"There is nothing out there, or they say there is nothing out there," she said, adding that she thinks some potential employers have steered clear because of her age. In the meantime, she has settled for a part-time job working with disabled seniors that she started only yesterday.
Her grown children cannot help out because "they're barely keeping their heads above water." She might reluctantly begin drawing Social Security, even though doing so now would lock in $1,100 monthly payments, a lower amount than if she waits. It would also limit how much she could earn in a new job.
"I've always worked, and I enjoy it," she said, frustration evident in her voice. "As long as I'm healthy and able to contribute and do my fair share, I would want to do it."
Another consequence of longer life spans is that some older people are caring for their even older parents.
Crofton resident George Schulman, 65, was laid off from a call center and says he needs to find a job even though his wife landed a new position as a rehabilitation counselor.
The reason for their squeeze: He and his wife are building an addition for his wife's parents, 89 and 91. "I need to work, for sure," Schulman said.
Jean Siegrist, 66, lost her job with a federal contractor in July. She worked with Medicare providers and set up training programs.
"I've been to every job fair I've known about," she said.
She learned how to apply for federal jobs and brushed up on Microsoft Office and other computer applications. She met with an "extremely helpful" job coach at the county's Eastpoint job center. So far, she has had only two informational interviews.
Meanwhile, her unemployment checks come to less than half her previous salary. And now that she's on Medicare, she had to pay $300 for a 90-day supply of two drugs. Luckily for her, her Perry Hall house is paid off and she has only herself to take care of.
If need be, Siegrist figures, she could move in with her grown children. "I really hate to think about having to do that," she said. "I would not want to be a burden."
Her focus is on the present and boils down to four words: "I need a job."
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