Jobs at 40+
May 23rd 2004, 7:00 am
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: ...somewhere in ME,OZ within a year.
Posts: 111
Jobs at 40+
Hello again,
How difficult is it to get jobs at the age of 40+?
All replies, +ve and -ve welcome.
Sarah
How difficult is it to get jobs at the age of 40+?
All replies, +ve and -ve welcome.
Sarah
May 23rd 2004, 10:17 am
#2
You sip .... I glug !!!
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Over the hill!
Posts: 2,790
What field ???? What location ???
May 23rd 2004, 1:43 pm
#3
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Stuttgart
Posts: 30
I also turn to 40+ in the next few months, so I'm in the same situation.
My occupation is "Electronics Engineer", with focus on developing electronic devices and firmware. Especially for automotive purposes.
Can anyone recommend a promising location in Oz?
How are my chances in my age?
Please don't refer to SEEK or other websites like this.
I'm interested in opinions and experiences from people in a similar situation.
My occupation is "Electronics Engineer", with focus on developing electronic devices and firmware. Especially for automotive purposes.
Can anyone recommend a promising location in Oz?
How are my chances in my age?
Please don't refer to SEEK or other websites like this.
I'm interested in opinions and experiences from people in a similar situation.
May 23rd 2004, 11:49 pm
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 875
I'm 40+, recently returned to Oz (I am Australian) after 10 years away. We are living in an area where there is plenty of work, only people who don't want a job are unemployed. That said, I have had an interview for every position I have applied for, but not got a job I like.
I think my problems are related to the following:
(1) Lack of recent work experience - I only worked for 3 out of the last 10 years, haven't worked at all for the prior 5 years. That has affected my interview performance, as when they ask give examples etc. I struggle to remember what I did last week. That is in direct contrast to when I was last interviewing for jobs and aced it every time. It has been a difficult process for me.
(2) Location. Whilst there are plenty of jobs here, not many are of the calibre I desire. I have an accounting degree and I do not want to be an accounts payable clerk, which I could have tomorrow.
(3) Age is also a factor. I can't put it into words, but at a couple of interviews I have sensed they want someone who is young and hungry and the truth is I don't want to be married to my job or to work 80 hours a week and get paid for 40 and they probably have sussed that from my responses. I always say the right words at the same time I am thinking "you can get stuffed if you think I'm doing that for that money".
If you have good recent experience you may fair better than myself. However as I said there is no unemployment here which may have influenced that I have been interviewed for every position I have applied for.
I think my problems are related to the following:
(1) Lack of recent work experience - I only worked for 3 out of the last 10 years, haven't worked at all for the prior 5 years. That has affected my interview performance, as when they ask give examples etc. I struggle to remember what I did last week. That is in direct contrast to when I was last interviewing for jobs and aced it every time. It has been a difficult process for me.
(2) Location. Whilst there are plenty of jobs here, not many are of the calibre I desire. I have an accounting degree and I do not want to be an accounts payable clerk, which I could have tomorrow.
(3) Age is also a factor. I can't put it into words, but at a couple of interviews I have sensed they want someone who is young and hungry and the truth is I don't want to be married to my job or to work 80 hours a week and get paid for 40 and they probably have sussed that from my responses. I always say the right words at the same time I am thinking "you can get stuffed if you think I'm doing that for that money".
If you have good recent experience you may fair better than myself. However as I said there is no unemployment here which may have influenced that I have been interviewed for every position I have applied for.
May 24th 2004, 6:12 am
#5
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: ...somewhere in ME,OZ within a year.
Posts: 111
What field ???? What location ???
To start with anything will do, as we've decided to be flexible initially (or to put it simply we cannot afford to be choosy
) . Plan to go to Melbourne, Office Administration & Ref.& A/C Tech.Sarah
May 24th 2004, 6:21 am
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Cental north island NZ
Posts: 198
Im 50 this year - crikey - scary stuff. I think it will be hard to find a job that i want in my field , Local Government engineering).
If I dye my hair, have the botox injections, fake my birthdate and say 'cool' 'like' 'phat' and 'whatever' all the time I might stand a chance.
Graham
If I dye my hair, have the botox injections, fake my birthdate and say 'cool' 'like' 'phat' and 'whatever' all the time I might stand a chance.
