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I got out of the rat race at the beginning of the year. To make some extra money, I applied to over 30 ads for tax preparers with a resume and a cover letter that described my experience of over 20 years of preparing tax returns for individuals and businesses.

I received two responses with the same reply: "we don't think you'd be a good fit for our firm."

So be it, all's well that ends well. I took a part time job at UPS working in their package sort operations. I'm basically getting paid for working out 4-5 hours five days a week. I've dropped 20 pounds in four months, my BP is ideal (104/64) and I feel great.

I'd venture to say that 90% of these companies that say they can't hired qualified people discriminate against workers over 50. They seem to think that if they hire someone in their 20s, they'll have 'em for decades, though experience says they'll be gone in months.

You nailed it. I'm 50, looking for work again after having to leave my job for health reasons. I've applied for many jobs that I was well-qualified for, even for less pay, and I seldom even get the courtesy of a rejection email.

The USPS emailed me a few hours ago with an offer to be a substitute rural mail carrier...the only offer I've gotten in months. It may be just part-time, but at least I will have the time to go to my local tech school and pick up a certificate or two, perhaps even a two-year degree. Small potatoes? Yes. Do I want a boatload of debt from going after a bigger degree? Nope. Not at age 50.