Extended Unemployment and More Challenges

Older Workers Face in 2021

Workers will have to deal with some ongoing issues in 2021

by Cynthia Measom at gobankingrates.com

As if the current strain of the coronavirus circulating the U.S. wasn’t enough, the governor of Colorado just announced the first confirmed U.S. case of a new strain of the virus… It seems America can’t catch a break and pandemic-related concerns for older workers aren’t letting up.

    Because of their age, older workers face much harsher consequences than most other age groups during the pandemic, according to the Economic Policy Institute. In some cases, those consequences are particularly bleak, effectively hobbling these older workers for the future.
 

For some, retirement cannot come soon enough. Many workers count the days until they can punch out one last time and exit the workforce for good. However, this is not the case for all. For many, work provides enjoyment, purpose and financial stability.

    According to the US Census Bureau, over the past 20 years, the share of Americans working in their 70’s has risen from less than 10% to nearly 15%… This shift has led to more Americans not only staying at their current jobs but as discovered locally, seeking out new employment.
 

Stuck in the same company for over a decade, Maria has finally stumbled across a creative career that feels like her. But how do you make the switch, when you’ve still got to earn your keep, and experience – not to mention confidence – is in short supply?…

    The process of career change feels incredibly daunting, and I don't know how to make it happen. It feels impossible to turn my passion into a full-time career.
 

I know where I stand on that question.  When I was raised in the early 1950s, there was never a single time when my mother phoned a friend and said, I’m wondering if you can bring little Larry over to our house about 2:15 in the afternoon two weeks from this coming Thursday for a play date with Davis.  If that doesn’t fit on your phone calendar, how do you and Larry look for the 11th of next month mid-afternoon say about 3:30? 

    Unfortunately – or perhaps fortunately – I am now 81-years-old and my chances for play dates are dwindling at an alarming rate.  And, perhaps that is just as well.  I don’t have a swing set anymore.  My swinging is limited to the senior tees on golf courses.  I am simply too old for play dates.  It has taken me a long time to admit that, but it’s true.  And this blog is all about truth.   MORE
 

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Read the January issue