Over 40, under-valued

Here is a feedback from one who is already 47 and seeking a job. Would you be looking forward to getting at 40 years old, and beyond, what would you be expecting, if anything at all?


OLDER WORKERS

Letter from Allan Pek

I refer to “Over 40? Don’t send us your resume” (March 26).

I am not surprised that workers more than 40 years old are being rejected in Singapore.

I know this from experience: I have been applying for jobs for six months after coming back from China where I have been for 18 years. At 47, it has been difficult, even though I state in my resume that I am willing to accept a lower position. I used to work in the food and beverage industry.

I do not hear anything from employers after submitting a resume or after going for an interview. At an interview, I am usually asked some simple questions and I know they are just patronising me.

It would help if employers are allowed to state the preferred age range for jobs advertised. It would save lots of time for both parties. At the very least it can give the over-40 job seeker the real picture — we can then decide if we should change our line of work.

Employers are not supportive of what the Government is encouraging: Getting older workers and/or retirees back to the workforce. Maybe it is not a realistic call if those making hiring decisions have never been jobless with a family to support.

Once, I went for a walk-in interview at a company whose office is in a building next to Isetan department store. I had called earlier and was asked to go down.

Another job-seeker arrived after I had filled in an application form. I was told that the woman would be interviewed first as she had an “appointment”. I said that was all right and left my mobile number for the company to call when they were ready for me.

I walked around the whole of Isetan and Tangs for a very long time. No call. I decided this type of company was not worth seeking a job with anyway as they did not have the honesty or courtesy to at least call and tell me that I am too old or not what they are looking for.

It is sad that some employers consider being 40 to be “over the hill”.

Besides schemes for retraining older workers, may I suggest the Government also look into ways to help them become entrepreneurs?

Perhaps they could be allocated a food stall with subsidised rental to start with, or be given assistance to secure a loan with low or no interest to start a business.

If I have the chance, I will open an affordable, no-frills restaurant and employ retirees who want to work again.

For someone who has been away for almost two decades only to come back to see our society in such a state, Singapore has really been a disappointment for me.

From TODAY, Voices
Monday, 30-March-2009