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| Pat Fagin Scott, 85, has navigated unemployment after decades of well-paying jobs. Alyssa Schukar |
As told to Truth Sider by Pat Fagin Scott, this essay reflects the life of an 85-year-old woman in Washington, DC. Despite a long career in government and corporate roles, she’s struggling to secure employment and make ends meet. Her story has been edited for clarity and length.
I was born and raised in Washington, DC, and went on to study at Howard University. My first role was in education I taught because I aspired to become an assistant principal.
During my student teaching at a junior high, the experience was disheartening. I knew I had to get out. An opportunity came to work as a tour guide at the United Nations, and I took it. I stayed there for 13 years and eventually became a guide supervisor.
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| Pat Fagin Scott was a student in 1950 at Richardson Elementary School in Washington, DC. Alyssa Schukar |
After that, I moved into the corporate sector, working in advertising and film. My résumé includes time with Dustin Hoffman, the Urban Institute, and DC government roles.
In 2017, I wrapped up 16 years at the DC Housing Authority. I didn’t feel ready to retire, but the pressure was mounting. Now, retirement income isn’t enough, and I’m trying to find work again.
I Returned to DC After Living in New York
I was living in New York, married to an actor, when my father passed away in DC. That brought me back in 1973. At the time, I had a two-year-old daughter, and my marriage was starting to fall apart.
I found a lovely apartment in Northwest DC for us. Later, I bought a detached home nearby the one I’ve lived in for 47 years now. It has five bedrooms and three bathrooms, far more space than I need. I’ve been looking to downsize, but most senior housing doesn’t include washers and dryers in-unit, which is a dealbreaker for me.
Retirement Isn’t Enough When the Cost of Living Keeps Climbing
At retirement, I was earning over $150,000 a year. I even lent money to family members without it affecting me financially.
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| Pat Fagin Scott has always been generous toward her family. Alyssa Schukar for BIer |
I had a 401(a) a defined contribution plan where the company contributed a portion of my salary. I also had a 457(b) educational annuity. I was told that I’d still receive the employer’s contributions to the 401(a), even if I didn’t contribute myself. But in the end, the money didn’t really belong to me.
Social Security and a Pension Alone Don’t Provide Comfort
Each month, I receive $2,500 in Social Security and another $2,500 from a government pension. I also have a small annuity to cover essentials. Still, that isn’t enough, so I recently took out a reverse mortgage.
My Social Security comes on the third Wednesday of the month, while the pension arrives at month’s end. I have to wait for both to cover all my bills utilities, groceries, car payments, and more. My granddaughter recently accumulated $6,000 in speeding tickets, which I’ve agreed to pay. I’m trying to arrange a payment plan for that now.
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| Though she gets a decent income each month from Social Security and her pension, money is very tight. Alyssa Schukar |
My life feels like a ship slowly taking on water. Every time I patch a hole, another one appears. I haven’t sunk yet, but I feel like I’m getting there.
I’ve cut back drastically on spending. I eat more vegetables and fruit. I no longer dine out unless invited, and since I don’t go to work, there’s no need for dry cleaning.
I desperately need a rainy day fund. Appliances break. I have plumbing issues I can’t afford to fix. I don’t water my lawn, and I can’t even buy a new car tire when I need one.
I’ve Volunteered Since Retirement, But Paid Work Remains Elusive
Since retiring, I’ve been applying for jobs on and off. Age discrimination is real once you’re older, few people want to hire you.
I’ve applied to countless jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed, networked with people, and landed a few interviews. I once interviewed for a university front desk role and felt confident but they said others were a better fit. That was one of the first moments I truly felt my age was working against me.
I even applied to join the Army, only to discover there’s an age limit. The only work I do now is as a volunteer at Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens here in DC.
Sometimes it feels like society wants older people to disappear. It’s as if we’re being asked, “Why are you still here?” Just because I stopped working in 2017, does that mean I should be invisible by 2025?
I Stopped Applying for Jobs When I Stopped Hearing Back
I have an extensive professional background and solid credentials. But people can do the math. I’m clearly not in my 30s anymore. I may be old, but I’m certainly not done.
I now avoid listing my age on applications and don’t submit résumés unless requested. As soon as they calculate my age, the opportunity disappears.
I’ve mostly applied for desk jobs receptionist, file clerk, concierge roles that are low-impact and don’t require deep analysis or physical strain.
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| Pat Fagin Scott said she's cautious about budgeting, even for small tasks. Alyssa Schukar |
I’m Healthy and Independent
I’m not using a walker or cane. I’m not in a wheelchair. My mind is sharp.
I’m also a breast cancer survivor. My first diagnosis was 35 years ago. Then in 2021, early-stage cancer appeared in my right breast. Surgery and a brief round of radiation handled it.
Aside from the usual effects of aging, I’m doing well. I see my doctors regularly and everything functions as it should.
I don’t see myself fading into the background. I want to stay healthy and active for as long as I can.
We Need to Teach Financial Education in Schools
My experience is not unique in America unless someone teaches you about money, as my parents didn’t, you’re left unprepared.
At Howard University’s commencement last year, the speaker said if you save 10% of your salary each year starting at $60,000–$70,000, and earn just 2–3% interest, you’ll have $2.5 million by age 62. I nearly leapt from my chair hearing that. Had I known that earlier, I’d be in a different place today.
As a country, we need to prepare young people for a future when they’re no longer earning income from a job, but instead from smart investments like annuities and dividends. The tools are out there. You just need to start early, invest, and let it grow.
Imagine how different America would be if every retiree in their 60s was a millionaire.
