4 ms·

What happens in other industrialized countries around this age, after a person gets laid off? Is it easy to get another job at the same pay (eg how long does i

What happens in other industrialized countries around this age, after a person gets laid off? Is it easy to get another job at the same pay (eg how long does it take on average, and what's the new pay) ? Are there differences between genders at this age bracket in terms of ability to find a job with similar pay without relocating ? What types of professional skills are making getting a job easier? Article just makes it sound that future for most of US workers around that age, is of a decline in everything (pay, satisfaction, ability to stay close with family, job security). Is this same in other developed nations?

danieltillett 8y ago
I can only speak for Australia, but once you are over 50 you are in basically the same boat as in the USA, possibly worse since we have a higher minimium wage and better conditions making older workers even less desirable. The best solution is to create your own business. The downside is while your boss is understanding your customers are not.
- CoolGuySteve 8y ago
  In the US, you're not eligible for medicare until 65. So in other industrialized countries there's no chance of being bankrupted if you face unexpected medical expenses and/or high insurance premiums between when you stop working for whatever reason and when you're eligible for medicare. It's my suspicion that one of the causes for the rising suicide rate in the US is due to baby boomers who are now entering this period of despair where you're simultaneously forced out of work and unable to carry your medical expenses. In particular, health issues often prevent people from working and your health usually declines as you age.
  - 75dvtwin 8y ago
    my understanding, perhaps incorrect, that in US medical bill payments can negotiated, to be stretched through 10 or 20 years. So, in US -- unless a person cannot afford 100$ a month or so -- they are likely not going to get bankrupted by medical bills regardless of their size. Perhaps also they will have hard time getting credit/loans. And also, my understanding was, that a US medical provider cannot refuse service to a person without insurance or without a credit card. These above understandings are anecdotal.. so not sure if that's correct. From the responses I am sing that Australia, Italy at the age of 50 and after -- people have same problem finding work. It is saddening to see that there seems to be no way out besides trying to start consulting or other self-employment opportunities.
  - danieltillett 8y ago
    Yes the US health care system leaves a lot to be desired. I know as an Australian that if I get ill that I won't be bankrupted even if I am out of a job at the time. While on this topic health care costs are one of the major driving factors for companies wanting to get rid of older workers.
LoSboccacc 8y ago
Same here in Italy. You lose your job after 50 and it's extremely hard to find another position, but still your expected to work until late sixties to earn retirement. This is increasingly hard also because since youth unemployment is super high the government insists into applying huge incentives to hire under-30s (you basically get them tax free and taxes here are lots) So doesn't matter much what skill you carry because the competition is uneven and places that are growing enough to justify hiring skilled worker into management or leadership positions are exceedingly rare. (a mix of recessive economy, family run business that don't hire outsiders, unavailability of credit for new business)

danieltillett 8y ago

I can only speak for Australia, but once you are over 50 you are in basically the same boat as in the USA, possibly worse since we have a higher minimium wage and better conditions making older workers even less desirable. The best solution is to create your own business. The downside is while your boss is understanding your customers are not.

CoolGuySteve 8y ago
In the US, you're not eligible for medicare until 65. So in other industrialized countries there's no chance of being bankrupted if you face unexpected medical expenses and/or high insurance premiums between when you stop working for whatever reason and when you're eligible for medicare. It's my suspicion that one of the causes for the rising suicide rate in the US is due to baby boomers who are now entering this period of despair where you're simultaneously forced out of work and unable to carry your medical expenses. In particular, health issues often prevent people from working and your health usually declines as you age.
- 75dvtwin 8y ago
  my understanding, perhaps incorrect, that in US medical bill payments can negotiated, to be stretched through 10 or 20 years. So, in US -- unless a person cannot afford 100$ a month or so -- they are likely not going to get bankrupted by medical bills regardless of their size. Perhaps also they will have hard time getting credit/loans. And also, my understanding was, that a US medical provider cannot refuse service to a person without insurance or without a credit card. These above understandings are anecdotal.. so not sure if that's correct. From the responses I am sing that Australia, Italy at the age of 50 and after -- people have same problem finding work. It is saddening to see that there seems to be no way out besides trying to start consulting or other self-employment opportunities.
- danieltillett 8y ago
  Yes the US health care system leaves a lot to be desired. I know as an Australian that if I get ill that I won't be bankrupted even if I am out of a job at the time. While on this topic health care costs are one of the major driving factors for companies wanting to get rid of older workers.

LoSboccacc 8y ago

Same here in Italy. You lose your job after 50 and it's extremely hard to find another position, but still your expected to work until late sixties to earn retirement. This is increasingly hard also because since youth unemployment is super high the government insists into applying huge incentives to hire under-30s (you basically get them tax free and taxes here are lots) So doesn't matter much what skill you carry because the competition is uneven and places that are growing enough to justify hiring skilled worker into management or leadership positions are exceedingly rare. (a mix of recessive economy, family run business that don't hire outsiders, unavailability of credit for new business)