Over 55 Seeking a New Job - What Are The Options?

leeboy168 on 22/01/2017 - 19:55

Hi guys,

My dad is currently in his mid-50's and I would like to help him think of some ideas of potential roles that would be suitable for him. Long story short, he's been a taxi driver over the past 15 years, but with the introduction of Uber, he's barely getting by (after costs). Since he's been "self-employed" for so long he's got this mentality that it will be impossible to find a new role at his age as he doesn't have the experience nor skills for office roles, nor the youth for any labour related roles.

As a little bit of context: he's a first generation immigrant from China. Back in the 70s and 80s he was in the army. His English is poor (so customer service jobs are a bit out of the question), and he doesn't want to do anymore driving related jobs (ie. coles delivery, courier jobs).

So I thought I'd ask you guys for any suggestions so I can drum up some ideas and get him motivated. Thanks guys!!

Education & Work

Comments

  • StewBalls on 22/01/2017 - 20:10
    +12

    At the risk of stating the obvious…Uber driver. Leverage his current skill set…

    [edit] Sorry, the bit about no more driving jobs just sunk in…

    • leeboy168 on 22/01/2017 - 20:50
      +2

      All good. He doesn't want to use the family car and we've done a simple excel spreadsheet calculation that buying a new car to do uber isn't worth it anyway..

      • StewBalls on 22/01/2017 - 20:58
        +18

        What's he like in the kitchen?

        Quite a few of my retired Chinese family & friends got jobs working in Chinese restaurants…they love it, communication's not an issue…it's not great pay but there's minimal responsibility, you turn up & do your job then go home when it's done…with takeaways!

        On any given day, some of the local restaurants in Newy have retired Aeronautical Engineers, MDs, Ph.D's & Uni Professors stirring up fried rice, making jiaozi & deep frying shit…and loving it! ;)

        • BargainCowboy on 24/01/2017 - 13:24
          +1

          Seems like a win-win, but it's still sad. People who have studied and worked their entire lives should be rewarded.

        • StewBalls on 24/01/2017 - 14:25
          +4

          @mazorn: I don't disagree; however, you have to consider that these guys are retired professionals, they have overseas pension/super plans…and sometimes quite respectable stipends in themselves…for them it's about quality of life, pocket money & socialising.

        • Providence on 25/01/2017 - 21:05
          +1

          & deep frying shit…and loving it!

          And I thought deep fried ice cream was weird.

      • bumheadboi on 23/01/2017 - 10:09

        There are hire companies that do about $250 or so a week for uber drivers.. if that was the main reason for not wanting to do the uber thing.

  • ronnknee on 22/01/2017 - 20:15
    +1

    but with the introduction of Uber, he's barely getting by (after costs)

    If you can't beat them, why not join them?

    Edit: Oops, also missed out about the part that he wants to get out of the industry.

    • Diji1 on 22/01/2017 - 20:31
      -6

      If you can't beat them, why not join them?

      Because Uber drivers earn less than taxi drivers. People think it's cool for the drivers because it's disruptive and magical tech related.

      • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2017 - 14:51
        +2

        Why is this negged? I thought Uber is cheaper, from consumer point of view. So wouldn't it actually be less earning compare to taxi drivers?

        • macrocephalic on 25/01/2017 - 11:43

          It does have less overheads as well. A family member was driving taxis a year or two ago and the rent of the taxi for the week was $600.

          Uber isn't a great company, but the pure idea of ride sharing is good because it doesn't require extra overheads. When people start buying cars so they can use them for Uber, it defeats the purpose in my mind.

    • ozhunter on 22/01/2017 - 20:32
      +6

      He drives…

    • StewBalls on 22/01/2017 - 20:32
      +36

      You're kidding right…have you ever been in a Sydney cab…poor English is almost a minimum selection criteria for the job! :P

      • ronnknee on 22/01/2017 - 20:35
        +23

        Nah, it seems more like English is optional.

        • Save 50 Cent on 24/01/2017 - 10:30
          +3

          More like you don't get the job if you speak english.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2017 - 14:55

          @samBee: youuu sayyed lef or rye? How come youu speek so fast wat…

      • bb_hunter on 24/01/2017 - 14:29
        +2

        @Stewballs -poor English and don't know your way around Sydney is a minimum.
        Honestly, I don't need to have conversation with the taxi driver so as long they know where I want to go I am fine but most of them can't speak and can't drive.

