Career Advice

Everyone can use a little expert career advice. To learn more about topics including interviewing to continuing education to becoming a manager, tune in this week to Mega Jobs for a variety of discussions led by experts in the field of work.

Deborah R. Russell is the director for economic security at AARP, an advocacy group for individuals over 50. Among its initiatives are programs that work to help older workers find suitable opportunities in today's workplace, as well as other consumer-related and financial matters.

Deborah developed Best Employers for Workers Over 50 , an annual awards program that identifies employers that offer the best opportunities to aging workers.

Deborah was online to take questions about workplace issues facing older Americans.

The transcript follows below.

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Deborah R. Russell: Hi I'm Deborah Russell, AARP's Director of workforce issues. I'm happy to be here this morning to discuss career options for 50+ job seekers.

AARP has found a major shift is taking place in the U.S. workforce. It is aging rapidly...Our goal is to expand employment opportunities for older workers, helping both workers and employers in the process.

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Jamaica, N.Y.: I am over 50 years of age, and have been out of work for almost three years. I have 25 years of banking experience, which includes 11 years as a supervisor. I have been unable to get a job interview. I have taken computer classes to update my skills, but nothing has been working. The only response I am able to get is you do not have the right kind of work experience. What can I do to get past this roadblock?

Deborah R. Russell: The most important tactic when searching for a job is doing your homework about the company your are interested in. Employers are interested in knowing what value you can bring to their workplace and how your skills match the job. It's not enough to just list the jobs you've had and the titles you've held. They want to know about innovation, creativity, enthusiasm and how you can contribute to their "bottom line." The Careers section of the AARP website has information to help you address this issue and plan for a successful interview.

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Harrisburg, Pa.: Are companies becoming increasingly more flexible with older workers who are dealing with caregiving issues?

Deborah R. Russell: Companies that are smart are realizing that employees who are in caregiving roles affect their bottom line. Billions of dollars are lost each year as a result of lost productivity of staff who are dealing with eldercare issues. When businesses recognize this and provide needed support to their employees, they reap benefits in employee morale and employee retention and most of all increased productivity. Some workplace policies to be considered: flexible work hours, telecommuting, job sharing, flexible leave, enhanced benefit packages to include eldercare services through flexible spending accounts, even on-site eldercare assistance.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: I am a 58 year old case manager for a small non-profit social service agency. I have 23 years experience in this field. I have a degree but no Master's. I am afraid that if funding dries up for my program I'll lose my job. Is it worthwhile, at my age, to go back to school to get my Master's in Social Work? I foresee working until I'm at least 67 years old. Thank you for your insights.

Deborah R. Russell: It's never too late to go back to school. If you feel going back and getting a Master's will give you a competitive edge in your field, by all means, go back to school.

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Cincinnati, Ohio: Since June of 2005, I have been out of work. The company I was with was bought by another company and no longer needed me. I am 54 years old and have been in sales 20 years. I have a college education and years of experience, but I am finding it extremely difficult finding a job. After these months out of work, I have become depressed and feel inadequate in jobs I've tried. Any suggestions?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP has a program that matches individual jobseekers with jobs. The "Featured Employers" program currently matches 23 national employers. You can access this information by going to: www.aarp.org.

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Washington, D.C.: Can you talk about good places in the D.C. area for over 50s to work?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP has a program that recognizes employers for their exemplary policies and practices for 50+ workers. In 2005, we had several winners from the DC area including:

Pepco Holdings, Inc.

Mitretek

The NASD

Loudoun Healthcare

In addition, AARP has a program that matches individual jobseekers with jobs. Our "Featured Employers" program currently has 23 national employers represented. You can access this information by going to: www.aarp.org.

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Boston, Mass.: How common is phased retirement? Do you think it will be routinely offered in the future as a benefit?

Deborah R. Russell: This phenomenon has not yet been extensively studied, but AARP's research shows that phased retirement may become increasingly common and important as the workforce continues to age. Some employees are able to adjust their full-time work schedules in some way in order to "phase down" as they approach retirement, but the number is relatively small. In addition, there are regulatory restrictions that make it difficult for employers to hire back retired workers into a phased retirement arrangement. As a result, these regulations are being reviewed by the federal government and we hope to see some changes this year that will alleviate this challenge.

