Older Professionals Turn to Blue-collar Jobs Amid Hiring Slowdown
The current job market is presenting unique challenges for older professionals, particularly in white-collar industries. Many have found themselves transitioning to blue-collar jobs as a means of survival while they continue their search for more traditional white-collar roles. This shift is not just about making ends meet; it also reflects the harsh realities of a tightening job market and the growing competition for positions that were once more accessible. For individuals like Donald Malone, a 65-year-old former consultant, the journey has been fraught with setbacks. After a decade of layoffs, burnout, and unsuccessful interviews, Malone turned to blue-collar work, taking a job with a company that manufactures machines for paper and cardboard production. Although the pay was half of his previous $60,000 annual salary, it covered essential expenses like travel and car costs.
However, Malone’s story is not unique. Many older Americans are grappling with similar difficulties, often facing reduced pay and résumé challenges as they pivot to blue-collar roles. Malone, who also worked part-time as a security guard and for car retail companies, has now been sidelined due to health issues, including a heart attack and stroke earlier this year. He relies on his Social Security payments of $2,187 a month, which barely cover his mortgage. Despite his resilience, he worries that his skills are outdated and that his age and time away from white-collar work may make it harder to reenter the corporate world. “I’m not a couch potato or someone that likes to get up and just waste the day doing nothing,” Malone said, expressing his desire to stay productive, possibly by exploring real estate.
The struggle to secure white-collar jobs is a common theme among older Americans. Dozens have shared their stories with Business Insider, describing how they’ve been unable to reenter the workforce after layoffs. Many suspect that their age or salary expectations make them less appealing to employers compared to younger candidates. As a result, some have embraced lower-paying blue-collar jobs, such as truck driving or custodial work, while others reluctantly take whatever they can while continuing to apply for white-collar positions. This predicament underscores the systemic challenges older workers face in an increasingly competitive and age-sensitive job market.
The Broader Economic Context: Hiring Slowdown and Age Discrimination
The difficulties older professionals are facing are not isolated; they are part of a larger economic trend. Excluding a brief dip during the pandemic in 2020, U.S. businesses are hiring at nearly the lowest rate since 2013. In industries like marketing, banking, and finance, job postings have dropped significantly since their peaks in 2022, according to data from Indeed. This slump in white-collar hiring has left many older workers scrambling for alternative income sources, often in blue-collar roles.
Meanwhile, age discrimination appears to play a significant role in the struggles of older workers. A 2024 study by AARP found that nearly two-thirds of workers aged 50 or older have experienced or witnessed age discrimination in the workplace. While the unemployment rate for Americans 55 and older was just 3% as of January—near historic lows—this statistic does not capture the full picture. Many older workers are underemployed or have given up searching for jobs that match their skills and experience.
The challenges are not unique to older workers; even recent college graduates, including MBA grads from prestigious universities, are struggling to secure white-collar positions. However, older workers face the additional barriers of age bias and the perception that they are less adaptable or less deserving of investment in their careers. This intersection of economic and societal factors has left many feeling sidelined and undervalued in the workforce.
Embracing Blue-collar Work: A Mix of Necessity and Resilience
For many older professionals, blue-collar work has become a necessity rather than a choice. Eric Nielsen, a 50-year-old former account and sales executive, is one such individual. After being laid off in 2023, he turned to side hustles, including driving for Uber Eats, hosting wine parties, and working for a nonprofit. Despite his efforts, he has struggled to secure a stable white-collar job, even after sending out dozens of applications. Last year, he earned just $27,000, a far cry from his previous income, and he now faces the additional burden of $60,000 in student loan debt.
Nielsen’s story highlights the emotional and financial toll of this transition. “What happens is you turn 50, and you’re going to be getting interviewed by someone that might be half your age, and they’re not going to make a connection with you,” he said, reflecting on the challenges of navigating a youth-dominated job market. Despite his struggles, Nielsen remains determined to keep going, hoping to land a job in the $65,000 to $80,000 range—modest expectations compared to his earlier career aspirations.
The shift toward blue-collar work is not just about economic survival; it also reflects a resilience and adaptability that defined these professionals’ earlier careers. Many have embraced the idea that some income is better than none, even if the work does not align with their long-term goals. However, this transition is not without its risks. Blue-collar jobs often come with physical demands that can be challenging for older workers, particularly those with health concerns.
The Challenges of Transitioning to Blue-collar Roles
While blue-collar jobs have provided a lifeline for some older workers, securing these positions is not always straightforward. Many industries require specialized certifications or degrees, which can take months or years to obtain. For older workers transitioning from white-collar roles, the time and financial investment required to gain these qualifications can be daunting.
David Fischer, a 54-year-old former marketing professional, is one such individual who has found the transition to blue-collar work difficult. After being laid off in May 2023, Fischer applied for roles such as bus driving or operating a light-rail train but was rejected due to lack of experience. Despite having a robust savings cushion that could technically allow him to retire, Fischer feels it’s too early to stop working. He has spent much of his time attending networking events and interview workshops, hoping to reenter the corporate world.
Fischer’s experience underscores the paradox of the current job market: while some industries face worker shortages, older workers often find themselves without the necessary qualifications or experience to fill these roles. This gap highlights the need for targeted training programs and policies that support older workers in transitioning to in-demand fields.
Fischer remains optimistic about his chances, saying, “I don’t consider myself old; I know what my age number is, but I can hold my own with anybody.” His determination reflects the resilience of many older workers who refuse to give up in the face of adversity.
Navigating the Emotional and Financial Toll of Late-career Setbacks
The transition to blue-collar work is not just about economic survival; it also takes a significant emotional toll. Older workers often struggle with feelings of identity loss, particularly when they move from professional roles to jobs that are perceived as less prestigious. This shift can challenge their sense of purpose and self-worth, especially for those who have spent decades building their careers.
For many, the financial struggles are equally daunting. Nielsen, for instance, has come close to homelessness, relying on side hustles and part-time gigs to make ends meet. His story is a stark reminder of the financial precarity that many older workers face when they are unable to secure stable employment. The burden of student loan debt, as in Nielsen’s case, only exacerbates the challenges, leaving little room for savings or retirement planning.
Despite these setbacks, many older workers remain determined to stay productive and engaged. Whether it’s driving for Uber, freelancing, or exploring entirely new fields like real estate, they are finding ways to adapt and contribute. Their stories are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of older workers in the face of systemic challenges.
The Broader Implications: A Society in Need of Change
The experiences of older professionals highlight broader societal issues that need to be addressed. Age discrimination, the need for workforce retraining, and the importance of creating pathways for older workers to transition into new roles are all critical areas requiring attention.
As more Americans work later into their lives, either by choice or necessity, the demand for supportive policies and programs will only grow. Employers must recognize the value of older workers, who bring decades of experience and a strong work ethic to the table. By creating more inclusive hiring practices and investing in training opportunities, companies can tap into this underutilized talent pool.
At the same time, older workers themselves must continue to adapt and evolve, embracing new industries and roles that align with their strengths and interests. While the journey is often difficult, their stories serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination that define this generation. As society continues to grapple with the challenges of an aging workforce, the experiences of older professionals like Malone, Nielsen, and Fischer must be at the forefront of the conversation. Their stories are not just individual struggles but a collective call to action for a more inclusive and supportive job market.