      • ankor on 25/01/2017 - 14:41
        +1

        Being dropped off at the requested location also appears to be optional..

  • retiredfeline on 22/01/2017 - 20:55
    +4

    Does he have any skills from his army days? Martial arts? Train recalcitrant Chinese kids perhaps?

    • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2017 - 21:40
      -5

      Train recalcitrant Chinese kids perhaps

      They're not that common, though.

      Far more troublemakers in the white and islander communities. I'm talking about the 'mad dudes'.

      • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2017 - 09:41
        +1

        They are common but they keep it within their community.

    • leeboy168 on 23/01/2017 - 18:08

      haha no not anymore… keep in mind the 80s is now over 30 years ago!

  • PJC on 22/01/2017 - 21:38
    +1

    Bunnings?

    • Al Kider on 24/01/2017 - 08:43
      +3

      My uncle who was a painter getting little work is now a copper but worked at Bunnings. He said it was easier to become a copper than to get a job at Bunnings.

    • PVA on 24/01/2017 - 09:00
      +2

      They wanted non customer work.

      • ThithLord on 24/01/2017 - 09:40
        +20

        Yeah, so …. Bunnings?

        • montorola on 25/01/2017 - 13:59
          +2

          Lack of customer service…is just the beginning!

  • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2017 - 21:41
    +5

    Become a bus driver. It's loads of fun. My uncle use to be one before he became involved with management of the bus depots.

    • leeboy168 on 23/01/2017 - 18:11

      Yeah he tried that around 10 years ago - apparently he failed the height test in that he was considered just a tad too short (his legs didn't reach the peddle properly and the seat adjustments for busses aren't as flexible as car ones).

      • pennae on 24/01/2017 - 00:21
        +1

        It's probably changed now! They have fancy seats, my uncle just gave up retirement to drive buses and loved it.

  • garetz on 23/01/2017 - 02:37
    +3

    Sorry to say, but his skill set doesnt translate well to other kinds of jobs that are not industry related. He would have to look at menial jobs like woolworths packer or warehouse attendant.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2017 - 06:50
    +17

    If language is an issue, leverage that.

    There is a growing number of Jobs that Mandarin or Cantonese is a skill

    Driving or guiding Chinese tourists here, or guiding tourists in China, teaching the language, helping other Chinese in cultural groups. There'll be more but start with a local cultural centre and go from there

    • leeboy168 on 23/01/2017 - 18:11

      Cool, I'll add this to the list, thanks!

      • PVA on 24/01/2017 - 09:08
        +5

        Also look at aged care places, especially ones that have a lot of Chinese residents.
        They need bus drivers ( little mini buses) also attendants , helpers etc.
        he needs to look for Chinese community places, nursing homes, sports groups , somewhere where the language is fine.
        Even the casino or a services club in a Chinese populated suburb will be ok.

        He'll be fine, just needs support which you are doing.

      • od810 on 24/01/2017 - 14:01
        +2

        Driving Instructor for Chinese community? But he needs to get the instructor's license, though I don't think it's an issue.

  • chumlee on 23/01/2017 - 07:06

    Traffic control. Lots of work for them these days.

    • nikhi24 on 23/01/2017 - 07:49

      Really? I thought it was a semi hard industry to get into

      • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2017 - 07:32
        +11

        Seems to be controlled by the Irish back-packing mafia around Sydney …

    • bobbified on 23/01/2017 - 08:48
      +8

      An ex-taxi driver directing traffic sounds a little funny.

      • leeboy168 on 23/01/2017 - 18:12
        +3

        Yes…all my taxi mates go ahead. "Sorry sir please make way for the taxi".

    • peterpeterpumpkin on 23/01/2017 - 11:21
      +3

      I was going to say "maybe if he was a bleach-blonde Irish backpacker".

      But then I googled it to see if the stereotype was all in my head and I found a funny co-incidence in this article (http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lollipop-lasses-from-the-emerald-i…):

      "ON A perfectly horrid Sydney morning, cars and buses moaning down George Street, cyclists going up gutters, pedestrians on phones going wherever they please, Joanne Murphy is stopping traffic. She swivels her stop-go sign on a construction site in the sun, frying her pale Irish skin.

