I'm 85 and looking for work but no one will hire me. I just need to pay the bills — I'm an old girl, but I'm not a dead girl.

Pat Fagin Scott, 85, has navigated unemployment after decades of well-paying jobs.Alyssa Schukar for BIThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Pat Fagin Scott, an 85-year-old woman who lives in Washington, DC. Despite working in the corporate world and for the US government, she hasn't been able to find a job recently, believing her age has hindered her from landing anywhere. She needs to work to supplement her retirement income. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.I was born and raised in Washington, DC, and attended Howard University. My first job was teaching because I wanted to be an assistant principal.Pat Fagin Scott was a student in 1950 at Richardson Elementary School in Washington, DC.Alyssa Schukar for BII did my practice teaching at a junior high school. It was an awful job, and I needed to get out of there. I got an offer to be a guide at the United Nations, stayed there for 13 years, and became a guide supervisor.I then got jobs in the corporate world, advertising, and the film industry. I worked for Dustin Hoffman, the Urban Institute, and the DC government. Business Insider’s “80 over 80” series draws on interviews with more than 100 people who are part of the growing group working past their 80th birthdays. They discussed their careers, retirement planning, living expenses, healthcare, and life lessons. If you are 80 and older and still work, fill out this form to contribute to the series and read more here:What work looks like in your 80s for half a million Americans81 and working to surviveMeet the 90-somethings with lessons to share on life, work, and moneyHow these 80-somethings are stitching together work, savings, and Social Security to get through the monthThe anti-aging secret these 80-somethings swear by: work In 2017, I retired from the DC Housing Authority after 16 years. I didn't feel that I needed to retire, but I felt pressure to.I'm now struggling to support myself on my retirement income and am looking for more work.I moved to DC after a stint in New YorkI married an actor in New York, which kept me in the city, but my father died in DC, so I came back in 1973. At that point, I was married with a two-year-old, and my marriage was starting to go south.I found a great apartment in Northwest DC for my daughter and me. We lived there until I bought a detached home nearby, and that's where I've been for the last 47 years.It has five bedrooms and three bathrooms, which I don't need. I've been looking for smaller quarters, but most senior places don't have washers and dryers in the units, which is a dealbreaker for me.When you retire, you're often not going to get enough to survive when the cost of living keeps increasing every yearWhen I retired, I was making over $150,000 a year. My family borrowed money from me, but it didn't hurt me.Pat Fagin Scott has always been generous toward her family.Alyssa Schukar for BIerI had a 401(a), a defined-contribution plan, through which the company offered to contribute a percentage of my salary every payday. I also had a 457(b), an educational annuity.I was told that if I didn't contribute to the 401(a), I would still get what the employer contributed. The money, though, was ultimately not mine.Social Security and a pension are not enough to live comfortably onI get $2,500 a month in Social Security and another $2,500 a month from the government, plus a small annuity for essentials. I just took out a reverse mortgage because it's still not enough.Social Security comes on the third Wednesday of the month, and the pension comes at the end of the month. I have to wait for both to pay my bills: gas, electricity, water, groceries, car insurance, car note, and anything else I might deem necessary. My granddaughter racked up $6,000 in speeding tickets that I'm going to pay. I'm trying to set up a payment arrangement for that.Though she gets a decent income each month from Social Security and her pension, money is very tight.Alyssa Schukar for BIThere are so many things going on in my life that it's like a boat that is gathering water. Every time I plug up a hole, another hole comes. I'm sinking, but I'm not sinking fast enough to drown yet.My shopping has been modified tremendously. I buy a lot more vegetables and fruit. I don't eat out unless I'm invited. I don't have to go to the cleaners to get clothes cleaned because I don't go to work.I need a rainy day fund because appliances go bad. I have some plumbing issues that I can't take care of because I don't have the money to pay a plumber. I don't water the grass at all, and I can't afford a new car tire.I've done some volunteer jobs but nothing paid since I retiredI've been job hunting on and off ever since I retired. I've found there's discrimination when you get older — nobody wants to hire you because of your age.I've applied for many jobs through Indeed and LinkedIn, tried connecting with people online, and gotten a few interviews. One time, I interviewed for a university desk job and thought I was really good for that, but I was informed there were other candidates who were more suited for the job. That was one of the first times that I felt my age made a difference.I even applied to join the Army, but I found out there was an age ceiling. My only "work" is volunteering at the Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens in Washington, DC.When people in this world find old people who have the ability to move and are of sound mind and body, it feels like they so badly want to kill you off. Who the hell are you who has survived all these years and still functions like a normal human being? Didn't we tell you to die when you stopped working? If you stopped working in 2017, what are you still doing around in 2025, talking about work?At one point, I stopped applying after not getting any follow-upsI've had a very successful career, and I've got good credentials, but all you have to do is do the math to see I'm not a 30-year-old. I'm an old girl, but I'm not a dead girl.I avoid putting my age on my résumé. I stopped submitting a résumé unless they ask because as soon as they add up the years, that job is no longer available.The positions I've been applying for are mostly sedentary. They're receptionist, file clerk, and concierge positions — nothing that involves heavy lifting or analytical thinking.Pat Fagin Scott said she's cautious about budgeting, even for small tasks.Alyssa Schukar for BII'm physically fineI don't walk with a cane, I'm not in a wheelchair, and I'm not on a walker. My brain cells are perfectly healthy.I'm a breast cancer survivor, and I was first diagnosed 35 years ago. In 2021, my right breast showed cancer, but it was in the very early stages. I had the in and out surgery, and then it was followed by radiation for two weeks.I'm doing fine, aside from the elements of old age that are plaguing me. Everything is working as it should. I see my doctors on a regular basis.I see nothing in my future except staying as healthy and busy as possible. I don't want to fall into sedentary mode.Financial information and guidance ought to be required in schoolsThe reality in America is like mine, unless somebody has talked to you about money, which my parents didn't.During the Howard University commencement last year, the speaker said if you put 10% of what you earn to the side every year from the time you begin earning (and projected earnings start around $60,000 to $70,000), with an interest rate of 2% or 3%, you'll have $2.5 million when you reach 62. I jumped out of my seat, hearing that. If I had known that, I wouldn't be where I am right now.What we need as a country is to prepare our young people for a time in our lives when they may not be earning an income from a job, but they will be earning an income if they invest properly in dividends and annuities. If they want to have money, the opportunity is there. Just put it away and sit on it.Can you imagine how wonderful this country would be if everybody who finished work in their 60s were a millionaire?Read the original article on Business Insider

