I was younger, people would tell me I could sell ice to Eskimos. Now, I can’t even afford a Eskimo Pie. My backstory is that I was a sales rep in a major market, then a manager, and then back in sales. I am good in interviews, I have several resumes for different types of jobs, I am up to date on technology, I’m in good physical shape (yes, I have your books and I know to use Crest White strips), and I am very flexible when it comes to salary. What else can I do? I have maintained relationships with my former customers and bosses, and with end users and dealers too, but none of it seems to help. I think I check off all the boxes. Being unemployed is terribly embarrassing. I feel like a reject to my wife and children, and I am starting to feel like I may never land another job. The only saving grace is that I know at least 10 other people about my age, even younger, in the exact same situation as me. What’s going on? How come no one is talking about those of us that have been unemployed for years? I feel invisible. Any suggestions?
Invisible Man
*****
Dear Invisible,
I feel your pain. I’ve seen and heard it firsthand from family members and friends over 50 who have been unemployed for a long time. The government reports on unemployment aren’t just the black-and-white numbers of people without jobs. The unemployment rate makes today’s job world sounds optimistic, and it’s certainly better than it was in 2008, but the 5% number currently reported by the U.S. Department of Labor counts only those who have been actively looking for work within the past four weeks. The reality is that there are plenty of people excluded from the narrow definition we use to describe unemployment. Our economy has added 8.7 million jobs since 2007, but the serious problem is that most of that job growth has been in low wage or temporary jobs, many that don’t offer benefits. The 65 consecutive months of net job growth – the longest streak in modern history, and undoubtedly a step in the right direction – is not exactly leading to social harmony (see, for example: Trump, Donald).
None of these statistics help your depression, anxiety, and embarrassment, but like you said, you’re not alone. It honestly sounds like you’re doing everything right, and it sounds like your attitude is better than you might realize because you recognize that unemployment today when you’re over 50 is quite common.
First and foremost, I recommend to everyone that you talk about it. Talk to your friends, talk to your family, “let it out” as they say. Second, I think it’s important that you meditate or pray on it, whatever your spiritual practice may be. Last but not least, consider “re-inventing yourself” in the workforce, even if it means taking a temporary, part time, or volunteer job. Getting out of the house is half the battle. I know someone who was a top-producing rep for Herman Miller, who now is a manager at Trader Joe’s and loving it. I have another friend who used to work at a major dealer, who is now selling Real Estate. My friends who are older, but working hourly jobs, seem happier than those who insist on staying unemployed until their ship comes back in. Guess what, I don’t think it’s coming back in. Face the new reality of today’s economy. I’m not saying run out and open up your own business. I’m saying run out and open your mind to caring less about the status of your new job and more about just finding one.
~Stephen
Stephen Viscusi is the author of “Bulletproof Your Job” (HarperCollins). Follow Stephen on Twitter @WorkplaceGuru.