50s - too old to find work after long gap?

[DiamondDoris]

I'm getting worried - after caring for 2 dc with complex needs (diabetes 1) and another with autism I had to stop work. Lone parent, in receipt of child tax credits, child benefit, generous help from ex, carers allowance and high rate mobility and care for autistic ds. When my ds reaches 19 (in two year's time we will no longer receive child benefit and tax credits so I need to find work if he becomes more independent and PIP goes/carers allowance goes too.

I'm 57 and expecting to find work when I'm 60. I've thought about care work, I know it's hard work but looking after dc with their needs for many years they may find I'm right for the job (???). I'm happy with minimum wage. I worked in a library during weekends and taught Spanish to adults (self employed) for a while a few years ago. Could I get a bit of encouragement and hope. Feel free to ask more questions as I don't want to drip feed.

Sorry for the typos and lack of structure in my post.

Honestly OP it depends where you live - if you're in the SE then you'll find a job - not necessarily resorting to 'care work' either.

Other areas maybe not so easy - as I discovered a couple of years ago - my situation is very similar to yours, but I'm in a small town in the SW, so they've got the pick of the crop, although I might get an 'elderly care' job at 60 as the local demographic has shifted towards an aged majority.

Thankfully I have enough strings to my bow that I can maintain shuffling along in self-employment whilst still caring for disabled ds so I'm not forced to wipe elderly arses for a living.

As long as I can keep going for another 7 years, then maybe some desperate low-paid worker can wipe my arse instead.

TheHateIsNotGood Thanks for your reply - I have a few strings to my bow too but they are dying occupations: teaching English as a foreign language, rusty Spanish (now), Linguistics and Spanish degree (not useful anymore). Window dressing, retail and civil service. I don't mind retail (like supermarket work).

I have savings and paid off mortgage (it was tiny anyway). Also a small private pension from civil service. But I wouldn't be able to live off that for 7 years and want to contribute to state pension.

Try civil service again? They will accept examples of non work related experience to demonstrate competencies. Gaps in Work experience are not problematic provided tou can provide proof

If you can refresh your Spanish that will be an asset. It's hard for anyone who's been economically inactive for a while though - you're competing with people who are currently or recently in work.

Don't put your date of birth or degree graduation date on your CV., or list every single job. Employers don't need to know how old you are.

Maybe I could try local, like the council. Can't travel to London as too expensive and I have to be there in the morning to see my dc off in school taxi.

You can teach English as a foreign language online, there are agencies/ websites where you can sign up to be an online tutor, age is irrelevant, hours to suit, v flexible etc

I'm planning on going back to work when I'm 58. I'm planning voluntary work and keeping my IT up. Realistically customer service of some type will be possible. I'm also keeping my fitness up. We have less options, but there are jobs that we could get. Things like waking nights and support work, rather than can care would also be an option.

One of the best carers my mum had was in her early 60's and did part time care work after retiring from her previous full time post in administration. She was excellent at providing both the practical and emotional care needed and very good at keeping us informed of any concerns/changes. Sounds like you would have a lot to offer if you chose to go into care work.

I came out of retirement at the age of 65, found an office job in transport and would still be there today 5 years on, but for an accident.

Yes, my cv doesn't give my age and only put relevant experience. But I do have to mention I've been out of work for some years due to caring. That's why a job in care would be most relative. People usually only want a Spanish teacher from a native. I was thinking I could teach English online?

Re customer service, it is mostly hybrid now, which makes things easier.

Thanks for your support and advice, all of you. Feeling less down hearted. I'm going to take all your ideas on board. I will be back tomorrow to read more posts (tired).

I’m in the same boat. I gave up work 17 years ago to care for my severely autistic son. My son has now moved into a residential placement and I want to start working again. I need something flexible though as he’s home every other month for a week.

Purplepeaches123 That is difficult for you. My dc isn't severe but is not independent and needs a lot of structure. He is also having problems at school and is not doing well academically. I worry about his future as well as my own!

Wow. I have been a care worker for 28 years, and your description of my role is not only offensive, it's inaccurate and outdated.

Totally agree Jock A nasty comment.

My mum currently has carers and they are wonderful girls, i don't see them as "resorting to the job", they show care and compassion
Op with your history I think you'd be a lovely carer

may be worth a look
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