- looking for work at 74 -

Posted by Barb @amberpep, Feb 18, 2019

Hi everyone ..... I'm 74 and have been divorced for 12 years. Because of a situation which I don't have time to go into, I have no alimony. Needless to say, things are really tight. I live on my Social Security, and my dear son helps me out each month also. Even with that, I live in a low income apartment, never go away, and unless I must, I only go to the store or drug store for Rx's. I did some research the other night and found something very interesting ..... if a couple who is divorced, and neither has married again and there is a large discrepancy between income, the alimony portion of the case can be reopened and looked at again. I'm going to talk to my son when I see him - he's a lawyer in D.C. - and see what he thinks. The last thing I want to do is fracture the relationship I have with my 3 kids - all adults. My X and I rarely see each other except at Christmas, which is good as he lives in a big 2 story house on 2 acres of land in the country. I am right now looking for a job, but ...... while they can't outright ask you for your age; they DO ask you when you graduated from high school or college ....... well, that doesn't take rocket science to figure out. Yes, I'm 74, but I'm healthy, active, and not disabled in any way. I just must get a job, so now I'm looking at McDonald's, WalMart, Chick-fil-A, etc. Sure never thought I'd be in this position at 74.
abby

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@amberpep There's a man in my senior building that is 94 and works as a crossing guard He is healthy and active

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@lioness That is a good idea.

@amberpep. There are a lot of school-related part-time jobs that you might consider. Crossing guards are just one, schools also need lunchroom helpers, playground helpers, etc. Sometimes by volunteering in schools (like tutoring, etc.) you can learn more about these jobs when they become available.

Have you considered volunteering in a school or hospital where you might like to find a paying job? I have a work-at-home job that came about through a volunteer activity. It is worth considering.

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@amberpep There are definitely jobs available for people at our ages, but they can be more difficult to find. In the meantime, I hope you might be able to get a fair amount of alimony, which unless you agreed on taking a large settlement I think will probably be possible. I can understand you not wanting to alienate your children too.
I hope one of these options will work out for you.
JK

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Hi. Been off the forum but just checked in to see your note about working. I've been dealing with this issue too and am the same age. I work for two different home health agencies as a home health aide for people who need in home services. These agencies are all over the country. They usually prefer seniors as employees although I can't say for sure. I've had good luck in no one turning me down. They also provide training.

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Oh. I also apply as a support aide or whatever is available at nursing homes or even hospitals. I've gotten jobs that way and just had an interview at an Assisted living facility. I'm hoping to get that job but don't know yet.

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@georgette12

Hi. Been off the forum but just checked in to see your note about working. I've been dealing with this issue too and am the same age. I work for two different home health agencies as a home health aide for people who need in home services. These agencies are all over the country. They usually prefer seniors as employees although I can't say for sure. I've had good luck in no one turning me down. They also provide training.

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Nice to hear from you again, @georgette12. That is a good suggestion. Seniors can be very good home health aides. It usually involves cooking, cleaning, shopping and sometimes driving to appointments.

I hope you are doing well, @georgette12.

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Thank you. I'm still busy trying to work because my husband is recovering from open heart surgery! He's 63. I will be 75 this week. I thought also of Walmart or a grocery store as they hire seniors but the home health market is good in most states. And I live in a tiny little tourist town in southwest Colorado. So I truly encourage folks to try. You don't need credentials.

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@georgette12

Thank you. I'm still busy trying to work because my husband is recovering from open heart surgery! He's 63. I will be 75 this week. I thought also of Walmart or a grocery store as they hire seniors but the home health market is good in most states. And I live in a tiny little tourist town in southwest Colorado. So I truly encourage folks to try. You don't need credentials.

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@georgette12 Anything in the health industry is a secure job at least it was for me caregivers are in demand as well as housekeeper in Senior buildings

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HI: Your 74 and healthy. If you can work and not disabled, then go for it. So important to stay active to stay healthy. I am 71, and I am not healthy. My husband is not healthy either. We struggle to do what we have to do. We have to sell our house to downsize as much as possible for whatever years we have left. Just Thank God for everyday that you get up and move around. Sounds like you have a great son. I have one daughter, and she is a blessing to us.
Hope you find a job that you can do.

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Have you considered looking into being a school Crossing Guard? You’d work early mornings and later in the afternoon, but have the middle of the day off. Of course there’s weather to consider, but it’s a great job for retired people! Check with your local police department because they are the ones who usually do the hiring.

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