I agree with that age or sex discrimination truly exists in the labour market. But, never give up, every 40s or 50s mature accountants try to adapt to different types of jobs or government or NGOs. Or, try to collaborate with some friends and colleagues to start a business in long term for our second career before retirement.

Never give up and try to adapt to a highly competitive environment with more marketing ourselves at every right timing against right prospect.

Cheers

I feel a bit of sadness to read over so many response airing from late 40's and 50's. I am also at the early 50's, possessing senior management experience at a Chief Executive capacity, however due to radical power struggle between directors, I was removed and a friend of some directors replaced my position. During the job seeking process, I deeply felt the age discrimation and currently I am working as a HR Manager in a private company. Restarting from a middle level position is so sad as room for achievement is so limited. However I will do my utmost in my capacity and wish one day I will be back to senior management post. To all late 40's and 50's, never give up your dream and always look forward to your target. I believe your efforts devote today will be the great value in tomorrow.

Be confident as you're a professional!

My case is much worse ... as a matured-student with a BA & MA, in my late 40's, still can't find a stable full time job with decent pay! Only got a part time job with low salary (the hourly-rate is high but work amount is low), some occasional freelance job ... any advice? Many thanks!

Anne

I suppose you need a job to earn your daily bread. As you don't seems to mind taking up a more junior position, I think this is the only way out. The age discrimination issue cannot be solved. As least you mentioned that someone could refer you to a potential employer, as this is definitely a way out. Go for it first and also wait for something to come up with the agents. (I am also going through your problem but don't have any referral opportunities.)

Hello,
CAn a foreign student graduating from HK university with no chinese find a job in HK?
Regards

Overseas assignments, project finance, risk management, treasury, merger and acquisition, accounting policies and standards, electronic B2B practitioners ??

I absolutely agree with McKony's point of view as I have experienced it.

I read with interest on the number of people in their 50s seeking a job but with no success. I am in that group. Having co-owned and managed several successful businesses in the past, and having held very senior positions, (I came from a humble beginning and worked my way to the top without any university degree) and since losing the business during the financial recession, I, too, have been trying to secure a job to survive. Fact is it will be a disadvantage at our age, and our experience is a threat to the younger executives (that are given the role to hire staff) which eliminate our application from further consideration. Employment consultancy firms may not really do much as they merely recruit for their clients (employers) based on the given requirements and post 50 years of age is hardly a preferred choice. So here we are - all energetic, experienced and capable people in the 50s trying to get a job that is hard to come by. Why don't we all get together to brainstorm a plan to place us all back into employment. I will be glad to participate. Let's all get together and express our strengths (and weaknesses) to come up with a workable plan - a concerted effort from a group of 50s offering their services with quality and effectiveness - there is the consultancy services sector, the welfare administration sector, the civic education sector, and even the hospitality sector. There will be roles for everyone in the 50s. Let's get together. UNITED we will overcome and our values will be recognised. Let's not despair.

It's a difficult job market out there ..

Please try government / NGO, usually they recruit contract accountants and PRC experience is not a critical attribute. The problem with the mid-age accountant is usually in the skill mismatch, senior accounting job is not that much about management anymore, nowadays even junior accountants in the AR AP roles already got CPA qualifications, the key value-added of experience accountant may be in the role of creating useful and timely analysis to the senior management. That's the area young accountants still need to catch up.