Older workers need jobs now

I am in my mid-50s, have an associate degree and have been job searching for 21 months due to being very unfairly terminated. I have worked continuously for 39 years before this and never had to spend more than 4 months finding a job. Since I have been off, I have been to countless job search seminars, classes, and networking groups and have taken several software classes to update my skills. I am very thankful and have benefitted from several programs resulting from the stimulus and job programs now being offered. But I want and need a job.

You may be thinking that it is illegal for employers to ask your age but it is not hard for them to figure it out when they ask your graduation dates or see the many years of work history on your resume.

When I go to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) office or job search seminars, it is very obvious that approximately 75 percent of us are about 45 or older. The considerate, noble, wise people that conduct these workshops rightfully don't let us focus on this age thing. The only focus there is on the mighty efforts of landing a job.

Of course this is age discrimination, but how can we prove it?

Many years ago the government told us all not to depend on Social Security. Dutifully and out of fear we invested in 401Ks. We all know what happened there. This was to be the time in our lives to really do some power-saving for our retirement. If I don't get a job with benefits in the next few months, we will probably lose all that we have worked for the last 35 years. Instead of over-55 care free living developments being built, you are going to be seeing over-55 tent cities popping up.

Laurel Fudala

Elk Grove Village