Yesterday I had a long conversation with an individual conducting research on the job prospects for "mature" workers, which is code for people over 50. We covered a lot of territory and I thought that a few of the key points were worthy of a post on LifeTwo. »more»

On average it takes 17.5 weeks to find a job, say experts. Does that mean you can take it easy for the first 16 and then pick it up? Of course not, in fact the key to navigating unemployment is to keep moving. The LA Times listed a week-by-week to-do list for job seekers:

Week 1: »more»

Despite legislation prohibiting it, age is a common factor in hiring decisions. This is especially true for older workers who must combat a number of negative stereotypes, specifically that they are less energetic, enthusiastic and creative. Recruiting managers have confirmed that companies often will note that they would prefer a younger candidate. »more»

If you are asked to picture an entrepreneur, a tech-savvy male in his late twenties might be the image that comes to mind. While there is no shortage of high-tech start-ups by young male engineers, this is hardly the only type of entrepreneur. In fact, according to a story in the BBC, an increasing number of over-50s are starting their own businesses and many of these are women. »more»

Being laid off in middle age can subtract as much as two years from your life. »more»

Most of us like to think that a mutually agreed upon divorce or simple job lay off is not shameful. But something in our culture and deep within our own psyche begs to differ. I found my own divorce to feel quite shameful. What I say now is that any divorce, no matter how mutally desired, traumatizes the people involved and feels like a failure on some level. »more»

Penelope Trunk has just released the Brazen Careerist, her handbook for achieving career goals. Penelope has a lot of non-traditional career advice (such as "job hopping in your twenties is a great idea."). This is definitely not your parents' job handbook--probably because it is no longer your parents' world. »more»

If you've ever been "involuntarily separated" from your job, you may have felt that the loss was the same as if someone close to you had died. »more»

According to a new study reported in Psychosomatic Medicine, the stress associated with unemployment can suppress the immune system. The stress associated with unemployment effects the nervous system by triggering the release of norepinephrine (the hormone that underlies the "fight-or-flight" response impairing the body's "natural-killer" cells. »more»

Master Mind groups are formal groups (I recommend no more than 4) that come together in person or by phone to support each other in whatever the individuals want help on. It harnesses the synergy of a team that you normally find in an organizational environment. »more»