I still Have a Chance on the labour market, if I over 50? More and more people ask themselves this question. We get less and later children, are living longer and are, as a society, becoming older and older. 100 years ago, only reached a small part of the population of the retirement age. This is different today. The ratio of the employed compared to the retired has changed significantly. The bottom line is that we need to work longer.
a Lot of want to, because we not only live longer lives, we are no longer healthy and productive. And if our work fits to us, it does us only good. In the process, Use it or loose it applies to: “.” The abilities and skills we do not need active, we will lose. Thus, to us a help, to lead a useful and fulfilling life. Retired people often complain about loneliness and the feeling, to no longer be useful. Work gives us a daily structure, an identity and, often, meaningfulness in life.
The world has changed, everything has become faster and more complex.
But there is a Problem: Many complain about how hard it is to find over 50 a new Job. The world has changed, everything has become faster and more complex. How does an Online application process? I have without English knowledge at all a Chance? A photo belongs in the resume, or its days are numbered? Many older job seekers who have applied to last for decades, are confused and wondering whether and how you will ever find a job again. Such Concerns are understandable. And yet, there is reason to be optimistic.
Good news for older workers
The first good news is that our economy will be dependent in the future on older workers. Part of the shortage of skilled workers will not be due to Migration, automation, and returning to the damp, which extends, however, far from to be able to in the future, well-qualified and motivated older workers do without. Companies are highly dependent on their experience, to stay in the international competitive market, competitive and efficient.
The second piece of good news: Older workers can contribute to the long-term labour market capable: by inserting the spotlight on your Strengths, your Knowledge, regularly update, and your career in a self-determined draw. In the Following you will find the most important tips for your career-Fitness and their employability in the long term can get.
1. The own Strengths and development areas
What can I particularly good at? How can I make my work so that I can use these Strengths? Where I need support, and how can I develop myself? An interesting Initiative in this regard is the so-called Cross-Mentoring. Cross-Mentoring works as a Tandem: A younger and an older employee are meeting regularly, with the aim to learn from each other. For example, the older workers can pass on his many years of experience and, in return, receives the Chance to be from the younger about the latest technological advances oriented. From this exchange, both generations benefit, and there is a positive climate of support and cooperation.
2. Life-long Learning
The world of work is changing. A few decades ago, it was sufficient to do a training and learn the necessary skills “on the job”. The rise in higher positions were mostly according to seniority. Who verbockte nothing, could expect to keep his job until Retirement. This is different today: The fluctuation increases, the service life of the required knowledge. Who wants to keep up, stay on the Ball. To develop, especially for older employees is important. This can be challenging, but worth it. Because the older generation have a lot of Knowledge, on which you can rely. This benefits them not only in daily work but also for training, where they are often better than their younger colleagues to be able to recognize what this new Knowledge in practice is good.
3. Proactivity and self-determination
The new world of work brings new opportunities but also new challenges. Because the classic hierarchical organisational careers increasingly flexible work models replaced, wins proactivity is becoming increasingly important. Proactivity means advance planning and, above all, self-determined Act. Older workers need to take the Initiative in your career development and Employability, even in the Hand. For many, this is a large changeover and may feel, initially, very challenging. In this case, it may make sense to get help from a career coach, an organization or a club, and preventive. Meanwhile, there are special associations and workers ‘organizations for people over 50, such as, for example, the Swiss workers’ Association 50 Plus, or new starters Foundation.
4. Self-marketing
It is important that older workers use their Strengths and skills to market. Only you know what you can do. And if you do not communicate, is not it is also appreciated in value or rewarded. In Anglo-Saxon countries, the culture of self-marketing, much more. To say it with Arnold Schwarzenegger: “Work your butt off – then advertise!” In Germany many people – especially older employees tend to an excessive Dose of humility. This is partly culturally rooted and friendly. However, to the labour market to compete, you must be able to sell without being pushy or overbearing. No, you should not advertise with the trendy skills, if you have you really. However, it is important that Strengths in the right situations and to operate for their own career also once a strategic Lobby work.
The research shows that older workers are at least as powerful and productive as their younger colleagues. In addition, you will as a reliable, trust worthy and loyal to be perceived. Open self-reflection, targeted training, and a pinch of curiosity, and optimism can help to assert themselves in the professional world successfully, regardless of age. Because of an aging population and a new world of work, jobs, employee as well as employer challenges and development tasks that must be accomplished successfully. This is not always easy, but definitely necessary. Because of aging we are all affected.
Noémi Nagy is a researcher at the Institute for economic psychology at the Kalaidos University of applied Sciences and Visiting Research Professor at the Stern School of Business New York University. She has been conducting research on the topic of career development across the life span and is interested in how people can be at work happier and more productive. In the column “job coach” gives you tips, and answers to your questions about our office life. For more article, please refer to the career section.
Created: 07.11.2019, 06:53 PM
