Revising retirement: Declining markets, rising costs force older

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jul 6, 2008 | by Jennifer Toomer-Cook Deseret News

The number of Utahns ages 55 and older seeking job help from the Utah Department of Workforce Services jumped 10 percent from January to May of this year, to 3,900.

The department does not have job-placement numbers. But Walker, who in mid-June was looking on his own, guesses those numbers are not 100 percent.

"I get called on what I do, and when I go for the interview, that's the end of it. The only thing I can figure out is age. I know that ageism is out there," Walker said.

Fawks has little doubt some employers discriminate based on age. They want someone who is going to develop into the future, he said. And workers seeking to get back into the work force may need to update skills and training.

"The economy is not providing for people in retirement like it did 40 years ago," Fawks said. "People do have to supplement that."

For people who have to, or want to, work, re-entering the work force may be tough, but it's not impossible.

Between 5.3 million and 8.4 million Americans already have launched second careers, giving them needed income and a "social purpose" by working in nonprofits, health care and education, according to the 2008 MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures Encore Career Survey of more than 3,600 people ages 44 to 70, conducted online and by phone this past spring.

AARP has established a National Employer Team to help connect retirees to companies "that value your experience and abilities." The companies are chosen based on hiring practices, opportunities and benefits offered.

Universities across the country, including the University of Utah, offer alumni career help, from resume preparation to interviewing workshops, for a nominal fee.

And some retirees do well on their own. Ray Nelson, a 61-year- old retiree from Murray, is putting his experience as a Salt Lake County sheriff's deputy to work at a private security firm. He has provided security for various public buildings and for the successful TV series "Touched by an Angel."

"It's just something to do," Nelson said.

Kathy Funk, who can't sit long due to a bad back, found work through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. She does secretarial and reception work for Easter Seals and says she can retire soon: "It's worked out great."

E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com