Returning to the office is the worst thing I could do right now. I'm vaccinated and that provides me with some protection but if there are too many unvaccinated people around me who are more likely to catch Delta and spread it further, I'm not safe either. I'm in my 50s and I have several medical conditions that place me among the high-risk group. But my age is the reason why I can't simply say no and quit. I've tried finding a new job, but I've had no luck. Despite my experience, nobody is interested in giving me a chance. Age discrimination is rampant in hiring these days. I have no idea what to do. I know there are many people in my shoes. Something like this could be prevented if the leadership showed some empathy and postponed RTO until the COVID situation settles. I'm not holding my breath, though.
6 replies (most recent on top)
Ditto have your doctor write a letter explaining your medical situation. Special medical accommodations can be made.
How are the unvaccinated people more likely to catch the virus and spread it? The vaccine just prevents somene to have severe symptoms and be hospitalized. So you're saying that the vaccinated need to be protected from the unvaccinated by forcing the unvaccinated to use the protection that didn't protect the vaccinated?
I would recommend filing a medical waiver form and have your primary doctor write a letter stating the risks with you being in the office with Covid peaking right now. I was told that I could potentially get a medical waiver for now due to having children at home too young for the vaccine.
As for the job search, I definitely feel you there because I have had a hard time as well finding a good financial analyst position that is remote and won't result in a big comp cut. We are essentially competing with other applicants nationwide for remote jobs that are in extremely high demand. Even with remote jobs, most companies prefer a candidate who lives in that metro area. There are definitely many more job opportunities in the tech world it seems.
Tell them you feel sick ever time you work near unvaccinated and work from home.
@glb your puerile optimism is refreshing if this were an ideal world. However, nothing is set in stone, especially after 50.
If your skills are up to date and your personality is decent you should have no problems if you're going for realistic positions. Yes, I'm sure some age discrimination happens... but I'm 53, in a similar health boat as you, and yeah, it took me 3 months but I was able to find and land a great job. (Multiple offers around the same time, actually)
As for returning to work amongst the unvaccinated, don't worry, the mandate is being drafted now.