To think getting a job would be hard?

[oaklint]

My husband has been a full time carer to our three disabled children for the past 22 years, but the children are now more independent so no longer need him as much.

We are facing a change in financial circumstances and will be struggling for money soon so he is thinking about getting a job.

What is the job market like out there? He's looking for something unskilled and ideally part time but, here's the problem, he's 62, has some mild mobility issues and has been out of work for 22 years.

What are his chances of getting a job?

What field would he look at? Would he consider staying in caring roles, for instance?

Warehouse work maybe, he was great with our kids but is happier in his own company so not really cut out for caring.

It's a thought though. Actually, the more I type the more I think it might be worth considering as a possibility. Thanks for the idea.

Does he have a clean driving record and a calm personality? We have a group of semi-retired men in their 50s & 60s who demonstrate and deliver cars for us.

Most large dealerships have similar staff. Might be worth asking.

Call centre work would suit too.
Or something like a 999 handler or a police dispatcher.

I thought carer straight away and there are lots of jobs in that industry. My friends husband who is 57 just changed careers to become a carer and absolutely loves it! He used to do a factory type job before.

As long as he is physically ok of course, care work must be physically challenging.

My brother has just started as a police call handler. He's 64.

Or a driver for a dial-a-ride type bus company? Some of these roles are paid and his experience with your DC will be invaluable.

can he do early morning supermarket cleaning?
carer
school caretaker?

school run taxi driver?

Great idea from Knickerless he sounds exactly the time for a call dispatcher /999 handler.

Something popped up on my fb yesterday showing a clip of a call handling centre (a baby was being delivered over the phone). Maybe it's a programme that is about to be broadcast? Might be worth him watching ?

Van driver
School minibus driver
Warehouse

How would he feel about early morning DS or lates evenings? Warehouse or . Supermarket shelf work good and they hire older people

Support worker

Home shopping delivery driver for a supermarket?

Thanks for all the suggestions. Not a driver due to health issues. Some good ideas there though.

Do you think his age and the fact he hasn't worked for 22 years will make it difficult to find work? Are there lots of jobs at the moment? I worry they'll be looking for people with recent experience and not approaching retirement age.

OP, he’s been out of UNPAID work, but he has been working as a carer for the last 22 years and that’s a far harder job than I have ever been paid for.

When putting together his CV, build it around the skills he has developed as a carer (calm, responsible, personable, deals well under stress etc). And then all you can do is apply really - don’t be picky about what he applies to just get the CV out there for everything and anything; every interview is good practice even if it’s for a role that isn’t quite perfect!

good luck 🤞

@SEL0ndon thank you, that's very true.

I think with the right approach your H will find a job quite easily. I know people of all ages that are working in Tesco and Asda, and enjoying it (and staff discount is handy)

If you know anyone that works at Tesco then you are guaranteed an interview if they give you their staff number.

Just a suggestion for "personal statement", obviously husband can change anything that doesn't apply ...

"Mature gentleman, kind, calm, conscientious and utterly reliable has been fully involved with family responsibilities for the past few years, is now looking to take up part time employment that would involve working with and perhaps helping others.

Good communicator and working knowledge of IT

School crossing patroller and he could pick us extra hours as and when needed/able

Would he consider doing some volunteer work? That would help

That's brilliant! Thanks @Tumbler2121

Not always. I know someone who works in supported living and the residents don’t require personal care beyond some prompting for some.

There will undoubtedly be local services to support people back into work. Try the council website, local adult Ed centre, or library for info?

He could do it. There will be local providers with funding to assist people just like him. In my area, it's called the move forward programme and local authority, employment, hubs and even housing association. Providers have people trained in upskilling, retraining, improving self-confidence, and community engagement en route to volunteer or employment roles