Graham
May 24th 2004, 6:28 am
#7
Homeward Bound
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 435
Originally posted by glhall
Im 50 this year - crikey - scary stuff. I think it will be hard to find a job that i want in my field , Local Government engineering).
If I dye my hair, have the botox injections, fake my birthdate and say 'cool' 'like' 'phat' and 'whatever' all the time I might stand a chance.
Graham
Im 50 this year - crikey - scary stuff. I think it will be hard to find a job that i want in my field , Local Government engineering).
If I dye my hair, have the botox injections, fake my birthdate and say 'cool' 'like' 'phat' and 'whatever' all the time I might stand a chance.
Graham
Graham,
Apparently it's "sick" at the moment. My husband's just turned 40 and having had PR for a whole week he was inundaqted with offers. Now happily working for Fujitsu as a contracting IT manager.
May 24th 2004, 7:36 am
#8
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: ...somewhere in ME,OZ within a year.
Posts: 111
Originally posted by Vicky88
I'm 40+, recently returned to Oz (I am Australian) after 10 years away. I think my problems are related to the following:
(1) Lack of recent work experience - I only worked for 3 out of the last 10 years, haven't worked at ..that I have been interviewed for every position I have applied for.
I'm 40+, recently returned to Oz (I am Australian) after 10 years away. I think my problems are related to the following:
(1) Lack of recent work experience - I only worked for 3 out of the last 10 years, haven't worked at ..that I have been interviewed for every position I have applied for.
Thanks for your informative post. Whereabouts in Oz are u?
All the best,
Sarah
May 24th 2004, 9:43 pm
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 151
Originally posted by scitta
Hi Vicky88,
Thanks for your informative post. Whereabouts in Oz are u?
All the best,
Sarah
Hi Vicky88,
Thanks for your informative post. Whereabouts in Oz are u?
All the best,
Sarah
Sarah, I notice that you are in ME - is that Maine?
We are in Orono...
Helenmaine
May 25th 2004, 5:32 am
#10
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: ...somewhere in ME,OZ within a year.
Posts: 111
Sarah, I notice that you are in ME - is that Maine?
ME-Middle East (Dubai)
Sarah.
May 25th 2004, 6:16 am
#11
Rocket Scientist
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Dreamland AKA Brisbane which is a different country to the UK
Posts: 6,911
Originally posted by Vicky88
I'm 40+, recently returned to Oz (I am Australian) after 10 years away. We are living in an area where there is plenty of work, only people who don't want a job are unemployed. That said, I have had an interview for every position I have applied for, but not got a job I like.
I think my problems are related to the following:
(1) Lack of recent work experience - I only worked for 3 out of the last 10 years, haven't worked at all for the prior 5 years. That has affected my interview performance, as when they ask give examples etc. I struggle to remember what I did last week. That is in direct contrast to when I was last interviewing for jobs and aced it every time. It has been a difficult process for me.
(2) Location. Whilst there are plenty of jobs here, not many are of the calibre I desire. I have an accounting degree and I do not want to be an accounts payable clerk, which I could have tomorrow.
(3) Age is also a factor. I can't put it into words, but at a couple of interviews I have sensed they want someone who is young and hungry and the truth is I don't want to be married to my job or to work 80 hours a week and get paid for 40 and they probably have sussed that from my responses. I always say the right words at the same time I am thinking "you can get stuffed if you think I'm doing that for that money".
If you have good recent experience you may fair better than myself. However as I said there is no unemployment here which may have influenced that I have been interviewed for every position I have applied for.
I'm 40+, recently returned to Oz (I am Australian) after 10 years away. We are living in an area where there is plenty of work, only people who don't want a job are unemployed. That said, I have had an interview for every position I have applied for, but not got a job I like.
I think my problems are related to the following:
(1) Lack of recent work experience - I only worked for 3 out of the last 10 years, haven't worked at all for the prior 5 years. That has affected my interview performance, as when they ask give examples etc. I struggle to remember what I did last week. That is in direct contrast to when I was last interviewing for jobs and aced it every time. It has been a difficult process for me.
(2) Location. Whilst there are plenty of jobs here, not many are of the calibre I desire. I have an accounting degree and I do not want to be an accounts payable clerk, which I could have tomorrow.
