It’s Never Too Late to Make a Fresh Start

Recently, we wrote about changing careers and suggested an approach that you could take at the start to make a successful transition. Today, we continue the discussion with a focus on mature workers who have a disability and want to work.

Many workers develop disabilities as they age, or their existing disabilities become more significant, and they find that they can no longer perform their current job. Still, they enjoy working for the social engagement, sense of purpose and the financial security having a job provides.

If you receive a Social Security benefit (SSDI/SSI) because of a disability, are age 18-64 and thinking about returning to the workforce, Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help you navigate that change. If you're an older worker, you won't be alone.

To begin your search for new employment opportunities and new careers, you'll need a plan.

• First, assess the skills, abilities and past work experiences that you will bring to an employer. These are your hard skills — the technical knowledge you have acquired through experience or training. They are specific and essential for success in each job. Soft skills matter, too. They are attributes and habits that describe how you work individually or with others. They are not specific to a job, but indirectly help you adapt to the work environment and company culture. Examples include communication, adaptability and teamwork, among others.

• Next, update your resume with both your hard and soft skills and your accomplishments. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Tailor your resume to the requirements of each job. Keep it under two pages and document the most recent 10-15 years. Follow these tips if there are gaps in your employment history.
• Decide if you need additional skills. If you’ve been away from the workforce for some time, you may need to acquire new skills and experiences, especially ones that are relevant today. Look for volunteer opportunities and apprenticeships or a part-time, entry-level job in the type of work you want to pursue. Many older workers turn to community colleges to help with training because of their affordability and convenient locations.
• Think about whether you want to disclose your disability. Disclosing your disability is a personal choice, and you cannot be forced to tell your employer, nor a prospective employer, that you have a disability. But, if you intend to ask for reasonable accommodations when you apply for a job or at work, then you will need to disclose. Read more about reasonable accommodations and disclosure.
• Prepare for an interview. Once you begin applying for jobs, consider taking some time to prepare for the interview portion of the application process. Learn how to be a STAR in your next interview. Many Ticket To Work service providers will help you sharpen your interview skills to land your next dream job.

Employers know the value that mature, experienced workers bring to their workplace. Age-diverse teams and workforces can improve employee engagement, performance and productivity, according to a report by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  

Learn More 

More than 500 organizations known as Employment Networks (EN) offer an array of employment services, which may include career planning, benefits counseling, job placement assistance and ongoing support. ENs that are part of a state's public workforce system also feature specialized services for older workers.

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