      'Why don't you get a real job,' yells a taxi driver, not grasping the irony. "

      I wonder if his dad was the taxi driver in question…

      • Fexofenadine on 23/01/2017 - 11:59
        +3

        I think he would have said "你为什么不得到一份真正的工作".

        • aboogee on 24/01/2017 - 16:15
          +2

          is that from google translate? lol

        • yycan on 24/01/2017 - 22:02
          +1

          @legendary-noob: yes, proper Chinese translated into English would be "why don't you_find_a real job", the above translation actually says "why don't you receive a good job".

        • Fexofenadine on 25/01/2017 - 12:06

          @legendary-noob: Guilty as charged :P

    • leeboy168 on 23/01/2017 - 18:13

      Ok added to the list, thanks!

  • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2017 - 08:47
    +3

    What about what every Chinese student does and sell goods from here back to friends and family.

    He must know plenty of people from Chinese community also, to network and make contacts in the old country.
    Selling may be difficult to start with if a prideful person, but it is apparently very lucrative.
    Health products are supposed to be huge over there, and even a box of weet-bix is in demand
    Just get a little Web site up for easy ordering

  • holdenmg on 23/01/2017 - 09:44

    There was a scheme "Applications open for taxi industry adjustment payments" http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/programs/point-to-point/indu… but it closed on 13 Jan.

    A Hardship Fund is also mentioned, The Taxis and Hire Vehicles Industries Assistance Panel are mentioned as contact. It would be interesting to know to if they accept that the industry has so substantially, what will be offered for people to transition.

  • Gronk on 23/01/2017 - 09:48
    +4

    I feel for your father because I watched mine struggle to stay employed after closing the family business a few years ago.

    The sad reality is that there wasn't a great deal out there for him, he was able to land a few temp roles through agencies but they had him driving all over the place for roles that barely paid minimum wage.

    I tend to think the best option for your father is get him into the tech space somehow, it doesn't take a lot of knowledge to setup and maintain a basic online store or something along those lines. Hopefully he's better with computers than mine because I'm fairly certain that after owning one for over 15 years he still doesn't know how to turn it on.

    • leeboy168 on 23/01/2017 - 18:15

      Yes hard times…thanks for the support. Will pass your words on.

  • Geekomatic on 23/01/2017 - 13:13

    If he's handy at all, I'd be putting an ad in Gumtree & try a few weeks in the local paper as a "jack-of-all-trades". I've hired a few guys to do lawn tidies, retic, or anything else that I can't do. In other words, he must have a hobby or something he likes (gardening, etc) which he can turn into some sort of employment?

    Otherwise, he ought to front-up to a job service place & see what they might suggest?

    Good luck to him. :)

    • tonyjzx on 23/01/2017 - 14:31

      yes, without knowing what he can actually do, its hard

      eg. we know he can drive, he doesnt like it though

      I assume he has a basic understanding of english.

      Then what?

      Handy man? Any gardening whatever? Its hard enough for anyone let alone someone older to get a job but what skills do you bring?

    • leeboy168 on 23/01/2017 - 18:15

      ok thanks!

  • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2017 - 17:52
    +2

    Sign up for movie extra work, security guard course, sometimes volunteering will lead to something, Windows washing highrises,get together with other people his age and start a business cleaning/mowing lawns tourbus/ guide /security
    What does he want/love to do??

    • leeboy168 on 23/01/2017 - 18:17

      thanks beach, i'll pass on your words.

  • Kranbone on 24/01/2017 - 00:39
    +2

    I see a lot of elderly people working as the greeter at chain stores (kmart, big w, etc), maybe that might be an option? It's very common in America. Although he dislikes driving would he consider volunteering with a meals on wheels service? He might be able to broaden his skill set and improve his language skills.

    (not being critical, just trying to help).

    • canyoudoitcheaper on 24/01/2017 - 17:00

      Language skills may be a problem if he wants to be a greeter.

  • IWoNdEr on 24/01/2017 - 01:46

    Chef / chef assistant is a good one as someone mentioned before.
    Carer for elderly asian - if you are in Brisbane there's a Jeta Garden Age Care in Bethania.
    Free range writer for Chinese Newspaper
    Minder of small pets (if he likes animal)

    If physically fit to consider:
    - Residential cleaner - Come to people's home once a week or a fortnight to help tidy up things
    - car detailing

    Good on you for trying to help your father!

