Unemployment not only presents financial challenges but also societal prejudices, according to the latest UnE9dic barometer released in November 2024. The report highlights alarming figures indicating how deeply entrenched misconceptions about the unemployed are, with 32% of respondents believing they are merely 'assisted' individuals. This perspective is reinforced by the staggering fact that six out of ten French citizens attribute the unemployment struggles of job seekers to their unwillingness to compromise on job conditions.
Such views inflict heavy psychological burdens on the unemployed, as noted by Catherine Fontanel. Laid off at the age of 50 from a major corporation, Fontanel has personally experienced the societal pressure surrounding unemployment. "This unbearable societal pressure accompanying unemployment often gives the impression of being on the fringe of society, of being worthless..." she reflects, shedding light on the stigma attached to being without work.
The difficulties faced by mature workers are compounded by ageism, which Fontanel describes as both pervasive and damaging. "At a certain age, we are the first to be let go during layoffs, but the last to be rehired. It's a real taboo around this discrimination, which no one discusses openly," she laments. Her experiences echo broader trends, as highlighted in a 2023 study by the Dares, which reveals only 58.4% of French citizens over 50 are currently employed.
The reluctance of large corporations to employ older individuals is particularly concerning, according to Fontanel, who states, "These companies often exhibit radical rejection attitudes toward seniors, failing even to grant interviews regardless of how relevant their resumes are. They neglect to acknowledge the soft skills and rich experiences more seasoned employees can offer."
This rejection fuels another issue: unemployed seniors often undervalue their own skills amid stress and urgency to find work. "Many job seekers underestimate their abilities due to stress and the pressing need for employment, which is regrettable considering what they could contribute," Fontanel regrets.
Today, after years spent working within humanitarian aid, Fontanel longs to return to office life. Yet she remains selective, unwilling to go back to environments where older employees are seen as 'old' or 'obsolete' past the age of 45. At 57, this quality control expert is eager to embrace new opportunities without the constraints of age bias.
Since November, Fontanel has been enrolled in the Atout senior program, which is aimed at assisting people over 50 to integrate back to professional life by blending training and work experience. This initiative, launched through collaboration between France Travail and Ifocop, promises improved pathways for professional re-integration.
The program's structure includes four months of theoretical courses followed by four months of practical work, complete with continuous assessment and thesis defense. Fontanel expresses anticipation for this new chapter, stating, “It's all about beginning afresh and experiencing significant personal growth. I can't wait!
With her final exam scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2025,Fontanel is poised to enter the workforce again, 700 kilometers from her home. “I’m excited to start. There’s some stress, but this stress feels different, it’s positive,'” she says, showing determination as she gears up for this next phase.