I’m 58 and about two years ago took a forced “early retirement” from my middle management job in sales. Since then, I’ve had trouble getting back in the game. I’m not ready to call it quits. What next?
Having exhausted traditional companies that obviously find you too old, too unfamiliar with the ways of the new world, or otherwise too problematic, you’ve got at least one option remaining: find a company where hiring you represents absolutely zero risk. You need a job where you get paid on commission and receive little or no salary. Yes, most of those positions will feel like nursery school to an old sales hand like you. But with your experience and ambition, you should be skipping grades pretty quickly. All you need is that first door, which we assure you will swing open when you say the magic words: “Give me a shot—I’m free.”
This question and answer originally appeared in Business Week magazine on September 04, 2006.
Back to top