Connecticut

Ageism has always been an issue in the workforce, corporations want younger employees because they think they will bring fresh ideas, and to an extent that is true, older folks tend to stay in their comfort zone and many times are reluctant to embrace new technologies and new ideas. If it works why fix it?

Where employers fail is to value the incredible experience that older folks bring to the table, they know what has worked in the past and what has not, younger employees will make the same mistakes that could have been avoided if an experience person had been on the team.

Anyway, ageism has forced the older generation to go on their own, to start new businesses, and that is what the older generation should embrace, to try new things, it is rejuvenating, don't be afraid to buy courses in places like UDEMY, if you are in technology, they are cheap and can give you the knowledge you need to become competitive by learning new technologies.

Don't loose faith, be adventurous to embrace the new stuff, maybe it is time to make your hobby into a successful business. A friend of mine's hobby was carpentry, he retired and decided to start making furniture to sell it on the week-ends at garage sales from his backyard, the stuff he makes is beautiful so people started noticing, suddenly a commission came around, then more commissions, he now has a woodworking shop and a couple of employees, I don't know how far he is going to take it, but today he is making enough money to enjoy his life while having fun with his hobby.

Don't loose faith friend, reinvent yourself, you can do it, and I bet you can do better than working for someone else. I know the insurance may be a factor, but with a new Democratic president that is going to be solved, have faith and good luck to you.