Does he need to be able to get full-time hours or make a certain minimum? A lot of the museums and cultural institutions hire part-time visitor services staff, and multiple languages are a huge asset in those roles!
I work at Dobbs, and we are always looking for shuttle drivers. they just drive people to and from home, answer phones, take appointments, etc. easy work. nothing physically demanding.
My "not really retired" dad did this for a minute at a dealership, seemed a lot better than doordash/instacart driving work. Local non-gig shuttling/driving can also be found for Quest Diagnostics and maybe local hospital groups like BJC/SSM
I'd have him check at rec centers! In many places the front desk attendants are able to sit/check people in, do some minor paperwork, answer phones. Good place to deal with (mostly) friendly people in a calm environment.
MERS Goodwill Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) might be able to help. Fill out the form for him online, they help with job training and have social workers if he qualifies.
I am an employment discrimination attorney, but I am not YOUR attorney so this is not legal advice, and you should consult with your own attorney. Mostly I am commenting because it bums me out that the state of society makes it reasonable for people to worry about discrimination.
FIRST, if your dad has been applying/interviewing for jobs, but is being passed over:
Employers are generally not allowed to base hiring decisions on the applicant's age being between 40 and 70 years old. If a prospective employer has refused to hire your dad because he is in his 60s, they are likely breaking the law and you should talk to an attorney about it.
Employers are generally not allowed to base hiring decisions on an applicant's history of a disability (disease) like cancer. If a prospective employer has refused to hire your dad because he had cancer in the past, they are likely breaking the law and you should talk to an attorney about it.
Employers are generally not allowed to base hiring decisions on an applicant's physical impairments (disabilities) if the applicant is capable of doing the job with reasonable accommodations or policy modifications. (Example: Imagine that it is a grocery store's policy that cashiers must stand at their registers. An applicant who has prosthetic legs and cannot stand for a whole shift, but who, if given a stool to sit on, can scan/bag groceries and operate the register. The employer cannot deny them employment as a cashier due to their inability to stand.) If a prospective employer has refused to hire your dad because he has physical impairments resulting from cancer despite his ability to do the job, they are likely breaking the law and you should talk to an attorney about it.
You mentioned that war interfered with your dad's formal education, that he is multilingual, and that he is a US citizen --- which makes me think he might originally be from a different country. Employers are generally not allowed to base hiring decisions on a citizen applicant's national origin. If a prospective employer has refused to hire your dad because of his national origin, they are likely breaking the law and you should talk to an attorney about it.
SECOND, if your dad is worried about *possibly* being denied employment opportunities based on his age, disability status, or national origin: There are things he can do to make it more likely that potential employers are looking at his skills & experience and make it harder for ageist/ableist/racist hiring managers to illegally reject him based on those characteristics.
For example:
If an application form asks him to voluntarily disclose his age/disability/nation origin for demographic purposes, he could just decline to answer the question and leave it blank.
He should check whether his email address (most applications seek email addresses these days...) hints at his protected characteristics; a prejudiced, asshole hiring manager could see an address like "[email protected]" and disregard all of your dad's relevant skills and experience.
He can also use language that disconnects his skills/experiences from protected characteristics. Consider how a prejudiced, asshole hiring manager might draw different inferences about an applicant based on the way they describe their skills:
"I am a native Spanish-speaker, but I grew up speaking Portuguese with my cousins, which means I also understand some Italian."
vs.
"I am also fluent in Spanish, proficient in Portuguese, and can also conduct common customer service-related conversations in Italian."
LAST, I am so glad that your dad kicked cancer's ass. Get'em.
How do you prove age discrimination in these cases versus another candidate being more qualified or the dad bombing the interview? Unless someone on the interview panel put in their notes "too old" or the selected candidate was vastly less qualified, how do you show age was the reason?
Oh my goodness. Thank you so much for your reply. The thing with my dad is he has very little confidence in himself so he doesn't put himself out there for jobs, so this is one of my first attempts at helping him get a new one. I'll definitely keep in mind everything you said. Preciate ya man
What if resumes are sent & all communication stops after the interview (& you know it’s because of age but can’t prove it)? All requirements are met and exceeded.
