
Illustration by Amelia Flower/Folio
At the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission (NKCAC), a federally granted employment training program, Director of Senior Employment Stephanie Stark offers adults 55 and up an opportunity to start fresh in their professional life. With experience in job coaching, interview assistance, and hands-on training, she offers advice on finding success with late-stage career changes.
Do many people search for new employment later in life?
Yes. In 2023, we had 247 participants come through the program at NKCAC. I often hear “I’m older, no one wants to hire me.” But people need employees who want to work, so my biggest tip is not to use age against themselves.
What barriers exist for older people when job-searching?
Some people could be facing homelessness, disability, or previous incarceration. But also, they may just have been a homemaker their whole life, have no job experience, and don’t know where to start.
What advice do you have for people looking for a career change?
Career centers are absolutely fabulous resources. They have senior employment participants who will sit down with you and ask questions such as, “Where are we going to look?” “What have you done in the past?” and “What’s your ideal job?” They are a huge, huge help.
How can people learn to let go of stability when switching careers?
There are so many advantages to learning something new, and although sometimes we get set in our ways, it is important to not be afraid. Talking to other people about your career and having a support system is great to have something to lean on.
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