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Takoma Park, Md.: I am almost 57 years old, single and have worked for the same company for eleven years. I would love to retire before I turn 65. I have a 401(k), IRA and enough money for living expenses if I retire early. However, the barrier is health insurance. My employer does not provide any kind of health insurance for retirees, so I'd be on my own until Medicare kicks in at 65. I also have a chronic medical condition. My medical problems are under control, so I am healthy, but my medical expenses are very high. Any advice?

Deborah R. Russell: With the high cost of health care today, it could very well drain your savings. Since your employer does not offer retiree medical and you can't collect Medicare until the age of 65, you might want to consider delaying your retirement until 65. Maybe going work part-time is an option. Make sure you can still retain your healthcare benefits.

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Denver, Colo.: How to answer the question: "How long do you plan to work?" I never had this question until I passed the age of 60. Some replies have been "I will never retire," "I will always work" and proposed answer for the next joker who asks is: "Until I get those magic six numbers in the lottery."

Any advice on this?

Deborah R. Russell: How long you plan on working is a personal choice however, if you've had a history of this question being asked, you might want to consider the following answer:

"I plan on working as long as I feel I can make a contribution in the workplace."

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Chicago, Ill.: Boomers are individualistic and entrepreneurial. Are there realistic opportunities for those who want to be self-employed in their retirement years?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP's research shows that while self-employment is generally on the wane, the rate of self-employment is consistently higher among older adults. In 2002, 5.6 million workers over the age of 50 were self-employed, making up 40 percent of the self-employed population. The boomer generation is used to tackling new challenges and succeeding. We can expect that number to spike in the future, especially as the boomers reach retirement age.

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Long Beach, Calif.: I will have to work into my 60s. Is there a way I can ease into retirement?

Deborah R. Russell: There are no guarantees, but a Cornell University study showed that nearly three quarters of employers would consider allowing workers to scale back their hours en route to retirement. Workers should discuss the possibilities for phased retirement with their supervisors or human resources department. However, it is important for employees to keep in mind any consequences for their pension benefits or health care coverage.

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Vienna, Va.: Which work fields will offer the best opportunities? Is it realistic for baby boomers to look for physically demanding work?

Deborah R. Russell: Health care, education, energy are among the fields already in need. Given the pending retirements among federal employees, the federal government also offers opportunities If individual workers are fit and capable, they should be able to handle demanding jobs. But the fact is that the percentage of physically-demanding jobs has declined dramatically, and we are well into the knowledge economy.

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Austin, Texas: Are older workers at a disadvantage compared to other workers who have grown up in the age of technology and computers?

Deborah R. Russell: Employers sometimes have real concerns about the technological competence of older workers and their ability to learn new skills. Older workers often are not given access to training, even though they want that training. And the evidence strongly indicates that older workers do have the ability to learn new technology well into their retirement years. Research also shows that older workers are increasingly technologically savvy.

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Pasco, Ill.: Boomers are just reaching 60 now, providing a potentially huge pool of older workers. Do many of these workers expect to work beyond retirement?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP surveys show that 80 percent of boomers do plan to work into retirement, and many say that they do not want to stop working at all. Boomers are expecting to remain productive and engaged later in life. They say that they plan to continue to work in part for interest and enjoyment sake, but also for the needed income that employment provides.

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Falls Church, Va.: I consider myself to be very fortunate. I am 57 and seem to be outpacing those much younger than I in the IT field. I hold security clearances that are extraordinarily difficult to come by and I suppose that has a lot to do with it. It's difficult to replace cleared, skilled workers. I have heard horror stories of over 50 crowd being replaced by younger, less expensive people. Is the cleared IT field immune to this? I see people in my workplace who are working into their early 70s with no one batting an eyelash. As long as you are productive and able to meet the job requirements you are encouraged to remain on the job and in fact can quite easily still change companies.

