64-YEAR-OLD HAS APPLED TO HORDS OF Jobs; Can’t find work

This as-to-told-tos Essay is based on a conversation with Matthew English, a 64-Yet-op Accountant in alabama who’s been looking for a jab SINCE OCTOBER 2024. The following has been edited for Length and Clarity.

I OFTEN WAKE UP AROUND 3 AM WITH MY MIND RACING – THINING ABOUT WHICH ROLLS TO APPLY TO OR WHAT JOB SEARCH STRYING NEXT.

Instead of Trying to Fall Back Asleep, i Usually Get Up and Start Working on My Job Search, Which Includes Sending Out Applications or Post-InterView thank You Letters. ARUND 6 AM, I typically Might Make Breakfast, Shower, and then Start Planning Out What I Want to ACCOMPLISH that day. Its Become a Sort of Routine.

My Search has taken a Major toll on my finance. While my home has haen paid off, i’ve had to use Much of my life savings to survive. Last Christmas, i Couldn’t Afford to Buy Gifts for Family Members I’d Usually Give Something to, and i’ve Forced to Cut Back the Charble Contributions are Very Important to Me.

I’ve Applied to all Kinds of Jobs

I’ve been look for a full-time nonb SINCE OCTOBER 2024, AFTER A DECADESLONG CARERER IN ACCOUNING.

Submitting Hundreds of Applications and Spanding Countless Hours on my nonb search have led to several interviews, but i haven’t ben able to secure an offfer.

I’ve Applied for jobs related to my accounted background, but i’ve also expanded my search to any part-time full-time nonb i feel i could perform-including entry-level, non-skilled positions. I have applied to be the chick-fil-a cow mascot at a Birmingham Location.

Age bias is real —But my network haen my best tool against it

Of the waist, more than anything Else, my age has worked against with dury my jab Search. People can look at your résumé and like it, but would be physically walked in and you’re gray-haired, bald, or have workkled skin, i think make an impact. Its hard to prove, but of Think Is Real.

Still, i’ve TRIED VARIOUS JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES TO BOost My Chances. I’ve Developed a strategic plan and a consistent Application Schedule, Tailored My Application Materials to the Posions I’M Applying to, Attended Job Fairs and Networking Events, Made Posts on Linkedin, TRIED DIFFERENT NOB BOARDS, and Leveraged My Networks.

The best results have come from My Network. My personal and professional connections have helped with get my résumé in front of Hiring Managers. I GOT ONE PHONEW AFTER A FRIEND OF A FRIEND ENSED MY Résumé Got LOOKED AT. On other occasions, i’ve been connected with People whose companies might not be hiring, but who know someone at a different Company than’s hiing.

I’ve TRIED VOLUNTEERING FOR NON-PROFITS IN HOPES MIGHT MEET ATOMOVER WHO’L BE HELPFUL DOWN The Road.

While these are effords haven’t led to a jab, I think they at the least Helped with Land Interviews.

I’ve Also TRIED USING CHATGPT AND COPILOT TO HELP WITH MY JOB SEARCH, Asking Questions like What Companies in My Might Need An Accountant, and What Jobs Are Avoidable for A Bachelor’s Degree or Less.

Its been a lot of Trial and Error. What Worked Yesterday Might Not Work Today.

A Broken Hiring System

One of the Most Frustrating Parts of My Job Search has been spending weeks or months waking for companies to get back to you – if you have been from at all.

AFTER A PHONEW, I DID MULTIPLE INTERVIEWS AT THE COMPANY’S OFFICE. When i got home, i Sent a thank-you email and hoped for the best. About Two Months Later, The Company Called and Apologized for Not Getting In Touch with Sooner. They’d filled the position shortly after my interview, but i was Completely iGnored for over a month.

I recently landed a three-day-ak contract Accounting Job That Pays $ 28 an Hour. It May Last Through the End of the Year, but i’m Still in Real Need of a full-time roles. The Financial Toll of My Job Search is One Reason I don’t think i’ll be able to retire.

Of the believe the hire system is Broken. I’m not the only one out there are through these circumstances; IT AFFECTS with as an Older Worker, but i’ve youuen Younger People Go Through Similar Challenges. It needs to be fixed.