Michigan is a Joke
55Unemployed in Michigan is not funny
It seems CNN has found a new joke. It's called Michigan.
We are now the poorest State in the Union. The one who's Detroit mayor is being ousted from office next week for criminal activity (you don't have to read between the lines to know the truth on this one) and the one who's unemployment is over the moon.
I live in Michigan and I wish I could laugh along with the rest of the nation. I'm one of those unemployed, over fifty, single parents who wants to move but can't afford to, wants to not ever see snow again, wants to hide from the thugs who control the city of Detroit, and one of those disgusted citizens ready to lose my house.
I would like to be on CNN making a case for unemployed seniors, slightly disabled, honest people in Michigan who can't find a job. It isn't funny. Except when you think it can't get any worse, but it does. Then you can almost laugh yourself silly.
Shouldn't the jobs go to the people who have homes and can't make their bills? The ones with kids in school, no money in the bank, no family to help? Why are the jobs in this State going to young people with no experience, people with criminal records and no personality? I don't understand.
I've won awards for sales, I've started businesses, I've had experience in just about every industry, but because I'm not young or have a college degree my resume isn't even read. I can assure you I have more than enough equivalent experience to equal four college degrees.
And add to that: I'm a woman.
Once again, screwed.
Share it! — Rate it: up down [flag this hub]
Comments
Seriously, if you are over fifty and over gualified, you cannot get a job in Michigan. The interviews don't even happen. I live outside Detroit and it's really bad. Thanks for the info Patty.
I have a client 58 and a client 55, both were laid off & overqualified, but were recently hired in Mid-Michigan at substantial pay.
Best regards.
I'll be in Detroit in October to examine the labor market, and will meantime contact colleagues there and see what's up.
I am not an American but your hub on Michigan has a parallel in our country. If you are a woman and 55 above, though over qualified, you'll be among the unread resumes. Women of the world unite and fight discrimination!
franciaonline
That is sad to hear, franciaonline - We live to be close to 100 and can't work after we are 50. What are women to do, because not all can start their own businesses?
I wonder if older workers might offer to work on commission for 30 days so that the employer could be convinced of their worth before placing them on the actual payroll. It has worked for some pregnant job-seekers here.
Best regards to everyone.
Dearest MaroonJeep!!
So sorry to hear of the troubles in Michigan!! My older half-sister, in her sixties, is having many of the same problems!! In her case, I think the Divine has been trying to tell her for years to gravitate in a different direction!! The more she resists, the more obstacles she has encountered!! That is something each of us can only answer for ourselves with our Maker!!
Patty, as always, you offer some positive and constuctive points to consider!! I LOVE the idea of offering to work on commission, or free, or half for the first 30 days to show value!! I've done something similar many times as I command very, very high payment for my services, either as an employee or as contractor!!
The deal I oft proposed went something like this: "I am asking you to consider paying me 3 times the going rate!! I am willing to work for 30 days to show you I am more than worth it!! At the end of 30 days, if you think I am not more than worth every penny, you owe me nothing and we part friends!! However, if you think I AM worth every penny, then you will owe me the big bucks!!"
Worked every time!!
At age 53 myself (next week) I am becoming aware of the some of the "invisibility" issues with getting older!! I am proud of my experiences and really bring a lot to the table!!
At the same time, however, I must look at the other side!! I am not quite as quick as I used to be, or physically as strong!! I am decent on the computer but any 25 year old could do a lot my work better and faster!! I can still put in a good 12 hour day but weeks of 20 hour days are long gone!! Plus, I have other responsibilities, like caring for loved ones who are aging!!
Yes, as we become older, what we bring to the job market has profound benefits if we find the right niche!! But we also bring more complicated lives and financial obligations!! As an employer, I pay someone according to the value of the job they perform, not according to the mortgage they must pay!!
As a Life Skills Coach of 20+ years I did not see any deep personal self-inventory above!! Yep, all of it - the good, the bad and the ugly!! It need not be posted in a Hub, but it does need to be taken!! Honestly!! And then any weaker areas need to be fortified in some way, i.e. with on-line classes, etc.
I have learned to look at my work value in a less regional and more global light!! We have been spoiled here in the U.S. with such high paying jobs!! And such high living conditions!! We often forget that earning top salaries is a rare privilege throughout the world and is not a "right."
Michigan may be experiencing the short end of the stick right now, but MaroonJeep you are only looking for one job, not jobs for everyone!! And as long as you can walk confidently into someone's office and list ten reasons why you are the best choice, you will be fine!!
And remember, most people who have made serious contributions to the world through their life's work were between ages 55 and 75!!
Don't buy into the political and media conditioning of scarcity!! It is overwhelming!!
Blessings always, Earth Angel!!
working
Patty Inglish, MS says:
3 months ago
I just read through all the No Worker Left Behind materials in the Thumb of MI and found training for jobs that are not having opeings, so that is one problem. I dug through a lot of info and made calls and such and found jobs that do exist and have training programs paid under NWLB and did a Hub on the Thumb. I hope thathelps someone.