Job ideas for 60 year old builder out of work

mike5678 · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:35

Hi there,

Doing a bit of brain storming for something that my dad can do to earn a bit of cash before he retires and to stop living off of his savings and capital. He has been a self employed builder, plumber, carpenter, electrician, landscaper, the lot for the last 45 years since he left school. Work has dried up and even his regular customers aren't asking for any work.

He's been in this slump for quite a while now and is only surviving because the mortgage is paid off and has no debts. Any ideas as to what he could do? Builders firms I assume won't take him on due to his age, he's not the most physcially fit any more, is not computer literate at all (he struggles with a mobile phone) and has never been employed by anyone, ever, so no references and has no educational qualifications. Building is his life.

Best idea we'ce come up with so far is mini cabbing, though not sure how it works with working for a firm or yourself and insurance implications? I suggested delivery driving for UPS or the Post Office or something, but doubt it without job references?

Any ideas or previous experience? (Live in North London by the way)

Biohazard · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:38

He can use big customers or jobs as references. (if they are willing)

I am not taking the **** here but how about a supermarket or something? not great pay, but if you stick in hours offer to cover for people etc?

platypus · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:40

Well given that he has expertise in the area, how about B&Q? They prefer employing older people, and he might be able to go in as a department head or something?

Biohazard · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:41

platypus said:
Well given that he has expertise in the area, how about B&Q?

Bingo.

They are always looking out for trades people to take over the sections within the store give out advice etc.

Good idea plat.

HamZilla · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:42

There is always work for a tradesman and as you say he is multiskilled, that is a goldmine of experience.

It might be quieter at the moment as people are saving for Xmas but a lot of people are still getting extensions, or refurbs done on their homes rather than keep it in savings, or buy/sell as the market is unsteady.

He just needs to advertise his skills.

neil3k · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:46

Can he not lecture or teach kids in those practical style courses?

Quint · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:50

Try builders merchants etc, perhaps he could help on counter or phones taking orders etc, not everyone who phones/goes in knows what they need, he could help.

or perhaps B&Q, Homebase etc places like that, garden centres, plumb centres.....

Nodiggidy123 · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:51

why not go on his own? small odd jobs for people?

mike5678 · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:52

B&Q is a good idea, thanks guys will suggest that one to him. Will have to see what he could do there as I'm not so sure he'd be any good at merchandising etc, but could advise customers on exactly what they need for any job at they could imagine.

mike5678 · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:53

Nodiggidy123 said:
why not go on his own? small odd jobs for people?

He is a sole trader. The problem is that the work is not there for him to do at the moment.

Biohazard · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:54

mike5678 said:
.. as I'm not so sure he'd be any good at merchandising etc, but could advise customers on exactly what they need for any job at they could imagine.

Even if you're not sure, try to encourage and let him have a go anyway.

Crizzy · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:55

I thought B&Q as well

Biohazard · 1 Oct 2009 at 18:56

Homebase wicks etc

Rotty · 1 Oct 2009 at 19:13

Another one for B+Q

my Dad was in same situation, he retired as a builder about 5 years ago, he now works part time at Center Parcs as a handyman etc

Quint · 1 Oct 2009 at 19:19

Handy man is a good one.

Hotel porter?

The Mad Rapper · 1 Oct 2009 at 19:34

mike5678 said:
Hi there,

Doing a bit of brain storming for something that my dad can do to earn a bit of cash before he retires and to stop living off of his savings and capital. He has been a self employed builder, plumber, carpenter, electrician, landscaper, the lot for the last 45 years since he left school. Work has dried up and even his regular customers aren't asking for any work.

He's been in this slump for quite a while now and is only surviving because the mortgage is paid off and has no debts. Any ideas as to what he could do? Builders firms I assume won't take him on due to his age, he's not the most physcially fit any more, is not computer literate at all (he struggles with a mobile phone) and has never been employed by anyone, ever, so no references and has no educational qualifications. Building is his life.

Best idea we'ce come up with so far is mini cabbing, though not sure how it works with working for a firm or yourself and insurance implications? I suggested delivery driving for UPS or the Post Office or something, but doubt it without job references?

Any ideas or previous experience? (Live in North London by the way)

If he just wants to earn a wage then have him apply to one of the supermarkets, either to work on the tills or stack shelves. There's no shame in that and it's decent money.

mattheman · 1 Oct 2009 at 19:43

look at landlord forums for work.

AHarvey · 1 Oct 2009 at 19:48

as has been said once, a school/college may be tempted to take him on to teach others.

D.P. · 1 Oct 2009 at 19:53

mike5678 said:
Hi there,

Doing a bit of brain storming for something that my dad can do to earn a bit of cash before he retires and to stop living off of his savings and capital. He has been a self employed builder, plumber, carpenter, electrician, landscaper, the lot for the last 45 years since he left school. Work has dried up and even his regular customers aren't asking for any work.

He's been in this slump for quite a while now and is only surviving because the mortgage is paid off and has no debts. Any ideas as to what he could do? Builders firms I assume won't take him on due to his age, he's not the most physcially fit any more, is not computer literate at all (he struggles with a mobile phone) and has never been employed by anyone, ever, so no references and has no educational qualifications. Building is his life.

Best idea we'ce come up with so far is mini cabbing, though not sure how it works with working for a firm or yourself and insurance implications? I suggested delivery driving for UPS or the Post Office or something, but doubt it without job references?

Any ideas or previous experience? (Live in North London by the way)

My Dad lost his job at 50. He was a professor in Marine Biology and couldn't get employed again.

He started his own landscape gardening business mixed with cutting grass/trimming work for old grannies. Pays well enough for a retired person. Not too stressful, outside, quite fun at times. Usually cuts back undergrowth, digs out patio areas, builds retaining walls. Charges by the hour. Most business with friends or friends of friends.

He might do hard physical labour for a few hours in the morning, then cut peoples lawns in the afternoon.

Greebo · 1 Oct 2009 at 19:56

Offer himself out as a handyman, cards in chipshop,newsagents, cheap adverts in free papers etc

I have a mate who can do pretty much all the things your dad can do and he's busy all the time.

Big companies won;t even quote quite often for little one or two hour jobs.