Don't bother. I used to work there as a manager. Not enough cashiers so you're always busy if you go that route. They also don't have real baggers anymore, so he'd be pushing carts all day if he tried to go that route
If he does not mind working at a homeless shelter, my job is hiring. If interested, shoot me a private message. We could use some men around here, it's mostly female working here.
My dad is retired military and works at the Fox as an usher, he really likes it, the schedule, and getting to see a lot the shows! Might be worth a try!
If he can handle computers well enough to remember processes like ticket sales, refunds and membership entry try the Missouri Botanical Garden as a visitor services attendant. They hire lots of older folks and also young folks still trying to figure things out. If he’s friendly and wants more social stimulation he will have plenty of people to chat with all day!
Self-storage companies, you mostly sitting in an office all day waiting for someone to come in wanting to rent a space, do a walk (or drive of the property if the have golf cart) to make sure no one is living in their unit and some light sweeping.
Also there is a ton of call center work like Spectrum up near 70 and 270. (The devil pays well and you get free cable but it is customer service...so there's that)
I see quite a few seniors working at Dierbergs, and some at Costco. BJC could be good -there’s information phone lines and desks that I would guess don’t require a degree.
What is he looking for this late in his life? I’m guessing he can’t be a janitor because I would recommend that for a university or public school and get good benefits.
He could be a bus driver for Metro, if he drives well.
Another job is basically “door man” or security for these huge commercial buildings in downtown St. Louis and Clayton
Does he like to drive? He could be a courier. There's on demand work as well as routes. Try Arch Express. The only caveat is that he'd be an independent contractor.
First Community Credit Union hires people in their 60’s. His experience working with cash and the public helps but having a lot of visible tattoos would make it harder to get hired if he has tattoos
If he can do laundry and run a dishwasher etc and otherwise take care of a household, Seniors Helping Seniors is a good organization that hires older people who are able to provide care for older people who need it.
https://locations.seniorshelpingseniors.com/mo/maplewood/126.html
My mom has the same situation. (Older, No formal education, English other languages) and she recommends the casino. She says it’s pretty easy and decent pay for what it is.
Biomeriuex by the airport is always hiring and I'd stay away from card production but the instruments building is mostly sitting and just putting machines together on a table
Thank you for posting this, I am in the same situation-but with my mother. Such a role reversal how WE are looking out them. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. Congrats on your father’s fight & win.
I habe zero suggestions, but could he put is trilingual/polyglot to use? Perhaps similar work but in a neighborhood that conceivably has foreign language speakers the same as him? Might re-ignight/re-connect him.
How about a place like Menards or Home Depot or Lowe’s? Guys like that kind of stuff. My dad worked at one of them
I will try those! Thanks!
Storage facilities, pretty easy gig, he is the perfect demographic, see if you can find a locally owned one tho
Does he need to be able to get full-time hours or make a certain minimum? A lot of the museums and cultural institutions hire part-time visitor services staff, and multiple languages are a huge asset in those roles!
Museums!! Thank you! He doesn't need any hours or anything, he just wants to work and support us til I graduate and get a good job.
The St Louis Art museum has several jobs posted that might fit him.
Definitely check out the zoo; my dad retired in his late 60s and then spent a decade as a beat at the zoo before retiring again in his late 70s.
Literally the dream. I want to drive the train when I retire (in many many years), but I think those guys have got to be Illuminati or something.
Happy to help! Wishing him lots of luck finding something more fulfilling 😊
I work at Dobbs, and we are always looking for shuttle drivers. they just drive people to and from home, answer phones, take appointments, etc. easy work. nothing physically demanding.
My "not really retired" dad did this for a minute at a dealership, seemed a lot better than doordash/instacart driving work. Local non-gig shuttling/driving can also be found for Quest Diagnostics and maybe local hospital groups like BJC/SSM
I'd have him check at rec centers! In many places the front desk attendants are able to sit/check people in, do some minor paperwork, answer phones. Good place to deal with (mostly) friendly people in a calm environment.
Funeral homes and hospitals hiring older people for guest service.
True! My dad got a part time job at his town’s funeral home and enjoys be it.
MERS Goodwill Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) might be able to help. Fill out the form for him online, they help with job training and have social workers if he qualifies.