  • pink59 on 24/01/2017 - 01:51

    Try looking at jobs on AirTasker. All jobs really are tasks. All are cash jobs, with the person awarded paying the 15% commission. range of work from low skill to high skill. You can also counteroffer for a task.
    I recently needed a man with van, had tried many courier companies first for astronomical quotes. Got a young fit 28yo German tourist on work visa who in 8 months in Australia had saved enough cash to buy his own $10k 1.5tonne van plus another bigger removalist truck, which he works 7 days week and most of his Airtasker jobs lead to other repeat business from the poster. Me included :)

  • AlienC on 24/01/2017 - 06:09

    Train guard or train driver.. My 60+ asian family members do it..or work at the casino as a dealer..also my elderly asian family members do it.. The Star is always recruiting

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 24/01/2017 - 06:14
    +1

    Try carer in aged care. As he is not big in size perhaps stay away from lifting. I've seen free courses too. It's a growing industry and you might even find one with a big Chinese clients. All the best!

    • Yaren24 on 25/01/2017 - 09:44

      Disability support (for elderly) will be a good idea too, since he is bilingual in Mandarin. I think a lot of community support have the equipment, so really he should not lift too much.

  • DiscoJango on 24/01/2017 - 08:22
    +2

    keep in mind you dont need to mention how old you are in a resume, and maybe only list your most recent jobs. listing a job you had in 1974 kind of hints at your age :)

    • JimmyF on 24/01/2017 - 18:11
      -6

      Thanks for the negs votes people…. remember that when your tax dollars are supporting them! Carry on!

      • JimmyF on 24/01/2017 - 19:08
        -4

        Looks like I upset the non speaking centerlink users! hahahahaha carry on!

        • dealman on 25/01/2017 - 12:07
          +3

          Don't post multiple comments, we then have to spread the negs, I always keep my daily quota for jv you've used up all today

      • ThadtheChad on 25/01/2017 - 12:36
        +2

        So lets see…. His English is poor even after 15 years of driving a taxi and talking to people, no longer wants to deal with customers, or do driving, has no other skill set……. Ummm ok

        That was a very bloody minded comment to make, which is why you got negged. OP did not say that he has no other skill set, he simply did not want to continue driving (understandable, as driving in Sydney is quite stressful) or deal with customers (again, fair enough!). A bit of empathy would be more appropriate.

        Thanks for the negs votes people…. remember that when your tax dollars are supporting them! Carry on!

        His father has made a fair contribution to the Australian society for the past 15 years (within his calibre) and therefore deserves whatever entitlements he's been afforded.

        Wouldn't you think it is actually a step in the right direction for OP's dad to get back into doing something that will keep him engaged (irrespective of his language handicap)?

        • JimmyF on 25/01/2017 - 14:14

          Better get your neg votes ready boys!!

          I didn't see any other skills listed, so assumed none. If you have driven taxis for 15+ years and haven't learnt english in an ENGLISH speaking country in 15 years, It's pretty safe to assume there are no other skills.

          Empathy? Sorry, not for people who don't bother to learn the native lang after one and half decades of living here. I have no issue with his race, I have an issue with people who don't learn english in an english speaking country. Regardless of race. That applies to australian bogans who can't speak it too!

          and if you think a taxi driver pays the 'true' tax on their earning, hahahahaha

  • Hirolol on 24/01/2017 - 11:02

    try look for warehouse type work, a lot of the importers are Chinese so communication might not be an issue.
    Even though he doesn't want to be a courier or anything the delivery driver for those import warehouses is a pretty cruisey job and he wont be paying for fuel or vehicle running costs which can be a bit of a drain on the hourly wage.

    does he have a forklift licence or is he willing to get one?

    • leeboy168 on 26/01/2017 - 09:29

      wow never thought of that…thanks I'll pass this on!

  • JimmyF on 24/01/2017 - 18:13
    -3

    Have you asked him what he wants to do? You have listed lots of things he doesn't want to do……. Might be easier to just ASK him.

    • JimmyF on 24/01/2017 - 19:10
      -1

      yeah thats right people, vote me down for applying logic! Its so much easier to ask random strangers on the internet what your dad might like to do, because of course they'll know… GASP rather than talking.

