Down But Not Out

‘Once I submit my birthday or graduation date, I’m invisible’

I left my job last fall to assist in the care of (and spend quality time with) my ill father, who lives out of state. I’ve been working in my field for 16 years, climbed the ladder and was at the top of my profession. I thought I would easily find new employment. Boy was I wrong! I’ve now been unemployed for 9 months. I send several resumes daily, responding to all jobs posted on any and all career sites, mail resumes to facilities, follow up calls, etc … I’ve even applied for minimum wage jobs with Target, Kohl’s, Macy’s, etc … I am always shocked to receive ‘thanks but no thanks’ for these minimum wage jobs, saying I am not qualified. WTF? What qualifications do the kids out of high school have?

For jobs in my field; I get to phase two of the interview process, but feel once I submit my birthday or graduation date, I’m invisible. I’m 51 and unmarketable. 
I don’t regret spending quality time with my Dad, just leaving my job to do it. It’s amazing how just a few years ago I could pick who I wanted to work for, and name my price … now I can’t even get a minimum wage job. What happened? 
Unemployment isn’t enough to keep your head above water. I’m renting a room … when unemployment is out, what next?

Donna, via comments