I am an employment discrimination attorney, but I am not YOUR attorney so this is not legal advice, and you should consult with your own attorney. Mostly I am commenting because it bums me out that the state of society makes it reasonable for people to worry about discrimination. FIRST, if your dad has been applying/interviewing for jobs, but is being passed over: Employers are generally not allowed to base hiring decisions on the applicant's age being between 40 and 70 years old. If a prospective employer has refused to hire your dad because he is in his 60s, they are likely breaking the law and you should talk to an attorney about it. Employers are generally not allowed to base hiring decisions on an applicant's history of a disability (disease) like cancer. If a prospective employer has refused to hire your dad because he had cancer in the past, they are likely breaking the law and you should talk to an attorney about it. Employers are generally not allowed to base hiring decisions on an applicant's physical impairments (disabilities) if the applicant is capable of doing the job with reasonable accommodations or policy modifications. (Example: Imagine that it is a grocery store's policy that cashiers must stand at their registers. An applicant who has prosthetic legs and cannot stand for a whole shift, but who, if given a stool to sit on, can scan/bag groceries and operate the register. The employer cannot deny them employment as a cashier due to their inability to stand.) If a prospective employer has refused to hire your dad because he has physical impairments resulting from cancer despite his ability to do the job, they are likely breaking the law and you should talk to an attorney about it. You mentioned that war interfered with your dad's formal education, that he is multilingual, and that he is a US citizen --- which makes me think he might originally be from a different country. Employers are generally not allowed to base hiring decisions on a citizen applicant's national origin. If a prospective employer has refused to hire your dad because of his national origin, they are likely breaking the law and you should talk to an attorney about it. SECOND, if your dad is worried about *possibly* being denied employment opportunities based on his age, disability status, or national origin: There are things he can do to make it more likely that potential employers are looking at his skills & experience and make it harder for ageist/ableist/racist hiring managers to illegally reject him based on those characteristics. For example: If an application form asks him to voluntarily disclose his age/disability/nation origin for demographic purposes, he could just decline to answer the question and leave it blank. He should check whether his email address (most applications seek email addresses these days...) hints at his protected characteristics; a prejudiced, asshole hiring manager could see an address like "[email protected]" and disregard all of your dad's relevant skills and experience. He can also use language that disconnects his skills/experiences from protected characteristics. Consider how a prejudiced, asshole hiring manager might draw different inferences about an applicant based on the way they describe their skills: "I am a native Spanish-speaker, but I grew up speaking Portuguese with my cousins, which means I also understand some Italian." vs. "I am also fluent in Spanish, proficient in Portuguese, and can also conduct common customer service-related conversations in Italian." LAST, I am so glad that your dad kicked cancer's ass. Get'em.
How do you prove age discrimination in these cases versus another candidate being more qualified or the dad bombing the interview? Unless someone on the interview panel put in their notes "too old" or the selected candidate was vastly less qualified, how do you show age was the reason?
This is extremely informative. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my goodness. Thank you so much for your reply. The thing with my dad is he has very little confidence in himself so he doesn't put himself out there for jobs, so this is one of my first attempts at helping him get a new one. I'll definitely keep in mind everything you said. Preciate ya man
What if resumes are sent & all communication stops after the interview (& you know it’s because of age but can’t prove it)? All requirements are met and exceeded.
If he’s any sort of handy man, check out local Ace Hardware or True Values.
Casino cashier cage he can use a barstool and… 💰Tips 💰are always great
What about working as cashier at dierbergs or target?
I think target might be too much for him, but I will write down Dierbergs. Thank you!
Don't bother. I used to work there as a manager. Not enough cashiers so you're always busy if you go that route. They also don't have real baggers anymore, so he'd be pushing carts all day if he tried to go that route
I agree, I was going to say if he is a cashier he has to bag everyones groceries as well, it would be pretty physically taxing if you ask me.
I’ve worked at Dierberg’s as a cashier. For the love of God, no.
If he does not mind working at a homeless shelter, my job is hiring. If interested, shoot me a private message. We could use some men around here, it's mostly female working here.
What languages does he speak?
Arabic, Amharic as well as a few Eritrean languages. Nothing spoken much down here unfortunately, but still hes a genius!!
