My sister in law just called; her husband was laid off yesterday. He is in his late 50's, and has spent his entire career as a Service Technician with the phone company. He has a HS diploma but no college credits. He's a great people person and loves golf. Any idea of how any of those skills might transfer into another field? I suggested, short term, looking to see whether any schools needed a golf coach-- they're in a part of the country where golf is a year-round sport. Help me think outside the box and come up with other avenues for him to explore.
I think you're on the right track. Could he do some kind of work at a golf course? Even if it was grounds keeping or something. I know it might not be ideal, but what about working for one of the cell phone company's selling them.
I agree with DT. Depending on his skill level, they have "pro golfers" at golf courses. What about another phone or cable company?
How about a sporting goods store like Sports Authority or Dicks. With the holiday season approaching they may be looking for some extra help.
Is there any way that he could look into retraining to work on fiber optic cable? Those people make pretty good money and are in demand. He must be pretty nimble and used to working on all sorts of stuff to have been in the industry that long.
As a SERVIVE TECHNICIAN, he can look into other phone companies or something familiar. Get his resume together and NETWORK! Find out from his friends IF THEY KNOW anyone in another phone company that can hook him up. MOST OF THE TIME, IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW BUT WHO YOU KNOW!!! Good luck, Rebel1
The county parks around here all have golf pros. I wonder if there is anything like that where he lives.
Offer golf lessons at the local driving range if he is an exceptional golfer and knows how to teach. Get a job working in the pro shop at the area golf courses. Offer small workshops teaching his lifelong skill as a Service Technician. Does he have any skill in electrical, plumbing, roofing, or landscaping? Services as a painter, lawn service, or household wall papering. Wish I can think of something brilliant.
My poor mom was in this same position adn I felt terrible for her. She called me one day and said "I know what Iw ant to do! I want to be a school librarian!" It killed me to tell her that you don't need an associates, you don't need a bachelor's, you need a MASTER'S in that state to be a librarian. She just called me crying that she understood why she had to get laid off, but that she just felt like she didn't have any skills or anything to offer. Luckily (?) for her, the senior secretary at her job kind of went off the deep end, and they called mom back in for a job and she actually ended up with a promotion. Not so good for the other secretary... but hey... Before that she was looking into subbing, getting certs to be a para, crossing guard, etc. There are lots of school jobs. Also she was looking into retail. Hope that helps.
My daughter's boyfriend is a golf pro at a local country club. He actually only works part time because he attends classes several days a week. He does make good money for a part time job. I will keep your SIL and husband in my prayers. It is so hard to get laid off at that age.
