"Since 2013, when my partner went into care, I’ve been trying to get back into work. But despite a huge amount of effort, that’s been unsuccessful. I’ve applied for board member roles, non-executive director roles, consultancy… but I’ve had no luck.
"I’ve got a great CV and whenever I apply for jobs I show how I meet the person specification. A friend who’s a careers adviser has looked over my CV and applications and said it’s a good CV. Before applying for jobs, I’ve phoned the company and asked if I fit the criteria and they’ve said yes. And yet I’m not even selected for interview.
"I can’t put it down to anything other than age. I’ve racked my brains, I’ve spoken to experts. I’ve requested to be told why I’m not being accepted for roles, but they won’t tell me. When I was working, I saw first-hand the attitude to the older workforce. When I started, older workers were valued, but that all went by the wayside. They’d like to do away with the older workforce and get younger people in. You feel like you’re for the scrapheap.
"It’s very depressing for me. I’ve got unique experience and a unique skillset. I’ve got a good few years left and a lot to offer. I’m passionate about the work I do, and I know I’ve got a lot to bring to an organisation. But I’m constantly being overlooked.
"I’ve tried the local careers service in my area, but it just felt like they were going through the motions. I went to the office a couple of times, but I was just directed to do job search on the computers which I could have done at home. The whole experience was very negative one.
"I don’t want to retire early, but I’m in early retirement by design because no one wants to give me a job. Since coronavirus I’ve eased off from looking for things because I don’t think people will be recruiting. I’ve spoken to people who have said ‘someone will snap you up – it’s just a matter of getting noticed.’ But I can’t seem to get anyone to notice me."