Son worries age and MBA may be working against 67-year-old father’s job search
elderly man using phone
SINGAPORE: Job hunting is tough at any age, but for workers nearing their late 60s, landing a new opportunity can be particularly daunting.
One Singaporean recently turned to fellow netizens for advice on whether his 67-year-old father still stands a chance of finding work, given his age and past bouts of unemployment.
In his post on the r/singaporejobs subreddit, he shared that his father has been jobless since last August.
“My dad became unemployed last year in August, and he worked as a Grab driver for a bit, and recently did a freelance executive recruitment stint but that has ended as well.”
He added that his father has spent most of his career in the manufacturing industry, primarily in management positions. He also holds an MBA, which the son suspects could be working against him in his job search.
“I feel like he’s maybe overqualified (due to his experience and that he has an MBA) for roles, so it has been tough even though he has lowered his expectations by a lot.”
“[I also worry about] his age, and he was made unemployed twice before this, so he does intend to find work to support himself, my mom and younger brother, and just to keep his mind active. Would greatly appreciate any advice!”
‘This is pretty bleak and sad ’
Rather than limiting himself to conventional full-time employment, many users in the comments recommended that his father consider part-time or consultancy positions.
One shared that their company had hired older workers on a flexible basis, writing, “Why not ask him to do part-time instead? My company does employ employees—there is 1 who is 70+, and they work on 2 to 3 days a week as a consultant. In this way, the company doesn't have to pay that much too.”
Another suggested that he could consider returning to private-hire driving if he had enjoyed the work.
“What does he feel about working as a Grab driver? My dad was made redundant at 50+ years old, a blue-collar worker, and not educated, so it is difficult to be employed again. Been a driver since Uber, then Grab them now, Tada. He drives during the peak, hustling for incentives, if any.”
A third shared, “I am currently working with a new hire at 68 (F) in the social work sector. He might find success in sectors that might be more niche.”
Meanwhile, some commenters felt that his father should consider slowing down at his age.
One told him, “Let’s be honest here. Is he finding jobs mainly for the $ or just keeping his mind active? If money is needed, then you should focus on what you can offer more. If it’s just to keep his mind active, then it doesn't need to be a job.”
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Another wrote, “This is a pretty bleak and sad post...”
Others, however, defended the son’s concern, pointing out that his father might actually want to keep working, not just for the money but also to maintain his health and keep himself occupied.
One user explained, “Truth be told...while we think work is bad at that age...the stress that comes from work is actually very good for the older set to not fall into dementia. Personally, my dad had a most rewarding job, albeit super stressful, and he was hardly sick.”
“The day when he said he was going to chill and just watch TV, that was the very start of the spiral downwards. Just my 2 cents’ worth. So no stress is BAD and some work stress seems to be very healthy for the body and soul.”