IN PRAISE OF OLDER WORKERS

Prof Tommy Koh's article in the Straits Times (7 Jan)

Reading Malaysia's DPM's tribute to retired servicemen in The Star (30 Jan) reminds me of an article Singapore's Ambassador-at-Large, Professor Tommy Koh, 74, wrote in the Straits Times recently. In the article, Prof Koh argued the case for paying re-employed older workers a fair salary based on their performance and experience.

The current practice is for companies rehiring workers after they have reached the retirement age of 62 to pay them only a fraction of their last-drawn salary and offer them fewer medical benefits. The CPF contributions from these workers and their employers are also reduced. This makes re-employment unattractive for older workers. When they opt out of the work force, Singapore loses invaluable manpower.

Dr Choo Teck Chuan, 80

These unfair practices, says Prof Koh, is based on the common assumption that when workers reach the retirement age, they are no longer able to perform as efficiently as before. Not true, and to prove his point, he cites three octogenarians who still put in a full day's work six days a week. They are his dentist Dr Choo Teck Chuan, 80, his tailor Mr Edward Kwan, 80, and his optician Mr Leow Hock Chin, 83. "Their eyes are still sharp, and their hands steady," says Prof Koh.


Mr Edward Kwan, 80

"I don't think Dr Choo, Mr Kwan and Mr Leow are unique cases. Singaporeans now live much longer than they did a generation ago. If they are blessed with good health and are of sound mind and body, there is no reason to stop them from working or to downgrade them to a lower job or to reduce their pay and benefits. Given our manpower shortage, we should have a radical rethink about older workers and see them as assets and not liabilities.

Mr Leow Hock Chin, 83

People should be judged on the basis of their ability and performance and not on age. Those who wish to retire and can afford to do so, should, of course, be entitled to do so. But for others, who are fit and wish to continue to work, they should also be entitled to carry on," comments Prof Koh in the article.

Prof Tommy Koh, 74

"Work gives meaning to life. Work gives a person dignity and self-esteem. It is time for a mindset change. It is time to see our older workers in a new light. It is time for Singapore to recognise people like Dr Choo, Mr Kwan and Mr Leow as assets to our nation."

A round of applause to you, Prof Koh, for standing up for older workers. We may be past the retirement age, but life is certainly not slowing down for us, and we are keeping pace with it. The fact that the Singapore government has raised the retirement from 55 to the present 62, with a view to extending it to 67, proves the point that older people can still contribute much to the work force and to the development of the country.

(Except for lead photo, all photos from Straits Times.)

LOOKING FOR WORK AT YOUR AGE? READ THIS FIRST...

Click here to visit the portal.

Let's face it. Age discrimination still exists when it comes to hiring new staff. So whether you are an older worker who has been laid off, a homemaker eager to return to the work force, or a retiree seeking a career change, you might want to read this first before you begin your job search. It may have been a number of years since your last job interview.

Here are some tips on how you can increase your chances of getting job offers.

1. Leverage on your wealth of work experience and achievements. Find out the company's needs, and convince them you can deliver results. But guard against coming across as "over-qualified".
2. Draw attention to your key strengths. Older workers are mature, responsible, loyal, meticulous, trustworthy and reliable. Convince the interviewers that you are the best person for the job, that you can also be a mentor to younger co-workers.
3. Be prepared to accept lower pay, lower position and reduced employee benefits.
4. Exude confidence and enthusiasm, whether it's in the image you project or in the handshake at the job interview. Don't be apologetic about your age.
5. Be current. Find out about the latest developments in the industry that you plan to enter, and some background about the company.
6. Revamp your resume and bring it up to date. Discard old formats of job application letters. Submit a recent and decent photo of yourself. Don't be happy with half measures.
7. Be internet-savvy and computer literate. Know what skills are required for the job and learn them.
8. Be open to receiving constructive criticisms. Acknowledge that you may not always be the Ms Know-All, or Mr Have-Seen-It-All.
9. Learn to listen more and talk less. Older folks have a tendency to go on and on relating their experiences and anecdotes. Guard against this especially at interviews.
10. Don't make assumptions or take anything for granted. Always be on your toes and remain alert. You don't want to be labelled 'clueless', 'slow' or worse, 'senile' 

In the meantime, you might want to start working on your health and fitness. Remember you are competing against younger job-seekers for the same vacancy. If you need an image makeover, go for it. But, ladies, go easy on the make-up and accessories. Less is more when it comes to grooming.

Be pro-active in your job search. If you sit around expecting people to come to you with job offers, you will end up waiting forever. Unless you have already made a name for yourself in your previous career, no head-hunter will come knocking on your door. Cover not only the classifieds in the papers, but more importantly, online job agencies as well.

Join social networking circles. Attend talks, seminars, conferences where you get to meet people who might be able to offer you a job or recommend you to someone who is hiring. Market yourself at every opportunity. To save on costs, seek out free avenues to get your name mentioned or listed, for instance, sign up on Linkedin, write letters to the papers to comment on an issue, or contribute articles to magazines.

Never pass up an opportunity to give a talk or volunteer your service pro bono. One thing may lead to another, and you might get lucky. Make sure you leave your name card if you want to be contactable.

Wear a smile always. It wins you more friends, and removes at least 10 years from your face. When you are ready, commence on your job hunt with a positive frame of mind.

Good luck!