Years of looking for a job – An unemployed person says: “Age is my problem”

“It was a shock to me,” the 59-year-old says of the news that changed his life. Four years ago he lost his job because the company went bankrupt. He initially completed training as a tiler, but then worked for the traditional Salzburg company for 32 years – as a caretaker and man for all situations. From mowing the lawn to clearing snow or preparing goods for delivery: the Flachgau resident took on various tasks. Always extremely reliable and satisfied. “It was a good employer,” he says bitterly today. The end came four years ago. And the grueling struggle for a new job began.

Not even rejections after job interviews
“I have taken several courses,” he says about measures at the AMS, which has been supporting long-term unemployed people like him since 2024 with an even more intensive program. How to write good resumes was new to him. This also applies to the IT world in general, with its rapid changes. “I never needed a computer, I always preferred to be in nature.” He was also invited for a number of job interviews, for example for warehouse jobs. But he never got the contract and they didn’t even bother sending rejection letters. “My age was probably the problem. Young people are cheaper for companies.”

The single man from Flachgau now lives on 890 euros in emergency aid. “I’m happy that I am at least debt-free and have my own home.” A high rent would probably deprive him of his last bit of stability. To avoid worrying too much, he likes to take long walks. Because now the cross makes everything even more difficult. A disk operation is pending. Despite everything, he tries to remain optimistic. “Maybe I can still find a place to stay.”