TEXAS — Recruiters say the road to finding work in today’s workforce has been extra challenging for unemployed workers, especially for seniors.
While the ongoing government shutdown has delayed the release of September’s U.S. unemployment data, the most recent Texas unemployment rate was 4.1%, which includes thousands of adults ages 55 and older seeking work. A North Texas senior organization is opening doors of employment and hope for those who are enduring the struggle.
Major life changes prompted Valerie Strane, 64, to move to the Dallas area in 2023.
“I was caregiving for my mother for the last four years of her life in California. After she passed, I was trying to find my new purpose,” she said. “I came here to Texas to visit my daughter. Luckily, that visit turned into ‘I want to stay.’”
With a new chapter came the need for employment.
“Some places I applied and actually got an interview, I walk in, and I could kind of tell body language. They see my hair, and they don’t want an older person, and it was discouraging. I was losing so much self-confidence,” said Strane.
She then attended a workshop held at a library for adults ages 50 and older, hosted by a Dallas-based nonprofit called The Senior Source, learning new skills before her prayers were answered.
“I found the opportunity, the position where I now help, serve and give back,” said Strane, who now serves as both a client and an employee who assists seniors at the front desk.
The Senior Source offers free no-cost programs for people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
“Our employment program focuses on helping older adults gain employment through technology training, workshops and classes. We really do try and focus on helping older adults feel empowered as they go out on their job search,” said Erica Sampson, a senior employment specialist with The Senior Source.
The job search is tough for thousands of older Texans looking for work.
“A lot of them are going back to work because of the economy. A lot of people have outlived their savings, or they’re having to push off retirement longer than they anticipated,” Sampson said, citing some of the biggest concerns. “I probably mostly see issues with technology, issues with ageism.”
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), a record of more than 11 million Americans ages 65 and older are in the workforce, and the association expects that number to climb to nearly 15 million by 2033. Texas law defines an elderly person as someone 60 years of age or older, while some programs consider adults ages 55 and up as senior citizens.
The Senior Source offered some tips for elders who are navigating a job search.
“Modernize that resume. Remove those addresses. Make sure to only focus on the last 10 years,” said Sampson.
She also recommends reaching out to local senior programs and visiting libraries to receive hands-on assistance and to conquer any fears.
“Give yourself some grace. Take time. We’re all learning at a different level, and don’t be so hard on yourself. Find either a friend or go online [to sites like] YouTube University. Watch videos to help you become more educated,” she said.
Strane said she’s glad to work alongside the team that helped her, and she’s letting others know there are better days ahead.
“It’s been a blessing. I’m so grateful,” she said.