Comments

Business News

Aldi loses UK’s cheapest supermarket title – Which chain is the cheapest?

Evening Standard

Illinois Enacts AI Mental Health Law That Shakes Up AI Makers And Is The Starting Wave Of A Regulatory Tsunami On AI Therapy

about 4 hours ago

Seaside town terrorised by kids as young as eight hires private security firm to tackle gangs

Mirror

Comments

Similar News

I'm a sober mom, and I'm trying to teach my teens to avoid alcohol. I don't know if I'm getting through to them.

I'm a software engineer at Microsoft. Here are the résumé tips that landed me 4 job offers, including from Amazon and eBay

Inside UK's tallest gothic tower in the world on sale as family home for £2.78m

Charity and M&S work to cut school uniform costs

'I'm trying to cut down my alcohol intake and this 99p low-calorie drink converted me'

WhatsApp deletes over 6.8m accounts linked to scams, Meta says

My ex-RAF engineer husband lost our £120,000 life savings to crypto scammers - and I'm convinced the stress killed him

I've worked at Costco for 20 years. Here are 8 of the best things I'm seeing on shelves right now.

Money-saving hack reduces bills by up to £2,000 a year and 1.5m Brits can use it

After 20 years in Los Angeles, I moved to Boulder, Colorado. I'm happier, my social life is booming, and I still get so much sunshine.

I was surprised to see I had spent nearly $11,000 on DoorDash deliveries. I'm now cooking at home to save money.

I'm a member of UC Berkeley's highly competitive business club. Getting in is nearly impossible, but the privileges are worth it.

'My in-laws kept my wedding flowers and bouquet - I'm so angry'

I'm a property expert... Zoopla's Richard Donnell says a three-bed in THIS location is his top investment tip

Regulator examines £1.3m paid to Yorkshire Water boss via offshore parent company

I'm the CEO of GoTo Foods. I start my day with memes and end it at a Steinway.

Work Advice: No one heeds my warnings, even though I’m usually right

B&M's 'showstopper' £18 vase is 'best home buy this year'

Should I buy my teenage daughter an electric car to learn to drive in - I'm not sure it's a good idea?

I'm an empty nester at 40 after having 3 kids earlier in life. I have the energy to pursue new things while my friends are chasing toddlers.

Business News

Aldi loses UK’s cheapest supermarket title – Which chain is the cheapest?

