Are health care, education, and government good places for older workers to find jobs now?

It’s difficult for older workers to find jobs. It’s especially trying during this recession because older workers are often the first to be laid off and offered early retirement deals.

Citing a 5.9 percent unemployment rate in January 2009 among workers age 55 and older, U.S. News & World Report decided to consult career counselors to find out if any industries are hiring these workers.

Here’s what they found, as reported in the article “Three Industries Currently Hiring Older Workers”:

• Health care. Because the number of older people is increasing, more home health care workers are being hired. Jobs for administrators, customer-service personnel, technicians, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers also are available.

• Education. Math, science, and special education teachers will be in demand. Openings in early childhood education also are expected due to federal economic recovery funds.

• Government. Positions at the local, state, and federal levels are anticipated because of federal stimulus money. The Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance, and Peace Corps are recommended because they’re on AARP’s National Employer Team made of companies and agencies with an interest in hiring older workers.

Let me know what your experiences are with these three industries in the current economy.

Here in Olympia, Wash., the capital of the state, jobs are being cut in state agencies, colleges, and public schools. More than 8,000 jobs may be lost in state budget cuts.

Are big cuts occurring in government and education in your state?

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison

Photo: Legislative Building and other state campus buildings, Olympia, Wash.