(3) Age is also a factor. I can't put it into words, but at a couple of interviews I have sensed they want someone who is young and hungry and the truth is I don't want to be married to my job or to work 80 hours a week and get paid for 40 and they probably have sussed that from my responses. I always say the right words at the same time I am thinking "you can get stuffed if you think I'm doing that for that money".
If you have good recent experience you may fair better than myself. However as I said there is no unemployment here which may have influenced that I have been interviewed for every position I have applied for.
Vicky, where abouts are you?? Heaps of jobs somewhere in Oz? :scared: :scared:
May 25th 2004, 8:10 am
#12
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 875
I'm in Alice Springs. If you arrive in town at 8.00 a.m. you could have 3 jobs by lunchtime if you so desire. There is so much work here and the pay isn't bad. I was in Qld earlier this month and was surprised at how poorly paid office work is compared to here.
I know everyone will bag AS but have to tell you if you take the social issues out of it, we have a fantastic quality of life. Takes 5 minutes to get anywhere, plenty of work and the social life is as busy as you want it to be. Must be the friendliest people in Australia in this place.
I know everyone will bag AS but have to tell you if you take the social issues out of it, we have a fantastic quality of life. Takes 5 minutes to get anywhere, plenty of work and the social life is as busy as you want it to be. Must be the friendliest people in Australia in this place.
May 25th 2004, 8:45 am
#13
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Scotland
Posts: 7,949
Originally posted by Mastermind
I also turn to 40+ in the next few months, so I'm in the same situation.
My occupation is "Electronics Engineer", with focus on developing electronic devices and firmware. Especially for automotive purposes.
Can anyone recommend a promising location in Oz?
How are my chances in my age?
Please don't refer to SEEK or other websites like this.
I'm interested in opinions and experiences from people in a similar situation.
I also turn to 40+ in the next few months, so I'm in the same situation.
My occupation is "Electronics Engineer", with focus on developing electronic devices and firmware. Especially for automotive purposes.
Can anyone recommend a promising location in Oz?
How are my chances in my age?
Please don't refer to SEEK or other websites like this.
I'm interested in opinions and experiences from people in a similar situation.
It is interesting (for the wider audience) to see what occupations the government regards as having skill shortages:
http://jobsearch.gov.au/joboutlook/d...e=2&TextOnly=0
And those which they regards as having good prospects:
http://jobsearch.gov.au/joboutlook/d...e=2&TextOnly=0
In the occupation box on the home page Electronics Engineer didn't come up with anything - Engineering Technologists was the suggested nearest thing!
OzTennis
May 25th 2004, 9:47 am
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 88
Originally posted by Mastermind
I also turn to 40+ in the next few months, so I'm in the same situation.
My occupation is "Electronics Engineer", with focus on developing electronic devices and firmware. Especially for automotive purposes.
Can anyone recommend a promising location in Oz?
How are my chances in my age?
Please don't refer to SEEK or other websites like this.
I'm interested in opinions and experiences from people in a similar situation.
I also turn to 40+ in the next few months, so I'm in the same situation.
My occupation is "Electronics Engineer", with focus on developing electronic devices and firmware. Especially for automotive purposes.
Can anyone recommend a promising location in Oz?
How are my chances in my age?
Please don't refer to SEEK or other websites like this.
I'm interested in opinions and experiences from people in a similar situation.
Age-wise, if you've got skills that they want I don't think it'll be a problem.
May 25th 2004, 10:30 am
#15
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 875
Mitsubishi announced the closure of one of their plants in Adelaide last week, some 700 jobs going.
Don't put too much faith in what the govt. website tells you is available job wise. There doesn't seem to be that many jobs for electronic bods in Australia. My husband is a telecomms engineer specialising in mobile phones and we rarely find a job that he would be able to get and he has all the skills and experience one could want. For that reason he is continuing to work for his US-based employer.
Don't put too much faith in what the govt. website tells you is available job wise. There doesn't seem to be that many jobs for electronic bods in Australia. My husband is a telecomms engineer specialising in mobile phones and we rarely find a job that he would be able to get and he has all the skills and experience one could want. For that reason he is continuing to work for his US-based employer.