Deborah R. Russell: Security clearances are a valuable asset, and some employers value the ability and experience of older workers. You are fortunate to work for an employer who recognizes the value of older workers.

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Vista, Calif.: What are some of the main reasons employers' representatives discriminate against older Americans?

Deborah R. Russell: Prejudices based on unfounded, sometime entrenched stereotypes about older workers.

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Everett, Wash. : I have just been released from a job and feel age had something to do with it. Who can I contact concerning this. I am 57 years old.

Deborah R. Russell: You can contact the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or your state fair employment practices agency. Such an agency is often called the Human Rights Commission. When you do contact them, please be prepared to provide all the reasons why you believe you have been discriminated against.

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Washington, D.C. : How does one know when they have been victimized by age discrimination when you do on-line applications? I believe your credentials are all well and good, but the fact of the matter is I am 54 with a master's degree and considerable work experience. None of the online companies, like Monster etc don't call me. My daughter who is 37 on the other hand is getting calls for interviews left and right. I feel very victimized right now.

Deborah R. Russell: While age discrimination is a possible explanation for your experience, the reasons for your getting no response are unfortunately almost impossible to determine without knowing many more facts. Review your resume to ensure it reflect the skills that you bring to a potential employer. Practice interviewing with someone, have them pose difficult questions to prepare you for the actual interview. For more assistance, go to the AARP website at: www.aarp.org/careers.

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Northport, Ala. : Is the comments, made during a job interview, that the candidate is "showing his/her age" and "When someone is showing his/her age, one can't help but wonder just how productive he/she can be" legitimate, and legal, concern for an employer, or is it simply age discrimination?

Deborah R. Russell: While attributes such as ability, education and experience are always legitimate considerations, age never is. The comments you mention may indicate entrenched age bias on the part of employer or simply an insensitive interviewer.

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Hollywood, Fla.: I am trying to return to the world of employment after a five+ year hiatus due to health problems and taking are of my now deceased parents. I have a professional degree and 20 years experience but my resume does not reflect the years of absence. Since I have had no luck in finding employment in my field, I am trying other avenues. I was considering taking a very low-paying job for which I was overqualified. Although they seemed very interested in hiring me, they did not even have the courtesy of a return phone call or letter informing me of their decision. I am looking for some advice about how to handle my situation. I am losing self-confidence and wondering if I am doing something wrong.

Deborah R. Russell: Gone are the days where an employee is willing to dedicate their career to one employer. Therefore, your gap in employment should not pose a problem. As you have indicated, the last job you considered, you felt you were overqualified for the job. Perhaps that was the concern on the part of the hiring manager. With your qualifications, perhaps they were concerned that you would leave the first chance a better opportunity presented itself. If this scenario is happening on a frequent basis, you might want to consider addressing the issue during the interview. Let them know that you are aware of what the job pays but that you're committed to the goals of the company/organization and describe what you can offer by way of your skills and experience.

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Anonymous: I have a comment: I'm 50 years of age and have had a difficult time getting employment. I'm an AARP member. If possible could someone please assist me and let me know what I may be doing wrong? I have some computer and retail skills but prefer a management position. I have skills as a receptionist and a clerk, but have limited funds to look for work.

Deborah R. Russell: Moving into a management position requires experience. It appears that your experience has been limited to administrative and clerical types of jobs. I would review the kinds of management positions you're looking for. Do you have the skills to match what they're looking for? If not, you may consider enrolling in courses to gain that experience. For immediate job search assistance AARP established the Featured Employers program. This program matches jobseekers with available jobs through an arrangement we have with national employers. We currently have 23 employers listed as a Featured Employer. For more information, please go to: http://www.aarp.org/money/careers/findingajob/featuredemployers/info.html.

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Fredericksburg, Va. : I'm 55 year old nurse who wants to retire, but still work part-time.  What do you recommend as a new career change, utilizing the nursing experience I now have? Thank you.

