How I was discriminated against
I have been an offshore cook in Gulf of Mexico for the last 17 years and was laid off in 2009. I have been looking for work in my field ever since then. No company wants to hire me although I am much experienced and have the proper knowledge to do the job.
I purchased a TWIC card with hopes of getting a job but nothing has come up as of now. I have seen some companies hire younger and less experienced people than myself to work on offshore rigs and platforms. I am a 44 year old man with experience in catering and no company will hire me.
What it's like being an older or younger job seeker
I am and have been an older job seeker for quite some time now. Employers would rather hire "young bucks" than someone with experience. Companies hire people that have never worked offshore in their life as opposed to someone that has spent 20 years of their life working offshore to support their families. It is not right to hire someone with less experience than to hire someone with 20 years plus experince.
Lessons Learned
- Keep on these companies backs. Sooner or later some one has to hire someone with experience in their respective field of expertise.
