JOB SEEKING AS A MATURE, OVERQUALIFIED ADULT:

That really nails it, doesn't it? It's true. It can't be denied. If you don't believe me (and you're older and well qualified in many skills), apply, get rejected and then find out who they actually hired.

I'll bet that new person is younger, prettier, wears a ton of make-up or is a relative of the right people.

It's a common joke these days about the bloke who goes into a McDonald's and asks for half a dozen chicken nuggets. The cashier says "Sorry sir, but we only sell them in quantities of 6, 8 and 10".

Well, I figured that since I could actually count up to 6 that it would be easy to get a job at that fast food establishment. No luck. I was told that I was over qualified and they couldn't pay me what I was worth. That was very sweet of them to say. But, I didn't apply there thinking I'd get a high 5 figure salary. That statement also says what they really think about the people they actually hire.

I applied for a show room sales job in a little small town Sears store that sold appliances and lawn mowers. They strung me along for over 3 weeks before telling me that the position was filled. They softened the blow for themselves by saying that I was a "top contender". I went into the store later to see who they hired. One gal was a wall flower who shrank behind the register while the other gal was just scary. Both were young, thin and wore a lot of make-up.

Hey! I'll just make myself up like a raccoon, dye my hair, pare my figure down to a paper-thin waif and lie about my age. Then I'll get a job. But, woe is me if they find out who I really am. Because, after all, it's not okay to be oneself!

Does that sound too whinny or sarcastic? Yeah, well... I was being lazy because the truth of it is, when one gets old and one is trying to re-enter the work force... the only real recourse is to start one's own business (if one isn't the model of perfect mental defection). I was job seeking for extra income so that I could spend more. Getting a "job" was easier than starting a business of my own.

Learn more about this author, yackity yack.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections: Job seeking as a mature, overqualified adult?
We want to hear your view. Write now!