As an older worker in Connecticut, what's it like trying to find a new job? Here's what we learned.

[yankeepants]

17. I will be 62 in 3 weeks

I lost my last best job in 2008 in the Bush era economic disaster. I was a technical proofreader working on a 5 year- $25/hr project upgrading Procedure Documents at a Nuke Plant. I had been there6 months when Lehman Bros. fell overnight the project was shut down. The plant was bonded through them. The powers that be (no pun intended) walked in, told us to clean out and go home. So many lost their retirement etc.
Being a 50 something woman in search of work is no joke. It is like being inspected rather than interviewed. The job I did land at reduced pay was supposed to be working with the web designer writing text for a bio equipment company. Instead I was used as a secretary transcribing the rantings of the narcissist CEO.
This co. also had a layoff . They let the web guy go so I asked the CEO to let me walk . He did and I was able to collect unemployment while I planned my next move and enjoyed a summer.
I always had a passion for animals and took in a rescue cattle dog that i intended to rehome so i took flyers to a local dog trainer and told him if he ever needed help... He called the next day and i went to work for $8 an hour. Best move ever. After being there for 2 years doing everything--kennel cleaning, feeding, intake, you name it and eventually training(with steady pay increases) I now own my own dog board and train facility on my own property. I have never been busier, happier, or more financially sound.
My age actually works for me. People love leaving thier dogs with Gramma and Grampa! We have great training classes and I don't answer to anyone aside from the occasional whiney baby puppy. BTW I still have that lucky Cattle Dog!
REINVENT!