Deborah R. Russell: The health care industry is in dire need of experienced nurses. AARP hosts an annual awards program that honors companies with exemplary policies and practices for the 50+ workforce. Over the past five years, the healthcare industry has dominated the list. What we have found is that innovation in flexible work opportunities are being led by healthcare. It's worth having a conversation with your employer to see what flexible work arrangements they're willing to make for you. In addition, ask them about phased retirement. This allows you to gradually retire, working in a part-time environment. Assuming they offer such a program, make sure you know the conditions of the program. If you're thinking longer term employment, phased retirement might not work for you.

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Hyattsville, Md.: Hi Deborah, Yikes! At 54, female and divorced, I have just finished a Master's in Business Communication/Leadership and Influence and have no clue about anything other than the fact that my student loan repayments start in six months -- yikes again! I have a small pension, but not nearly enough to keep me in the black for very much longer. I would love to have a job making at least $30-$40,000 annually but I'm lost without experience. Every job I've applied for requires it and I am becoming negatively pessimistic about my future and wondering if my education was a waste of time, effort and money. I deeply desire doing something beneficial to help underprivileged children. My dream is starting a nonprofit to house, nurture and strengthen poor children who've been discarded by society.

Deborah R. Russell: Pursuing an education is never a waste of time. Clearly you have goals regarding the kind of employment you desire and how much you want to make doing it. There are many nonprofit organizations focused on disadvantaged youths, that's one place to start. Perhaps there's an opportunity to volunteer with one of the organizations so you can get to know how it works, the kinds of positions that are available, what skills are required, etc. Clearly, this isn't going to pay the bills which means you may have to take another kind of job to help pay the bills that is within your current skill-set. Don't lose focus on your ultimate goal however, it's just going to take a bit of time for you to gain that experience. Another route would be to set up an informational interview with key influencers within the organization. They can give you guidance both in terms of the skills you need as well as how to start your own nonprofit.

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Auburn, Va.: What suggestions would you offer a female wishing to obtain a college/university professorship? Approaching age 60, with limited teaching experience but a recently conferred a doctorate, how may I best package and market myself?

Deborah R. Russell: What skills and experience are needed to obtain a college/university professorship? Do you currently possess those skills? If not, what kind of training is needed to gain those skills? Regardless of the type of employment you seek, having the needed skills and experience is what employers are looking for. Perhaps the first step is to look at community colleges which may be more open to hiring a less experienced teacher. Another route is to conduct an informational interview with a professor currently on staff at a college or university that might give you some guidance around meeting your goals.

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Falls Church, Va. : I had run my own business from 1993 to 2003 when I had to liquidate it due to overwhelming competition. Since then I have had four jobs that were not a good fit for me and I am presently unemployed. How do I make sure the next one will be a good fit? I do not have the resources to open a business at the moment.

Deborah R. Russell: Assessing your personal values and skills in advance is key to identifying employment that fits you and who you are. There are many good online tools, please visit Monster.com to begin your assessment. Once you've identified what you value in a job, identifying the right fit will be easier.

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Gaithersburg, Md. : Please discuss the whole issue of part-time work for older employees. My co-workers and I -- and we are AARP-eligible -- prefer to work part-time. (We need time to go to doctors and dentists, do errands and perhaps take care of a spouse, who may need some help.)

Deborah R. Russell: AARP research shows that many 50+ workers are seeking part-time employment opportunities. However, they seek these opportunities with benefits which many part-time jobs do not offer. As part of AARP's education strategy to inform employers about the needs of 50+ workers, we discuss the need to provide good benefits even to part-time workers. Home Depot for example, recently added benefits for their part-time employees.

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Washington, D.C. : What policy changes at the federal level would encourage older adults to work longer?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP research has found that many boomers intend to work past traditional retirement age. However, they are seeking more flexibility in how they do their work. Phased retirement is one area of interest. This allows a pre-retiree to gradually exit the workplace in a part-time arrangement. Employers face challenges, particularly with retired workers seeking to re-enter the workplace in accommodating their ability to draw a pension as well as a paycheck. The IRS issued proposed regulations that would alleviate this issue for employers.

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Laurel, Md. : I am 55 and looking to change careers to something with less stress. What is the best resource to determine what I am qualified for?

