Understanding the 50+ Worker: Market Report

Through our weekly newsletter, in-person meetups, and public events, Next for Me has created a network of opportunity and empowerment for 50+ workers. This market report is based on findings from those meetups, from one-on-one interviews, focus groups, and surveys conducted with our audience nationwide from January 2018 – January 2019.  

Common Themes

Ageism was an all-too common theme in our discussions— our interviewees bumped up against ageism at work (resulting in a lack of opportunities) and even when networking with their peers. They were enthusiastic about in-person networking and training opportunities that would prepare them to transition to other roles at work or to pursue a new career path.

Although they’re in the demographic, our audience had negative feelings about AARP and its ilk across the board, with most saying they thought AARP was “for old people” and focused too much on things like health tips and senior discounts, when income continuity is top of mind for them.

They’re on LinkedIn, but acknowledge they “age-proof” their resumes by shortening their experience and leaving graduation dates blank. All expressed a need for resources uniquely for the 50+ worker, including opportunities to network, becoming familiar with new tools and technologies, and getting help in fighting ageism at work.

An Upbeat Outlook

All things considered, our generation is approaching their next chapter with hope and excitement in the face of these challenges. We are attacking them with the zeal acquired from our roots in civil activism and with empathy honed over the course of our lives. We’re ready to find solutions to problems that affect not just our generation, but will have a ripple effect on generations to come.

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