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Hello Mark Freedman! I was listening to the NPR program this morning, tried to call in but was not able to get selected I suppose. I think this topic of older Americans and the workplace is a tremendously important one and this could easily be a weekly radio hour since there is so much to talk about and have listener input and discussion.

I myself represent someone who made a career change about 10 yrs ago, went back to get another masters degree, this one in counselor education. I try to serve individuals, couples, families with low-cost mental health, addictions and career -related counseling in a private practice. Almost aall my clients are uninsured and so my private practice has very uneven income, even at a very modest level. Thus, I started to seek outside employment with non-profit or heathcare agencies and have experienced what I consider substantial age discrimination. Being only a young 56, but having gray hair, and much prior work experience in the high-tech business arena, I am disappointed that would-be agency employers do not see the high value that I offer to their clients. Rather, younger people, who have become managers in these agencies, seem to stereotype people like me and thus hire only younger people like themselves. I think this does great disservice to the clients of many of these agencies who might seek more seasoned, worldly-experienced clinicians. I continue with my private practice but also continue to seek at least part-time positions or contracts but the stereotyping of older, qualified workers by generally younger managers remains a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Not everyone my age is getting ready to retire, but rather we want to work long and dedicatedly to help others. I stand ready to join in a forum to help resolve such issues. I can write a book about my expereinces and observations and suggestions, but first I will need a little income to get to that phase. It seems that many non-profits are hiring from within and moving up the younger folks into management positions rather than looking outside the box and asking just what is the right mix of personnel to provide the services listed in the agency's mission.

But many thanks for your involvement! This topic is sorely needed!

VinPietro
LPC, LMHC, CADC, CGAC, CRC, NCC
MS, MBA, MLS
vinpietro07@yahoo.com

posted 5 years, 1 month ago
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