“Must Be Currently Employed”

Dear S.Q. In my early 60s, I’ve found that full-time retirement isn’t for me. A self-employed handyman all my life, I’m done with wearing tool bags, hefting and lifting, and crawling on my knees. I’ve applied at places that don’t call back or their ads say “must be currently employed,” -isn’t this discrimination? 

Dear Handy, You’ve got a valuable skill so keep that foremost in your mind and sales pitch. And choosing to work rather than relaxing is commendable too. Gaps in your resume assume you’re lazy, difficult, or some other undesirable trait, but whether it’s discrimination and illegal depends on the state and  specific circumstances. Concentrate on selling your expertise and experience to employers who know your value, like home-improvement stores, or websites like Indeed or Monster.com. -SQ