Deborah R. Russell: There are many good assessment tools available for you to determine what skills you currently possess that might translate into new career opportunities. More importantly, what kind of job are you looking for? What do you like to do? These are important questions to consider when identifying new career options. AARP has partnered with Monster.com who has an assessment tool that that should be useful in meeting your needs.

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Arlington, Va.: AARP is always beating the drums for older workers because they are your members, but why would employers want to hire them?

Deborah R. Russell: Older workers are a solid investment for employers. Studies -- including AARP's new "Business Case for Workers Age 50+" report -- show that older workers are productive and in many instances, more engaged in their work and the success of the company than their younger counterparts. Our research with the global professional service firm Towers Perrin shows that it is a myth that older workers just "check out" as they get older and near retirement.

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Washington, D.C.: How can a 50+ worker compete for a new job? How do they go back to selling themselves?

Deborah R. Russell: The most important tactic when searching for a job is doing your homework about the company you are interested in. Employers are interested in knowing what value you can bring to their workplace and how your skills match the job. It's not enough to just list the jobs you've had and the titles you've held. They want to know about innovation, creativity, enthusiasm and how you can contribute to their "bottom line." The Careers section of the AARP website has information to help you address this issue and plan for a successful interview.

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Rockville, Md.: Where does a 50+ worker who wants to change careers, is displaced or wants to reduce their work hours, start the search for a new job? Can AARP help?

Deborah R. Russell: Searching for jobs using the internet is becoming more commonplace. Get comfortable with searching for jobs using this method. AARP has online resources for the 50+ jobseeker that includes job search, resume writing and interviewing techniques and practices. You can access this information by going to: http://www.aarp.org/careers In addition, AARP has partnered with Monster.com, so job seekers can get direct access to Monster job search tools through AARP's job site, plus Monster's site has additional information on interviewing and resume writing.

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New York, N.Y.: I just turned 65, and have not yet elected to receive Social Security (OASDI), since, to receive the highest amount, I would have to be 65 and seven months. I am about to take on a full-time job (for which I will get a W-2, instead of 1099s, which I have been receiving for consulting work). I have heard that I may hold down a full-time job and receive OASDI checks, with no money withheld from my OASDI checks (I understand that working people under 65 receiving Social Security checks may earn $12K, but after that, one of every two dollars earned is deducted).

The reason I have elected not to receive OASDI yet, is that I wish to contribute to it, so that the monthly payout -- when I do get it -- will be higher. My question is this: Now that I am returning to work, and am 65, may I receive my OASDI check and contribute 7.65% of my salary to Social Security? Will my employer also contribute its 7.65% on my behalf?

Thank you for answering this.

Deborah R. Russell: Thank you for asking. Yes, you can receive Social Security benefits while you are working. Both you and your employer will be required to pay the payroll tax that supports both Social Security and Medicare (of the 7.65% payroll tax that each pays, 6.2% is for Social Security and 1.45% is for Medicare). There is a higher limit on earnings before your benefits will be reduced during the year that you reach normal retirement age (in your case, 65 years and eight months if you were born in 1941). This year that limit is $33,240, or $2,770 per month.

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Sarasota, Fla.: With more Baby Boomers wanting to retire early, what do you think that will do to the prospects of new job possibilities that allow for more work and life balance for these folks still wanting to stay involved on a less than full time work schedule?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP studies of the boomer population has found quite the opposite. In a recent study 69% of boomers indicated they plan to work past traditional retirement age. In addition, we've learned from our Best Employers for Workers Over 50 program that more employers are offering programs that meet the needs of this demographic such as caregiving, flexible work opportunities and phased retirement.

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Sarasota, Fla.: which industries are the best right now for older workers?

Deborah R. Russell: There are many industries that are good for older workers. AARP's Best Employers program recognizes companies for their good policies and practices for 50+ workers. Healthcare and Retail are two areas worth exploring.

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Landover, Md.: As a general rule, do older workers cost firms more in health care and other benefits than younger workers?

