I just took early retirement from my company at age 57. I loved my work, but because the 20- and 30-somethings were taking over, I felt I had no choice but to leave. My last year there was horrible. I put my heart and soul into that company for 10+ years, only to see a 20-something woman promoted over me. She became the person to distribute the work and suddenly my years of experience meant nothing. All I got to do were boring, menial things and wasn't challenged at all. She gave all of the prime projects to my younger co-workers. Besides that, she made it a point to exclude me from any meetings and decision-making for the department. It was pretty obvious that I wasn't wanted there. I tried to talk to my boss (also in her 50's) about it, but she made me feel like it was all my fault. So, I gave up and retired. Now I feel so angry and cheated! Who decided that when you hit a certain age you are no longer needed? My brain still works fine! I'm looking for a new job, but I see the age discrimination thing everywhere I go. I've been "retired" for exactly one month and I'm climbing the walls! My house is spotless. I'm really getting tired of housework, but that's all I have to do. I have no hobbies. My job was my life. I'm becoming more and more depressed everyday. I feel so useless. I don't think my life should be considered over at age 57, but it seems to be. I look in the mirror and see an old woman. But, I'm healthy and inside I feel like a young person. I'm a workaholic! I love working! Do I have to accept that my life is over? I have a wonderful husband with a good job, but I feel like I should be contributing to our income. My self esteem is so far down, I don't know if I can ever feel good about myself again. There are days that I wish I could just go to sleep and never wake up. The whole world would probably be better off...I seem to be just "taking up space" here. Have any of you ever felt like this? Can you give me any direction?
Thanks.

Well if you don't need to work to bring in money you might consider volunteer work. I;'m sure that their are many nonprofit oganizations in your area that would welcome and appreciate your knowledge and expertise. And it is also emotionally fulfilling to know you are helping others in need.
good luck ,Kate

I don't know what really happened at your particular job but I have to say that not all places discriminate on age. Some absolutely do and others don't care but your attitude will shine through at interviews so if you are feeling down on yourself perhaps this is what they see at interviews(or have you gotten that far yet?). With all that passion and fire you describe I was surprised to learn you were not further up the food chain than you were and just maybe your boss was right...maybe a little? But that is over so take the time you need to feel sorry for yourself then pick yourself up and decide what you want to do for the rest of your days on this earth. I am sure your husband wants you to stick around and if you have that much fire/passion in you to work then decide what it is you want to do and go after it. You don't say what exactly what you do but it sounds like you are in a competitive environment so if you stay in that field you will have to outshine the young ...that is just a fact. Good luck.

No, I haven't had an interview yet. And, I'm sure that if I ever got one I'd be able to "shine." As far as it all being my own fault, I've analyzed it and can't figure out why. I was older then most everyone else in my department. I guess that was probably the biggest contrast. I have a real strong work ethic and everyone else came in late, left early, and socialized during the day. I guess if I'd done more socializing I would have been better liked. But, that's just not me. I firmly believe that there is room for all ages and personalities in a working environment. By the way, my boss was a jerk. Yup....I'm having a big old "pity-party!" So....party on........................

There is supposed to be no age discrimination in companies because of the laws. However, dept by dept there can be a lot of that kind of thing. And everyone who is in on it can deny it. so, you have no recourse.
Maybe they were looking out for the younger group who are raising young children etc and decided to force you on out.

Or maybe it was something you said or did without realizing it. They should have been up front with you. forget about it. It is water under the bridge.

My suggestion is to call a temp agency and explain EXACTLY what you did before and what you are good at. then also say what you are willing to do to be placed. you can get out of the house, bring in money, etc. Feel better about yourself. it's the quickest way to get a job. And you will find out really quick just how good you really are.

Sometimes, a temp placement can lead to a permanent or part-time position. Give it a try!!! Big companies always want a certain number of temp employees so they can avoid the retirement, and health ins. costs...

So you might get lucky. In any case, it would be different every week. And you could say no when you don't feel like working!

I'm 50-something, an only child, and living with my 86 year-old father who can no longer be alone...I have been searching for an only-child caregiver forum...why don't we start one...it sounds as if you have time to volunteer...that was an excellent suggestion someone made in an earlier post! I live in a small, rural town in west Texas...I noticed you were in Iowa! Folks in my situation feel utterly trapped at times...and you sound as if you are the type of person who could help us...while we help you! I have felt as if I was rotting like last month's leftovers in the fridge...but just surfing some of the sites related to health and caregiving today has brought back some of my spunk and passion! So, now that the house is clean, start on a new adventure...whatever it may be! And as a business owner for almost 3 decades, I would suggest you could also try talking to some independent business owners...we often actually prefer experience!

Believe it or not, but a lot of companies really want older 55--on--workers on a part-time basis because we do not need retirement or health insurance benefits. We can work when we want and don't worry about taking care of little kids.

Of cousre taking care of an elderly parent sets you back into the child care routine. But I really want to encourage all 50+ workers to get out there and find out what is out there for you. You don't have to sit at home and wonder.

Also, if you want to quit the rat race at your job, and not work so many hours--but need an income-- talk to HR at your company about working from home or as a free lance employee.

Going back to my network of work professionals at 59 after being retired for two years I found reasonably good work which has lasted three years so far. I hope to keep working until 67 at least when my loving wife can go on medicare.

I'm a workaholic too and my job provides a social outlet as well as keep me active and away from the refridgerator and in better health.

Yes, the young workers get the better and more challenging assignments but I accept that I've lived my career and they still have theirs to live. I've done it all and they have yet to do it. So I let them carry the torch while I work hard and maintain everyone's respect by being a key contributor, if not the most visible one.

I work with people of all ages and they all accept me as one of the group. That's what's more important now than getting promotions or being handed the hot jobs.

By accepting where the group sees me fitting in I'm in turn accepted as one of the group and that's what's most important to me in the golden years of my career.

So my recommendation to older workers is to accept yourself and the world the way it is, not the way it ought to be, and you just might find yourself in in a world that others would yearn for if only they knew it existed.

freckles, you are not old and useless!
this could end up being a blessing in disguise. I bet you will find something you will love even more than your last job! What are your passions? Animals? kids? scrapbooking? gardening? Think about what you might want to do that would bring you enjoyment? If you want, volunteer somewhere, an animal shelter, a hospital, etc. Plant a garden. Get a pet. A dog will give you a great excuse to get out of the house and go for a walk and talk to people!

I don't know if they have these where you live. but in Colorado, they have job fairs for "Baby Boomers." If they don't ,maybe you could help start one, or, call one of the local news chanels and see if they would start one.

In the mean time have attended any of the actvities at your local Senior Center? The activities are geared toward people your age, and the cost is free to reasonabley inexpensive.

Vic

I don't want to advocate too much internet use (like all day), but I have to say having the internet available has helped me to overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness. I too live in a rural town (and I'm a former city girl) and even though I have been here ten years, I don't really have any friends around here. My neighbors are seasonal, and I don't really know them. I am getting close to 50, and work part time. Actually less than that due to my company not needing me much at times. So, I am happy that the internet allows me to connect with people for all different reasons.... like right now, LOL. I belong to a couple forums and chat daily with other people and it can be a lot of fun. Plus you can get tons of good advice on just about anything... I think right on this thread there has been some excellent advice. Are you comfortable enough with the internet to seek out some forums where people share your interests?

Too bad about your former job, but when you think about it, do you really want to work with 20-30 somethings? I don't. That's a lot of the reason I went part time with my work. I enjoy people closer to my own age more and more. We are so much more interesting and rich with life experience. :D