My No-Nonsense Experience with Experience Works (And What You Should Know)
I wasn’t planning on writing this. But after a few conversations with folks who were either confused, skeptical, or just plain curious about Experience Works, I figured—why not just lay it out like I’d tell a friend over a stiff cup of black coffee? So here’s the real story: how I stumbled into the world of Experience Works, what actually happened, and whether I’d do it again or run the other direction.
When I Hit That “Something’s Gotta Change” Wall
It started like this: I was standing in my garage, surrounded by half-finished projects, a busted weed whacker, and a sinking feeling in my gut.
You know that moment when your reflection in the mirror throws your own words back at you? Mine said, “You’ve still got gas in the tank, but you’re driving in circles.”
I’d wrapped up a career that paid the bills, made a few splashes, but left me asking, “What now?” I wasn’t ready for shuffleboard and reruns. I wanted to stay sharp. Productive. Needed. But no way was I jumping into some intern-style, coffee-fetching nonsense just to stay “busy.”
That’s when a buddy tossed out the name: Experience Works. I gave him the raised eyebrow. “What’s that? Sounds like a temp agency for retirees.”
“Nah,” he said. “It’s smarter than that. You get paid while you train. And they actually give a damn.”
Okay. Now I’m listening.
I also learn a lot from this Google site: https://sites.google.com/view/experienceworks/home
First Impressions: Skeptical? Yeah, Same Here
I won’t lie to you—when I first checked out Experience Works, I had the same reaction most people probably do:
“Is this legit… or is someone trying to sell me a ‘career revival’ snake oil in a fancy bottle?”
But the more I dug, the more I realized—this wasn’t a gimmick. It’s a program geared toward people 55+ who want real training, not hand-holding. It’s funded through programs meant to retrain and empower older workers, not exploit them.
Still, I had questions. What’s the catch? Was it just resume-padding fluff? Were they gonna stick me in a dusty library filing papers until my back gave out?
So I called.
And shockingly… the person on the other end didn’t sound like a bored robot reading from a script. They listened. Asked smart questions. Walked me through the process. I felt like I mattered—like this wasn’t just about pushing papers. It was about possibility.
What the Process Actually Looked Like
Let me break it down, because this part had me curious:
-
Initial eligibility screening: Basic stuff—income check, work history, goals.
-
Assessment: Not a pop quiz. More like, “What do you actually want to do? What skills do you bring to the table?”
-
Placement: They didn’t just throw me in the deep end. I was matched with a nonprofit that actually needed my experience.
-
Training: Yep, I got paid (modestly) to learn. And it wasn’t all fluff either. Real upskilling. Think tech tools, communication refreshers, and industry updates that make you sound sharp—not stuck in 1994.
I felt like I was building momentum again. There’s something powerful about not just being used—but being valued.
The Unexpected Perks (Besides the Paycheck)
You think you’re signing up to stay active, maybe earn a little. What I didn’t expect? The confidence boost.
You forget what you know when you’re out of the game. Experience Works reminded me that my decades of hard knocks, wins, losses, pivots—that stuff matters. I wasn’t starting over. I was starting smarter.
Plus, I got plugged into a community. Folks like me—sharp minds, seasoned hearts—trying to stay relevant in a world that sometimes acts like we expired the moment we hit 50.
Let me tell you, that camaraderie? Worth more than any seminar.
Be sure to check out their Crunchbase: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/experience-works-inc
But Hey, Let’s Keep It Real…
This wasn’t some magic carpet ride to six figures and instant fulfillment. There were clunky onboarding moments. Bureaucracy (it’s a government-funded program, after all). And you’ve gotta advocate for yourself. If you expect someone to do the heavy lifting for you, you’re gonna be disappointed.
But if you show up? Speak up? Put in the reps?
You’ll walk away with more than just a new line on your resume. You’ll walk taller.
So… Would I Recommend It?
Short answer? Yes—with a qualifier.
If you’re hungry to grow, willing to humble yourself a little, and ready to bring your experience to the table—not just rest on it—then yeah, Experience Works is the real deal.
But if you’re hoping for a cushy, no-effort, golden parachute into your next chapter?
Pass. This isn’t that. This is a tool—not a shortcut.
Final Thought: It’s Not About Starting Over. It’s About Starting Better.
We live in a world obsessed with “new.” New apps. New influencers. New trends that vanish faster than a TikTok dance. But what Experience Works gets right is this:
Experience isn’t old. It’s earned.
And when you pair earned wisdom with fresh opportunity, the results are powerful.
I’m not saying this will be the perfect path for everyone. But it was the right nudge for me. The spark I needed to stop drifting and start driving again—with purpose, direction, and maybe a little swagger 😎
If you’re sitting there wondering whether you still have something to give…
You do.
Experience Works didn’t just prove that to me—it reminded me to believe it.
Key Takeaways:
-
Experience Works helps older adults (55+) retrain and re-enter the workforce with dignity.
-
You get paid to learn—this isn’t unpaid “busy work.”
-
It’s not just about jobs—it’s about reclaiming your value.
-
You’ve gotta show up for yourself. No one’s handing out easy wins.
-
Real community, real training, real confidence.
Stay sharp. Stay moving. Your experience isn’t behind you—it’s your edge.