News & Trending Jobs & Career News

Why Boomers Will Have a Hard Time Getting a Job in 2026

Flexibility is key to staying in demand.

By Heather Bien

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Feb. 28, 2026

Add Us On Google

While the oldest baby boomers are turning 80 this year, the youngest aren't yet 62. There are plenty of baby boomers who are still looking at years left to navigate the job market. Or maybe you're a boomer who just wants to put extra cash in your pocket with a post-retirement job.

Unfortunately, many boomers aren't making it easy for themselves as they look to stay in or re-enter the workforce. There are a few challenges unique to baby boomers that are making the job market tougher than it needs to be. Flexibility and adaptability are key to staying in the workforce, and these are two areas where boomers could stand to improve.

Curious what else you can add to your skill set if you fall in this demographic?

Here are 10 reasons boomers are having a hard time getting a job in 2026, and how they can make themselves more marketable.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹ <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>

Hiring bias against older workers

This is not your fault, and while age discrimination is illegal, it can be hard to prove, even when it's happening.

But that's why it's so important to speak to your years of experience and industry knowledge. All those decades spent in the workforce are valuable. You understand your industry on a deeper level than someone who's only been working for a few years.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

You're overqualified

With years comes experience. That experience often translates to higher roles with more responsibility, which you may not want at this point.

If you're eager to find out more about a position, but you know you'll be seen as overqualified, make sure the employer is aware that you want to come in at this level. At this point in your career, it's the best next step, and it gives you the opportunity to mentor your peers.

Concerns about higher compensation costs

You've had a few raises in your life, and you're not afraid to ask for more money. This is one area where you might be seen as less employable, and you're okay with it.

Decide what you're worth, and, unless you need the job, don't compromise.

You've fallen behind on cutting-edge skills

If your industry has moved ahead at lightning speed but you haven't kept up, then you might find yourself lost as you read through new job listings.

However, it's never too late to learn. See what skills you're missing and enroll in an online course to catch up.

Your LinkedIn presence is minimal to none

Millennials and Gen Z look to LinkedIn for networking, building connections, and job hunting. This is where opportunities first crop up and, if you're not there, you might miss them.

Luckily, LinkedIn isn't a hard social network to learn, and it's less about your ability to go viral than on other platforms. Think of it as your online resume and a place to share thought leadership.

Viewed as close to retirement

Who wants to hire someone they think is going to leave their job within a year or two? The hiring process is expensive and time-consuming. Companies want to make a hire who will stick around, which could be why it takes boomers several weeks longer to find a job than their younger counterparts.

You must reassure the hiring manager that you plan on investing your time and energy into the role rather than collecting a paycheck until you hit 65.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Your resume feels like a history book

Years of experience are incredible. They've added up to knowledge, connections, and skills. But if a hiring manager is reading through a four-page resume, they're going to feel like this is a history book of antiquated roles rather than an up-to-date look at what you bring to the table.

Emphasize your most current roles and highlight recent accomplishments.

Your graduation year is before the hiring manager was born

If you graduated before 2000, it's time to leave off the year from your resume. It's still important to show your credentials, but no one needs to know that your 30-year reunion is fast approaching.

Your resume is too focused on a list of jobs

The creator economy we now live in focuses on storytelling rather than a list of facts. Look at your resume as an opportunity to bring your story to life by tracing your journey and what you've learned along the way. Illustrate it with accomplishments, numbers, and projects you were excited to see through to completion.

Earn as much as $1K doing simple online tasks

A company called Freecash has compiled all sorts of quick cash tasks from about a dozen advertisers and market research companies thirsty for more data. Freecash has paid out over $13 million to users since 2019, and has over 50,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot.

You haven't kept up-to-date with AI

Whether we like it or not, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a critical partner in the workplace. If you haven't learned to leverage it for data analysis, brainstorming, and more, then your younger colleagues will outpace you in production. Don't be surprised if your next interview asks how you're using AI in the workplace.

Bottom line

Entering the job market as a boomer comes with its own challenges, but breaking stereotypes is possible, and the unique experience you bring can make all the difference.

However, keep in mind that staying employed full-time isn't the only way to boost your bank account. There are simple adjustments you can make to your monthly expenses to lower your costs. Make a list of these clever tactics and start saving more today.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Author Details

Heather Bien

Heather Bien is a FinanceBuzz and freelance writer covering personal finance and budgeting and how those relate to life, travel, entertaining, and more. With bylines that include The Spruce, Apartment Therapy, and mindbodygreen, she's covered everything from tax tips for freelancers to budgeting hacks to how to get the highest ROI out of your home renovations.