Finding a job can be challenging at any age, but there are certain times in life when it tends to get more difficult. In your 20s and 30s, you may lack the experience some employers want. In your 40s and 50s, age discrimination can become a factor. And in your 60s and beyond, your energy levels and technical skills may cause roadblocks. But with the right strategies, it’s possible to find fulfilling work opportunities at any stage of life.
In Your 20s
When you’re fresh out of college in your 20s, finding your first real job can be tough. Many employers want candidates who have a few years of experience already. Some tips for overcoming the “you need experience to get experience” paradox in your 20s include:
- Take internships, volunteer, or freelance during college to start building your resume
- Apply to entry-level roles, rotational programs or jobs specifically aimed at recent grads
- Highlight transferable skills from coursework, activities and other jobs like retail, waiting tables, etc.
- Consider taking a position slightly below your skill level just to get that initial experience
- Leverage career centers and alumni networks at your university for support
Persistence and following up with contacts is key. It may take applying to dozens or even hundreds of roles before landing that first opportunity. But getting your foot in the door at any relevant organization can help build your experience and credentials. With a few years under your belt, switching jobs in your 20s generally gets much easier.
In Your 30s
For most professionals in their 30s, lack of experience is no longer the barrier it was in their 20s. But finding a job can still be challenging due to a few factors:
- Competing against other applicants who may have more years under their belt
- Getting stuck in narrow roles that limit skill-building
- Plateauing salaries that inhibit you from easily changing jobs
- Family and life responsibilities that reduce geographic flexibility
Some strategies for combating these obstacles include:
- Seeking training, mentors and projects that help you gain new skills and keep your abilities fresh
- Networking and meeting new people to unlock hidden job opportunities
- Taking calculated risks by changing fields or accepting lateral moves to gain broader experience
- Asking for raises to increase your salary baseline before changing jobs
- Exploring remote work or relocation options to open up more possibilities
With some proactive planning, it’s certainly possible to find more fulfilling and higher paying jobs in your 30s despite the complexities of this life stage.
In Your 40s
Age discrimination starts to become a larger hazard for job seekers in their 40s. According to AARP research, 64% of workers over 45 have seen or experienced age discrimination at work. Some strategies for fighting bias include:
- Keeping your skills up-to-date with classes and certifications
- Staying on top of current technologies, slang and trends to avoid seeming “out of touch”
- Maintaining an energetic, positive attitude and avoiding outdated styles or manners
- Networking specifically with other professionals in your peer group
- Having a polished online presence on sites like LinkedIn
You can also combat ageism by focusing on companies known for valuing experience, framing your maturity as an asset and proactively addressing any job gaps on your resume. Overall health and well-being tend to become bigger considerations in your 40s as well. Pursuing less stressful positions with better work-life balance can provide more sustainability at this life stage.
In Your 50s
Many of the age discrimination hurdles of your 40s persist and compound in your 50s. In addition, your salary is likely at its peak, making it tough to change roles without a pay cut. Some tips for overcoming these obstacles include:
- Consider a more flexible position, like consulting or project-based work
- Explore entrepreneurship and starting your own business
- Volunteer strategically to gain skills and connections
- Reposition yourself as a mentor able to pass on valuable experience
- Update your wardrobe and upgrade your social media profiles
- Pursue fresh degrees, certifications and training to seem up-to-date
You may also need to get creative on compensation requirements by shifting your priorities to focus more on benefits, shorter hours, work-from-home flexibility or career fulfillment over exact salary levels.
In Your 60s and Beyond
Once you pass the typical retirement age of 65, finding rewarding work gets more complicated. Some key steps that can help include:
- Consider freelance or consulting to utilize your experience on a short-term basis
- Focus a job search on organizations specifically seeking mature workers
- Trim your resume to only the last 10-15 years to avoid giving away your age
- Take classes at a community college to brush up technical abilities
- Search for roles requiring specialized, accumulated knowledge you offer
- Change your target from traditional employment to volunteer work
Opportunities at this life stage shift to more passion project focused pursuits. But even in your 70s and 80s, staying active with part-time work that provides meaning, social connection and structure is absolutely possible.
Conclusion
While it’s true that finding work can become more complex at certain points in life, having the right strategies and mindset goes a long way. With persistence, flexibility and creativity, meaningful employment is achievable at any age.