Article by Ceri Wheeldon
Issues over 50: As we are extending our working lives, is it at the expense of the young?
It has become a fact that with increased longevity and the current harsh economic climate, many people currently in their 50s face working well into their late 60s and 70s. Putting aside the issues around perceived ageism for those over 50 seeking employment, there seems to be growing resentment from younger people who feel that if those of us over 50 retire later we are effectively blocking jobs and excluding the younger generation of the opportunities for employment.
Are we keeping jobs in later life at the expense of the young?
Is this view justified? We already had the recent findings that many of the older generation were considered to be ‘bedroom’ blockers‘ , now it would appear we are ‘job blockers’ all at the expense of the younger generation.
Interestingly 71% of women over 50 surveyed recently said they were looking to set up in business for themselves – in theory potentially creating jobs for people of all ages and not acting as a barrier to those looking for paid employment.
What are your thoughts and opinions on this? Do you think there is any easy solution?
Ceri Wheeldon
Ceri is Founder and Editor of Fabafterfifty.co.uk She is a frequent speaker at events and in the media on topics related to women over 50 , including style and living agelessly. With 20+ years experience as a headhunter Ceri also now helps support those looking to extend their working lives.
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Lee Carey
We are teaching the young to look for jobs just the way we did in the last century. Unfortunately business models from that era are collapsing. As we expand from 7 to 8 billion people to support, there are more work opportunities and less jobs than ever before. The young energetic and the senior experienced should work together to create supply chains for both financial and personal rewards. None are provided road maps to evolution, but the seniors are a bit more conversant with change management.
Jo Carroll
I can see where they’re coming from – struggling to get into a crowded labour market, even with a degree, is such a struggle. And they watch us working longer and longer – there is a logic in saying there should be a time when we move over and let them have a turn.
But the economists say it’s not that simple. That work creates money which creates more work, so moving one group aside doesn’t help the economy to grow – rather society simply contributes to a different group not working.
No easy solution, then!
Ceri Wheeldon
As you say Jo, no easy solution! I know I also started working with my first Saturday job at 15 – and was prepared to start at the bottom of the ladder. Some older workers are happy to take jobs the younger generation now dismiss. Are expectations also too high I wonder?