15 Places That Are Hiring Those Workers That Are Over 50
When it comes to working, 50 is the new 30. Between inflation, adult children being increasingly dependent on their parents, and the precarious future of Social Security, turning 50 does not necessarily mean that the 18th hole of your career is around the corner.
In other words, you better keep your eye on job openings. More specifically, keep an eye on companies that embrace older workers. In a world where ageism is real, and there are some real financial benefits in hiring younger workers, you can spend your time wisely by keeping a record of elder-friendly employees.
Let’s start off your “Employers Who Value Wisdom” spreadsheet with 15 entries.
1. American Airlines
American Airlines once led the nation in the percentage of senior employees in its ranks. At one point, nearly 40% of AA employees were age 50 or older, indicating that the organization values those with the most frequent flier miles on their resume.
As air travel has become increasingly precarious (thanks, Boeing), you’ll find plenty of American Airlines critics. However, a job is a job. When you’re hoping to retire sooner than later, you’ll learn to tolerate a mob of angry travelers furious that your bosses canceled their flight at the last minute.
2. Uber
Uber’s rates have cratered faster than a penny thrown off the Empire State Building. That said, there’s no denying that Uber (and other rideshare services like Lyft) are one of the least discriminatory employers the world has ever seen.
Have a valid driver’s license? Never killed anyone? Have a vehicle with four doors (or even just one if you’re only delivering food)? This is pretty much the criteria for getting started for Uber, and you can probably begin working within the hour.
3. Eastman Kodak Company
Eastman Kodak is another company that has historically leaned on older employees. At one point, more than 38% of Kodak’s employees were 50 years old or beyond. For older Americans looking for an employer, that’s a picture-perfect percentage.
As a multinational company, it’s safe to say that many of Kodak’s older employees are likely seasoned, highly qualified executives. Even so, the company has at least proven its willingness to invest in those who have surpassed the half-century mark, so you may as well put in an application with Eastman Kodak.
4. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is in the business of making its clients money. While there are exceptions, older people know more about wealth accumulation than their younger counterparts (Bitcoin bros excluded).
It makes sense that Charles Schwab took the AARP pledge to value senior employees, as Schwab clients may also value a silver fox managing their hard-earned money. Schwab has even commissioned studies analyzing workers in their 50s and older, signaling that the investing house truly has senior employment on its mind.
Good stuff, Chuck.
5. Liberty Tax Service
Some companies grudgingly tolerate senior employees, while others actively embrace them. Liberty Tax Service seems to fall into the latter category.
Monster quoted a Liberty Tax Service representative as fawningly praising older employees, saying, “They have more knowledge in areas we need.” In a world where the elderly are too often pushed aside and spoken over, a company that values seniority is a welcomed rarity.
6. GEICO
Are you interested in spending your golden years haggling with enraged policyholders demanding accountability for their ever-rising premiums? Have we got the opportunity for you!
In all seriousness, GEICO is one of the most voluminous underwriters to take the AARP pledge. The insurance industry isn’t going anywhere, and there are almost certainly plenty of jobs at GEICO that most won’t do (like policyholder outreach). If you need a paycheck and are worried about ageism, GEICO should be on your list of companies to contact.
7. Smithfield Foods
In 2011, almost 36% of Smithfield Foods’ positions were occupied by employees who had turned 50 that year or in years prior. While it’s been almost a decade and a half since that figure was published, Smithfield’s operations are not exclusive to young people (or even close).
Smithfield boasts that it employs more than 1,800 veterans of the American Armed Forces. While veterans come of all ages, the message signals that Smithfield is serious about awarding jobs to those most deserving. Plus, what other employer can offer a position as a “pig whisperer?”
8. American Heart Association (AHA)
The American Heart Association is one of the renowned companies that earn Certified Age-Friendly Employer (CAFE) status through the Age Friendly Institute. Being a massive nonprofit, the AHA offers careers in Administration, Advocacy, Fundraising, and various other diverse verticals.
If anyone knows about heart issues, it’s older people. This demographic also knows about the value of giving back, making the AHA a feel-good organization worthy of consideration.
9. AARP
We don’t have any figures detailing how many 50-plus employees AARP counts among its ranks. Typically, AARP evaluates other organizations’ commitment to seasoned workers.
That said, it stands to reason that AARP would want a workforce that relates well to its clientele. If ever there was an organization that should cower in fear of ageism allegations, it’s the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Don’t be afraid to pull the discrimination cord if your initial application gets denied.
10. Walgreens
Another company endorsed by the Age Friendly Institute, Walgreens, is not exactly a bastion of young employees—and that’s not bad.
Walgreens has long offered discounts to customers aged 55 and older. Considering that older Americans are most likely to need prescription drugs and various other health products sold at Walgreens, it only makes sense to employ those who mirror the clientele.
11. Chick-fil-A
Don’t let the spry, youthful employees walking from vehicle to vehicle taking orders fool you. True to its long-standing commitment to quality, Chick-fil-A professes to care only about an employee’s willingness to work hard and put smiles on customers’ faces.
Seriously, Chick-fil-A employs a 90-plus-year-old ambassador known as “Ms. Marie.” She was discontented with stagnating in retirement, so she went to Chick-fil-A looking for a gig. By golly, they found a job for her the very same day she applied.
12. Home Depot
The Age-Friendly Institute certifies employers based on how actively they cater to employees aged 50 and above. Many companies have earned the AFI certification, but what good is this certification if you don’t have a realistic chance of working for a given employer?
Home Depot is a ubiquitous outpost for lumber, toilets, and more. If you are an older adult looking for an employer who doesn’t turn away senior citizens after a cursory glance, you could do worse than the company that helps doers get more done.
13. Ace Hardware
A few retail stores seem to hire an outsized number of older employees. Ace Hardware fits that billing.
Perhaps it’s because older people tend to know more about the ins and outs of power drills, wood screws, and other hardware-centric fare. Maybe a disproportionate number of older people want to work at Ace. Whatever the explanation is, overwhelming anecdotal evidence says that Ace Hardware is a must-apply option for handy seniors looking for work.
14. Walmart
Walmart may seem like a cliche entry here, but ask yourself why it feels that way. Is it because, when you shop at Walmart, you see employees of all ages (including old ones) roaming the aisles in their blue vests?
It’s not as if Greeter is the only Walmart position available to ripe-aged employees. You don’t have to stock pallets of canned pet food, either. An ecosystem as bustling as Walmart requires many senior-friendly positions, and you’ll never waste your time looking for a job at Wally World.
15. Bass Pro Shops
We’ll cite the AARP Employer Pledge Program on this list. This Program includes employers “that stand with AARP in affirming the value of experienced workers and are committed to developing diverse organizations.”
While a pledge is a fairly low-cost, recognizing the value of older, more experienced employees is a solid start. Bass Pro Shops is one of several nationwide retailers to take the pledge, and the company has ranked in the top ten of Forbes’ rankings of best employers.
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