The task of finding work and becoming the new employee again can be a daunting experience for baby boomers that have spent years working and lost jobs due to layoffs, the experience is more difficult.
Baby boomers, born between the years 1946 and 1964 represent 28% of the population in the United States and make up a third of the country’s workforce. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, unemployment for older workers is up 331% over the last decade and reports state that baby boomers age 55 and older are 17% more likely to be out of work for 6 months or longer.
The Baby Boomer Transition into the Workforce
Due to the economic crisis and unstable stock market, baby boomers are transitioning their lives to continue in the workforce. From dying their hair to revamping their resumes to fit the current market.
Other options are:
- Network with young job seekers. This is an opportunity to learn new job searching techniques and how the current market operates.
- Study the industry of interest. Knowing the industry provides an edge as to what skills can be used and what to acquire.
- Be open to new ideas. This shows the willingness to learn and be flexible.
- Accept challenges and entertain risks. This shows the ability to put age on the table and adapt to a new and changing work environments.
Baby Boomers: Communicate with the New Culture
In that many baby boomers may work for and report to generation X when re-entering the workplace, the communication methods can be a challenge. In addition to the concern about a few gray hairs, conversations about the age of children and dressing fashionably, yet age appropriate.
Though there are generational differences, especially with regards to technology, M.C Barth (2002), author of An aging workforce in an increasingly global world comments in the Association of College Unions International bulletin, January 2006, that boomers have “experience, commitment to quality, low turnover, attendance/punctuality, and judgment,” while also recognizing their challenges, such as “acceptance of new technology, ability to learn new skills, [and] physical ability to perform strenuous jobs.”
Managers can benefit from these returning workers by incorporating strategies to develop a quality working relationship among the two groups. Reports characterize the baby boomer as educated, of high incomes and a life expectancy to be longer than the generations before them.
Re-entering the workforce can be a challenge for baby boomers, however, as noted; with the strength of their character, positive attitude and confidence, becoming the new employee again can be a welcoming and smooth experience.
Dreena Payne-Taplin - Dreena Payne-Taplin is a freelance writer with a diverse communications background to include roles as an Editor, Technical Writer, SEO ...
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