Fears for Claire’s stores after US owner files for bankruptcy

UK construction work drops at fastest rate in five years, survey shows

Glencore to stick with main listing in boost to London market

Asian shares trade mostly higher after stocks on Wall Street extend losses

Naomi Osaka Reaches Canadian Open Semifinal, Faces Clara Tauson Next

U.S. Has Top 2 Surpluses With Switzerland Ever As Trump Threatens Tariffs

Chancellor warned ‘tax rises needed to fill £51bn black hole in public finances’

Hiscox profits fall after £128m claims hit from LA wildfires

Myprotein owner THG cuts profit outlook after deal to sell flavourings brand

The huge number of first-time buyers relying on parents for a deposit revealed

HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk Apologizes In Leaked Email To Employees

People’s Tribunal To Consider Dire Situation Of Women In Afghanistan

‘Wednesday’ Season 2, Part 1 Review: A Delightfully Macabre Return To Nevermore

‘Wednesday’ Season 2 Is Now Streaming - How To Watch Episodes 1-4

Illinois Enacts AI Mental Health Law That Shakes Up AI Makers And Is The Starting Wave Of A Regulatory Tsunami On AI Therapy

Seaside town terrorised by kids as young as eight hires private security firm to tackle gangs

Damson Madder’s flattering midi dress gets me so many compliments and is now 50% off

Olivia Attwood raves about £90 solitaire ring that ‘looks like real diamonds’

Inside UK's tallest gothic tower in the world on sale as family home for £2.78m

Next's lightweight raincoat is perfect for 'warmer days and light showers'

Zara adverts showing models who appeared to be ‘unhealthily thin’ banned by ASA

FTSE 100 Live 06 August: Chancellor told taxes must rise, Legal & General posts results

Metro Bank returns to profit after cutting costs and boosting lending

RFK Jr. Cancels $500 Million In Federal Funding For mRNA Vaccine Research

When Does ‘South Park’ Season 27 Episode 2 Begin And What’s It About?

The truth behind LED face masks and if they actually work, according to experts

Aldi to open 10 new stores before end of 2025 - full list of areas

Boots No7 set worth £104 hailed 'brilliant box of goodies' slashed to £30

PIP review update as 10 people could be consulting with Stephen Timms on future of benefit

'I spent £3.50 on Costa surprise food bag and couldn't believe what was inside'

Working families urged to save £2,000 a year as 75,000 settings open

DWP to pay some disabled people extra £909 a month - see if you qualify

Home hunter wish list REVEALED: The features buyers want - and one thing they really don't

Is your fixed mortgage deal ending? Brokers reveal what those facing higher payments can do

An Accel-backed startup CEO says your next user isn't human &mdash; and it's changing how software gets built

One popular dating app is actually 'crushing it' right now

The US seized a Russian oligarch's 348-foot, $325 million superyacht &mdash; and now it's up for grabs

'I'm trying to cut down my alcohol intake and this 99p low-calorie drink converted me'

Paul Graham's guide to how you can save your job from AI

NFL and ESPN reach nonbinding agreement for sale of NFL Network and other media assets

Aldi loses title of UK’s cheapest supermarket

Chinese nationals charged with exporting Nvidia AI chips to China

China Is a Nation of Savers. Many Are Drowning in Debt.

Kelley Mack, Actress In ‘The Walking Dead,’ Dies At 33

UN Chief Says Fossil Fuels Are On The Way Out—Are They?

PIP review update as 10 people could be consulting with Stephen Timms on future of benefit

Consumer spending may be up, but so is household debt, a new report from the New York Fed shows

Rivian expects tariffs to increase car production costs by 'a couple thousand dollars per unit'

WhatsApp deletes over 6.8m accounts linked to scams, Meta says

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Attorneys Contacted Trump Administration About Potential Pardon, Report Says

How To Watch The 2025 U.S. Gymnastics Championships

Today’s Wordle #1509 Hints And Answer For Wednesday, August 6th

U.S. Proposes Visitor Visa Bonds Up To $15,000 To Curb Overstays

The Red Sox Didn’t Do Much At The Deadline, But Not For A “Lack Of Effort”

Forbes Top CPAs For Valuations, 2025: Methodology

Aldi fans can now get a tattoo in stores that look like Specialbuys - full list

An Accel-backed startup CEO says your next user isn't human — and it's changing how software gets built

The US seized a Russian oligarch's 348-foot, $325 million superyacht — and now it's up for grabs