Deborah R. Russell: The new AARP/Towers Perrin report, "The Business Case for Workers Age 50+", showed that the extra per-employee cost of retention and attraction of 50+ workers ranges from negligible to three percent or less in key industries. In addition, the human resources community is beginning to examine other mitigating circumstances that have an impact on the rising cost of health care including, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Many of these symptoms are not associated with age but behavior and lifestyle. Employers are beginning to adopt programs that encourage healthy behaviors to address these concerns. Research also shows that worker motivation is highly correlated with engagement, and that both engagement and motivation increase with age. And there is a strong relationship between employee engagement and financial performance, showing that companies with higher levels of employee engagement tend to outperform those with lower levels of engagement. Also on a dollar and cents basis, any extra per-employee cost for health care is offset by the turnover and training-related costs of replacing veteran employees.

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Arlington, Va.: I had the opportunity to serve as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging in December. For the first time, the Conference (held about every 10 years) paid serious attention to the aging workforce. One of the items to receive some attention was Senator Herb Kohl's Older Worker Opportunity Act that provides tax credits to business, extends COBRA coverage for older workers, provides a tax credit for eldercare and provides older workers greater access to employment and training services. Is AARP taking a strong position in support of this and other legislation to support business and older workers?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP agrees with the idea of a comprehensive approach to encouraging employers to hire older workers. There are many avenues for doing this and Senator Kohl has some good ideas.

His bill includes creating a Federal interagency task force on older workers which we think is a good idea.

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Kittery, Maine: Older women seem to be more at risk for needing supplemental retirement income; however, they are often the ones that stayed home to raise children and such. How would you counsel this group to begin the job search?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP understands the difficulty older women face in retirement and their need for adequate income because they live longer.

AARP has a wealth of information regarding re-entering the job market. We have several programs that might be of assistance:

1) AARP's Featured Employers program that connects individual jobseekers with jobs. Go to: www.aarp.org/featuredemployers

2) AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) however this is a program for low income individuals.

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New York, N.Y.: I'm 65 and still working. I have an "S" corporation that grosses about $230,000.00 a year. My wife works and earns about $140,000.00 a year. Our gross income after my expenses will be around $300,000.00 for the year 2006. I'll be eligible for Social Security in July. Should I start drawing social security this year? If I do draw from social security, is there any sense to pay payroll taxes? (As an owner of an "S" corporation I can determine the level of my salary vs. my K1 profits)

Deborah R. Russell: As long as you continue in the workforce, you must pay payroll taxes.

If you collect Social Security benefits, they could be taxable because of your current income. However, it is possible for people over the age of 65 to continue to work and collect Social Security benefits. Rules may be different for the "S" corporation and you should contact the Social Security office because you may be considered self-employed.

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Fairfax, Va.: I am so amazed these days how little the younger workforce knows in terms of problem solving or alternate solutions. I am a fifty-year-old who does not understand how people, when confronted with a problem or challenge, simply do not have the creativity or capacity to come up with an alternative solution. An example might be that a printer quits working and a woker cannot get a report done. He or she does not think about putting the document on the server and go to another computer and print it there or e-mail to a co-worker and have them print the document, then address the printer not working after the dead line. Yesterday I replaced all the seats and washers in my bath tub facet and my 20-year-old asked me how did I knew how to make the repair. I simply told him I took my time, evaluated how the parts were assembled then replaced the worn out parts. He was amazed and I saved $250. Moreover, I am always amazed when I talk to my teenage boy's friends, both boys and girls, how little they know in terms of checking their oil, other fluids, tire pressure or changing a flat tire, etc. My point, you will more than likely find more 50-plus-year-olds out there more skilled in providing solutions and alternatives to daily problems then their younger counterparts and yet they are looked at by personnel departments as having no value. I apologize for the lengthy response. Thank you.

Deborah R. Russell: AARP recently published a report that looked at the business case for 50+ workers. Some interesting findings include the fact that older workers are more engaged as they approach retirement. We encourage employers to examine age diversity in the workplace and seek ways to educate managers about balancing multiple generations in the workplace.

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Sarasota, Fla:  What can older workers themselves do to be sure they don't fall victim to ageism in the work place?

