7 Ways to Prepare for a Forced Retirement

Welcome everyone.  The focus of today's CCM blog post is on helping people who are going to be forced out of their career.  You may be thinking this is illegal, and for the most part, you'd be right.  The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 banished the cap of 70 years old in a 1986 amendment.  Yet, there still exists certain careers with working age limits.  Some of these careers and their age limits include:



Pilots (Age 65)
Air Traffic Controllers (56)
Federal Law Enforcement and Firefighters (57)
Partners in Law Firms (Varies)
Partners in Accounting Firms (Varies)
Partners in Doctor's Offices (Varies)

Being kicked out of your job is emotionally destructive.  People die with nothing to do!  Those who want to continue working are left in uncomfortable situations when they apply elsewhere.  Employers may ask during an interview: "So why did you leave your last place of employment?"  Tough to answer if you don't want to disclose your age.  Remember, you don't have to provide anyone with your age during an interview.  It's none of their business!  Plus you're protected by the Employment Act of '67.




Being older at the workplace comes with stigmas.  Employers, even with the best intentions, subconsciously hold stereotypes about "more experienced" workers:  1) They don't have the energy to keep up, 2)  They won't be as productive as younger workers.  These are just two examples of biases toward older workers.  I know all of this is garbage because some of the most energetic people I have ever met include Boomers.  My 66 year-old buddy, Larry, can still kick my butt on bike rides longer than 3 hours.  Stamina people!

People are working longer than ever for various reasons.  Money shortage is a big one.  But get this: The labor participation rate among workers older than 65% is expected to rise to 21.7% in 2024, up from a current 18.6%.  So what should you do if you know ageism is alive and well in your industry, and you foresee your employer pushing you out the door?  Here are seven ways to be prepared:

1.  Start using anti-aging skin care for your face.  Even though I'm not in a career where I'll be forced out, I still take advantage of anti-aging skin care for my face.  My students all think I'm in my thirties!  My wife got me into using the Arbonne's Men's Line.  I was skeptical at first, but it really did make a difference.  I look at least 5 years younger.  Looking younger may keep you from getting axed by sneaky employers.

2.  Try finding your next job sooner.  In other words, get ahead of your current employer.  That way, when you do have to retire, you are ready to step into the next act of your life.

3.  Polish your resume.  Also write in more active verbs in your job duties so it looks like you are still taking plenty of action at work.

4.  Sign up for training or continuing education at least five years before your forced retirement age nears.  This sharpening of skills will make you more employable.

5. Stay physically fit.  Look trim and toned.  Flabby people get perceived as lazy and out of shape.  Buy perfect fit long sleeve shirts prior to any interview.  See a tailor!  This will make your physique stand out.  Not to mention, it will make you seem fashionable.

6. Anticipate your new employer's concerns of working with younger people like generation X'ers and millennials.  Join a Meetup group of younger people and get to know the work attitudes of these generations.

7.  Practice what you will say about being overqualified.  You will be way overqualified for many post-retirement jobs.  How will you address this with your concerned future employer?

It sucks to be forced to retire if you love your job.  Things need to change.  But since here at CCM I tell people to not worry about things they can't control, the next best thing to do is to take action and move forward.  Always forward!  Thanks for reading.

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