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Overcoming Challenges
Introduction
Overcoming Challenges is the section where you as an Older Worker can find information regarding the issues that concern you as you search for a job or income earning activity with purpose and meaning.
As a displaced, laid-off, 'down-sized' or otherwise unemployed Older Worker you are faced with many new challenges as you search for work or consider self-employment. These challenges may seem overwhelming and can sometimes be quite frustrating.
The information in this section provides you with some thought provoking ideas. The transition and change you are working your way through may seem more difficult because there's a sense that more is at stake this time. You may be thinking 'it's now or never' for the dream job, dream life, or dream business. That is only partly true and if you think only in this way, you're putting an enormous pressure on yourself to make the one right decision. Consider making only the next decision, the one that you believe will take you in the desired direction, and if doesn't work, make the next likely decision.
The experience of job loss is difficult for everyone, but Older Workers often worry that they will never work again because of their age. The frustration of the job search in a changed world that appears not to value traditional skills and your many years of experience, may support the belief that your working days are over. Not so! Before you can move forward you may need to acknowledge the feelings and distress that job loss has caused.
Attitudes towards aging have a huge impact on how we as Older Workers experience the job search and world of work. It is not just the external attitudes (from community, employers, society, government) that effect how we are treated but our own (internal) attitudes are also significant.
Dream Shift is about what you can do now with long held dreams. And make no mistake, you can and even have an obligation (to yourself, to your family, your community) to live your dreams. It is in these dreams for what you want to do in the world that the best and most creative ideas are found. You may need to rethink how you're going to do your dream job or business, and really work at it, but the satisfaction you find is sure to astonish you. And doing what you love and have always dreamt of doing gives your life purpose, meaning and joy.
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