• Replies 1 reply
  • Subscribers 11 subscribers
  • Views 22 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related

How hard is it really to find an HR job in London / South East as an older person at the moment?

Karen Carpenter

Hello! I'm after some thoughts please and any practical experience of members. I've been offered an exit package by my current employer and I don't know whether taking it would be an epic mistake in the current jobs climate. All I hear is how impossible everyone, but specifically over 50s are finding things, but I don't know how fair a reflection that is of the jobs market as a whole and would really appreciate people's views and experience.

I'm 53, will be 54 at the date of exit if I decide to take it. I need and want to work, I'm not interested in retiring even if I could afford to. The exit package would give me some breathing space between jobs if needed, I could certainly manage for 6 months if I absolutely had to, but I'm hoping to use the money to clear debts, do some essential maintenance on the house, help to support kids at university and ideally pay a bit off the mortgage. I don't drive, but I live in the South East and can easily commute to London - currently hybrid working but would commute each day if that was necessary.

I hold CIPD level 7 and am currently preparing for upgrade to Chartered Membership (fingers crossed). I've got 20+ years experience in a range of HR roles, most recently in talent development and employee experience. All in the public sector (civil service). I feel I have a lot of great and relatively senior experience, but hearing so many tales of woe in the job market of late (not specifically HR) is making me wonder if I'm incredibly naïve / stupid to even consider it.

I'd really welcome any thoughts - thank you :-)

  • Hi, Karen, it is a difficult decision. I decided to take a break earlier this year. I had savings and having worked full time since age 16 and with ailing parents that needed a bit more support than I could give working in a very full on role, I decided to have a break, I left in February and the intention was to have at lease two months off and then potentially work in an ideally part time temporary role for at least 6 months whilst I took a breath.

    I turned 58 in May and from my point of view I didn't find it all challenging. I appreciate that I do have FCIPD status and broad experience but, I was and continue to be approached about vacancies from the outset. When I did start looking I found something that exactly fitted what I was looking for straight away.

    The only thing that could restrict you a bit is that you only have civil service experience, however there seems to be a lot of work around in terms of both the ERA and also local government re-organisation.

    I don't regret what I did at all and the two month's off was bliss. I would advise you to scope out good agencies in your area and start to build relationships with them. many Solicitors will run free employment law updates and they are good to network and build relationships. If you don't already know about new trends such as AI and trauma informed practice, you may be able to find free courses on those and that will help keep your skills up to date.

    Good luck with your upgrade and whatever you decide to do!