REASONS WHY OVER 60S ARE ENTERING THE COMPETITIVE JOB MARKET
In recent years, there has been a surge of over 60s applying for jobs in the UK. The trend of applying for jobs over 60 reflects a growing desire among older individuals to stay active, engaged, and financially secure in their later years.
There are several factors that have contributed to this phenomenon. Firstly, people are living longer and healthier lives than in the past. This means that many individuals are reaching retirement age with plenty of energy and enthusiasm, and they may not feel ready to give up work altogether. In addition, the rising cost of living and the reduced value of pensions means that many people simply cannot afford to retire, and are instead seeking part-time or full-time employment to supplement their income. This, along with the rise in over 60 job opportunities, is fuelling the trend.
Furthermore, the pandemic has created new challenges for older workers. Many industries have been hit hard by the economic fallout of the pandemic, and older workers may have been more likely to face job losses or furlough due to their age. As a result, some have been forced to seek new employment opportunities.
However, despite the desire and need to work, older workers may face a number of challenges in the job market. For instance, age discrimination can be a significant barrier to employment for older individuals. Employers may assume that older workers are less able to learn new skills or adapt to new technologies, or that they are less flexible or resilient. These stereotypes are often unfounded, but they can still lead to biases in the hiring process.
Another challenge for older workers is competition from younger, more recently qualified candidates. With more people attending university and completing postgraduate studies than ever before, there is a growing pool of highly qualified individuals in the job market. This means that older workers may need to work harder to demonstrate their value to potential employers, and may need to develop new skills or qualifications in order to remain competitive.
Despite these challenges, there are steps that older workers can take to increase their chances of finding employment. For example, networking with peers and industry contacts can be a useful way to find out about job opportunities and make connections with potential employers. Additionally, investing in training or education can help older workers develop new skills or qualifications that are in demand in the current job market. There is also a lot of advice out there that suggests what is a good job for someone over 60.
Overall, the surge of over 60s applying for jobs in the UK reflects a growing trend towards later retirement and a desire for financial security and continued engagement in work. While there are challenges that older workers may face in the job market, there are also opportunities for them to leverage their skills, experience, and networks to find fulfilling and rewarding employment opportunities.
To find out more on the impact of the cost of living crisis on older people, follow the below link.
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