Deborah R. Russell: We encourage 50+ workers to keep their skills up to date and make sure they remain relevant in the workplace. You can accomplish this by taking advantage of any training opportunities your employer offers.

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Windsor, Conn.: I work for a temporary agency. Twice, during interviews for temporary positions the agency has sent me to, I have been told to fill out a form so they can do a background check. The form includes my social security number and date of birth. After completing the form, I did not get the temporary position. Is this practice widespread? Is it a way to screen candidates' age? How should I respond?

Deborah R. Russell: While background checks are standard practice, you should be concerned about potential age discrimination and the frustration of not getting temporary positions.

Unfortunately there's no way of knowing if that information influenced their hiring decision.

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Stevensville, Md.: In spite of a degree from a top five law school and stellar work experience, I found myself at 55 a general counsel of a corporation going out of business. I've done contract attorney work, making a decent living, but can't find work in the permanent job market. My friends are retiring, hence they are not good for job leads, and we seem not to need experienced workers -- even in law. What to do?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP continues to be committed to advocating for 50+ workers' ability to continue to work for as long as they wish. Many of our programs look for ways to connect employers with 50+ jobseekers. For information related to resumes, interviewing skills, please go to our Careers web site at: www.aarp.org/careers.

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Foggy Bottom, D.C.: I'm interested in proposing to my employer that I remain as a part-timer after I retire. I need to know how much I can earn before losing Social Security benefits.

Deborah R. Russell: It depends on your age. If you are under 65 there is an annual limit of around $13,000 (check with SSA).

If you exceed that limit you would lose $1 in Social Security benefits for every $2 of extra earnings.

There's a different rule that applies when you turn 65 but have not reached the age for collecting unreduced benefits. This limit is much more generous and benefits are reduced $1 for every $3 of extra earnings.

AARP fought hard and Congress adopted a provision that allows you to earn as much as you want once you've reached the age for collecting unreduced Social Security benefits.

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Somersworth, N.H.: Thanks for all the great information, Deborah! Is AARP partnering with the others, like the US Chamber of Commerce, to get the word out to businesses and employers about the aging of the workforce, and also what these "seasoned workers" can offer?

Deborah R. Russell: Yes! AARP has many partnerships with organizations to champion the contributions of 50+ workers in the workplace. AARP established the Best Employers for Workers Over 50 program that honors companies annually with exemplary policies and practices for 50+ workers. In addition, we have a program that connects individual jobseekers with jobs. Our Featured Employers program currently partners with 23 national employers. For more information regarding work AARP is doing related to the 50+ workforce, go to: www.aarp.org

We are also working to educate policymakers about the importance of adopting incentives that will make older workers even more attractive than they are today.

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Washington, D.C.: I work in my company's human resources department; how can I get a copy of the AARP/Towers report you mentioned?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP recently released a study that looked at the business case for 50+ workers. You can access a copy of the study by going to www.aarp.org. Type "Towers Perrin" in the search engine.

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Arlington, Va.:  The Towers Perrin study on the Business Case for Workers Age 50+ was an excellent start to research on the true relative cost of older workers. Is AARP planning to sponsor more research to include the medium and small companies, which is where most jobs are and where the issues are going to be more complex?

Deborah R. Russell: Yes, AARP continues to conduct research that addresses the needs of all employers, including the medium and small ones.

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Sarasota, Fla.: The question from Windsor, Conn. raises a question in my mind: what kind of legal protection do we as older workers have from discrimination based on age?

Deborah R. Russell: You can contact the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or your state fair employment practices agency. Such an agency is often called the Human Rights Commission. When you do contact them, please be prepared to provide all the reasons why you believe you have been discriminated against.

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New York, N.Y.: Hi Deborah, I am the 65-year-old who will be returning to full-time employment and had the question about receiving Social Security (OASDI) benefits while working. Thank you for answering my question (above).