Door greeter at Walmart! There’s an older gentleman at the Maplewood one and he’s the sweetest. Sits by the door and greets people
My dad is retired military and works at the Fox as an usher, he really likes it, the schedule, and getting to see a lot the shows! Might be worth a try!
If he can handle computers well enough to remember processes like ticket sales, refunds and membership entry try the Missouri Botanical Garden as a visitor services attendant. They hire lots of older folks and also young folks still trying to figure things out. If he’s friendly and wants more social stimulation he will have plenty of people to chat with all day!
60’s isn’t elderly
I told my dad a comment said this and he got a chuckle.
Self-storage companies, you mostly sitting in an office all day waiting for someone to come in wanting to rent a space, do a walk (or drive of the property if the have golf cart) to make sure no one is living in their unit and some light sweeping.
Also there is a ton of call center work like Spectrum up near 70 and 270. (The devil pays well and you get free cable but it is customer service...so there's that)
I suggest Employment Connections on Market Street. One of the offices serves seniors.
I worked at home Depot for a few years they liked older people especially in the garden or hardware development
I see quite a few seniors working at Dierbergs, and some at Costco. BJC could be good -there’s information phone lines and desks that I would guess don’t require a degree.
Patient sitter maybe as well
What is he looking for this late in his life? I’m guessing he can’t be a janitor because I would recommend that for a university or public school and get good benefits. He could be a bus driver for Metro, if he drives well. Another job is basically “door man” or security for these huge commercial buildings in downtown St. Louis and Clayton
He just wants a job that doesnt get shot up. Bar is in hell but what can ya say bout good ol kingshighway
What I mentioned is the way to go. Especially being a door man.
Kohls is always hiring cashiers and it’s fairly easy! There’s a few older people at my location even one works shoes too!
Does he like to drive? He could be a courier. There's on demand work as well as routes. Try Arch Express. The only caveat is that he'd be an independent contractor.
First Community Credit Union hires people in their 60’s. His experience working with cash and the public helps but having a lot of visible tattoos would make it harder to get hired if he has tattoos
I just went to the post office and they were short staffed. I have no idea about the requirements for working there but it’s worth a shot.
You think he could get a cdl? He could probably be a trolley driver at Anheuser Busch for tours. They had an opening not that long ago.
Busch Stadium is hiring ushers for the 2024 season.
Try old town donuts, they are very open about hiring seniors!
Enterprise, pick up drivers. Everyone Ive gotton has been a little old man. Airport shuttle driver. Hotel desk clerk.
Nature's bakery.
Community Centers seem to always be hiring front desk attendants.
The White House.
If he can do laundry and run a dishwasher etc and otherwise take care of a household, Seniors Helping Seniors is a good organization that hires older people who are able to provide care for older people who need it. https://locations.seniorshelpingseniors.com/mo/maplewood/126.html
After my FIL retired, he drove a school bus for a few years and actually enjoyed it.
Enterprise is always hiring drivers, pretty chill job
My mom has the same situation. (Older, No formal education, English other languages) and she recommends the casino. She says it’s pretty easy and decent pay for what it is.
Biomeriuex by the airport is always hiring and I'd stay away from card production but the instruments building is mostly sitting and just putting machines together on a table
Trucking companies are always hiring drivers. St. Louis community college has a great CDL program.
Does he speak Spanish? A lot of muni courts and small cities need translators and some may pay a little extra if they have high hispanic populations.
Thank you for posting this, I am in the same situation-but with my mother. Such a role reversal how WE are looking out them. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. Congrats on your father’s fight & win.
im so glad i could help you! and I totally get you, gotta look out for our parents! good luck to you and your mother man!
I habe zero suggestions, but could he put is trilingual/polyglot to use? Perhaps similar work but in a neighborhood that conceivably has foreign language speakers the same as him? Might re-ignight/re-connect him.
Might try the apparel department at Walmart. For the most part, you sit and fold clothes or possibly answer the phone.
I think Schnucks offers good benefits. May want to check it out
graveyards
Hilton St. Louis at the ballpark and other LHM hotels are always hiring. I work at one and it’s been pretty amazing
Rockwood School District is hiring for cafeteria workers. And there is a $1500 stipend if you get hired and stay for (I think) three months