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SUN CITY, Ariz. -- Job hunting hopefuls were lined up around the United Church of Sun City this morning waiting to get into a job fair being hosted by the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center.
More than 250 hopefuls joined Brad Morantz and Margie Cole in their search for employment.
But at this fair 20-somethings need not apply because this opportunity is reserved for those 55 and up. It's an age groups that’s one of the fastest growing labor groups in the United States.
Like many at the fair, Cole is back in the job market after retiring.
“We just feel like we need, my husband and I, need to supplement our pensions,” said Cole.
She’s hoping to find something that will still allow the active 60-something to play tennis, a hobby she loves.
Morantz was laid off in December and says being out of work set back any retirement plans he may have had in mind.
“Now we have the financial hardships and all the other things, I’m not putting away money for retirement, because I’m, we’re, taking money out,” Morantz said.
He says being a mature job hunter isn’t a benefit.
“There is a definite age discrimination and mature people are not preferred, they’re discriminated against,” said Morantz.
But things are different at this job fair. Many of the employers are looking for employees in this exact population.
“We feel that the mature worker is great in our industry, because they’ve experienced a lot of life at this point,” said Crystal Vant Hoff with Adultcare Assistance.
Among the prospective employers were Banner Health, Good Will and several adult home care agencies.
Morantz and Cole didn’t end up with jobs today, but they remain optimistic. Margie says she thinks today’s leads will get her a job.
Morantz is also hopeful.
“When the time is right things will happen and things will work out,” he said.
Two job hunters who aren’t letting the economy keep them down.