I understand (from your response) that the first $33,240 I earn at my job would be exempt from any reduction of Social Security benefits. Is that correct? Since I will be earning more than that amount, I would like to find a table of limits on earnings, amount of reduction of benefits, etc., so that I can judge whether to apply for my OASDI benefits this year or wait till 2007? I have not seen such a table on the Social Security Website.

Deborah R. Russell: You will have to estimate what your earnings will be and how much they will exceed the limit. If they exceed the limit by substantial amounts, it could wipe out all of your Social Security. However, if you don't collect Social Security, your benefits are increased somewhat since you will have delayed receiving them.

Also, remember that if you collect Social Security benefits and you exceed certain thresholds, your benefits will be subject to Federal income tax.

There is no simple table that lays this out for you.

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College Park, Md.: We all know that age discrimination is rampant in this country. It's difficult to accept and more difficult to change. What is AARP doing to change the attitude of the country toward aging and the obstacles that have brought many of us to the brink of financial collapse because of circumstances beyond our control? What about awareness campaigns? AARP tends to talk about us as a society apart from the mainstream.

Deborah R. Russell: AARP is aware of the impact of an aging society in all areas. We're working in a variety of ways, campaigns, educational efforts, coalitions, partnerships with employers to promote a positive image of aging and the benefits an aging society has for all of us.

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Jamaica, N.Y.: What are the best companies to work for in the New York City area? How do I prepare for a job interview when an agency deals with the company?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP has two programs you might refer to. AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 honors companies with exemplary policies and practices for 50+ workers. In addition, we have a program that connects individual jobseekers with jobs. You can get additional information about both of these programs by going to: www.aarp.org/bestemployers and www.aarp.org/featuredemployers.

You can also go to our Careers web site to get information and guidance around interviewing skills by going to: www.aarp.org/careers

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Sarasota, Fla.: Does AARP have a job posting site or message boards or some place for older workers to go when they are looking for a job?

Deborah R. Russell: Yes. You can find information about job search by going to: www.aarp.org/featuredemployers.

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Potomac, Md.: AARP advocates for people who choose to work into their 80s, but what about those of us who must work into their 80s? What is AARP suggesting for us?

Deborah R. Russell: In recent studies, we have found that more and more older workers plan to work past traditional retirement age. The top two reasons included access to health insurance and the need for income. We recognize that many older Americans will have to work and that many have not adequately saved for retirement. A good retirement plan that includes saving and investing for the future is a good start (if you haven't already done so).

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Alexandria, Va.: I retired from the Federal Government at 55, with 32 years of service, under the old Civil Service Retirement System, so I have a decent income. However, I'd like an interesting part-time job to bring in a little income and give my life some structure. I've figured out that if I'm paid $8/hour for an eight hour day, after taxes and social security (which as a retired federal worker I'll never see), I would clear maybe $50/day, which just isn't worth it. Do you have tips for finding higher-paying part-time jobs?

Deborah R. Russell: One avenue to explore is through AARP's Featured Employers program. This program was established to connect individual jobseekers with jobs. Many of the employers represented offer part-time job opportunities. For more information, go to: www.aarp.org/featuredemployers

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Columbia, Md.: Recruiters say I am perfect for a job. Though, once my application is forwarded to a prospective employer, I do not get a return call. If this is age discrimination, can anything be done about it?

Deborah R. Russell: AARP has a wealth of information regarding successful resumes and interviewing techniques. Perhaps you should evaluate these two areas.

However, if you feel you've been discriminated based on age you can contact the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or your Human Rights Commission.

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Deborah R. Russell: Thank you all for your great questions. I wish I could have gotten to all of them.

The workforce is aging and attitudes are changing. Today's workers reaching age 50 say they will likely work into their retirement years, and many employers are taking new approaches to recruiting and retaining these valued workers. AARP will continue to work to expand employment opportunities for older workers by honoring Best Employers for Workers Over 50 and collaborating with our Featured Employers, and advocating for the qualities and benefits that workers tell us they want in a job. I encourage you to take advantage of information on AARP's website about all these endeavors. Go to: www.aarp.org/research/work/employment/workers_fifty_plus.html as well as our Careers site at www.aarp.org/careers

Thanks again. Have a great day.

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