      • Hirolol on 25/01/2017 - 09:16
        +1

        Where is logic when deciding whether upvotes/downvotes mean anything IRL?

  • HeWhoKnows on 24/01/2017 - 18:23
    -2

    How about working in a Chinese restaurant?

    • leeboy168 on 26/01/2017 - 09:30
      -1

      yeah i'll mention this to him too - but as the boss of a chinese restaurant, would you rather hire a man in his 50s or an international student in his 20s to do the same job? :p but thanks!

  • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2017 - 18:29
    -1

    baccarat dealer Chinese people love baccarat

    • StewBalls on 24/01/2017 - 19:58
      +7

      Dude's ex-military, he's likely to iron someone out with some bad-ass Wing Chun when they say Hit Me! :P

      • leeboy168 on 26/01/2017 - 09:31
        +1

        hahah, wow never thought of that, thanks guys

  • CFG on 25/01/2017 - 00:54
    -2

    Give stocktaking a go! I signed up when my redundancy was looming and you can pick and choose your shifts. The more shifts you choose, the more shifts you get offered. I've recommended it to my work mates who were in a similar predicament as your dad. If he can add, use a scanner, don't mind climbing and doing repetitive tasks, look out for openings.

  • DiscoJango on 25/01/2017 - 08:55
    +1

    he could apply for a job at myer, seems pretty cruisy. you know the employees exist, you just cant ever seem to find them. you might catch a glimpse of one if your lucky.

    • macrocephalic on 25/01/2017 - 11:48
      +2

      And just as you catch a glimpse of them, they disappear behind one of those mirrored columns - but don't appear on the other side. It's like there's some sort of Harry Potter-esque 9 3/4 department behind the store fixtures.

    • montorola on 25/01/2017 - 14:01

      you know the employees exist, you just cant ever seem to find them. you might catch a glimpse of one if your lucky.

      You make them sound like Pokemon lol

      "Gotta catch em all"

  • syousef on 25/01/2017 - 16:52
    -4

    I hate to be this negative but I think your dad is stuffed.

    The job market is difficult at the moment for people with English skills and years of experience in various jobs. Even if he educates himself now it will take some time to get those skills up. TAFE has become an unaffordable joke, on par with Uni.

    The grunt work type jobs are either gone altogether or belong to the young. No one wants to hire a 55 year old to stack shelves or work in a warehouse with the market flooded - Employers are currently busy trying to underpay or not pay already low paid young staff who have no family commitments or medical issues.

    Companies paid by government are too busy preying on the people they are suppose to be helping to actually help.

    Starting your own business takes years.

  • humdingaling on 25/01/2017 - 17:18
    -3

    mahjong tournaments at the RSL clubs
    though its tough business with so many C9 there though

  • prinsenhof on 25/01/2017 - 18:18
    -2

    Seems like he would have alot of options in the transport industry, but from your comments he's not interested in it anymore. I would start by finding out why he is not interested in it anymore, sometimes it can be the routine of daily life incorrectly attributed to working that causes the unhappiness. A good indicator is when you take extended time off work and your situation/outlook doesnt get any better. To break this, stay in the transport industry but get him more active after work, by joining groups, and asking/tricking him into doing things you know he enjoys. It might take some significant effort from you though.

    His earning power is much greater in what he already knows at this stage. For a change in profession, you need commitment.

  • kendoggs on 25/01/2017 - 21:02
    +1

    If your dad is willing to polish up his English skills and is interested in doing something new, I'd think working in a casino as a dealer would be something to consider.
    I've worked there myself and seen a mix of people working there including a few of those who are 55 year old and up.
    Best of all they hire all year round, and you can apply as many times as you like.

    Pros:

    Reasonable pay (around $26/h)
    Flexibility (easy to swap and pick up shifts)
    Not physically straining
    LOTS of other chinese dealers to talk to
    Quite a social experience
    Somewhat mentally challenging

    Cons:

    Night shift
    Social stigma (might not weigh nicely on their conscience)
    Putting up with horrible customers (rare)

  • WaterDragon on 26/01/2017 - 00:40

    Option 1 : Real Estate Agent, mainly focusing Chinese buyers. May require some studying to get a license.

    Option 2 : Tour Guide for Chinese tourists.

    Option 3 : Shop keeper/assistance for Chinese grocery store or bakery store.

    Hope this helps !!

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