Beth lost her job as a store manager in the Bemidji area when she was 63 years old and the shop she was working at closed its doors. Beth turned to Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) for assistance finding employment. Despite her degree in sales and marketing, plus 40 years in sales and customer services, with half of them in management, she faced persistent challenges finding work. She’d get job interviews based on her strong resume, but then not get a job offer after the interview. She believes that employer preconceptions about older workers were a significant barrier in her job search.
Beth’s primary goal was to find meaningful employment that offered a livable wage and could carry her into retirement. She enrolled in the state Dislocated Worker program for help finding employment that met her needs. However, repeated setbacks during her job search made it increasingly difficult to achieve this goal through traditional employment pathways. These challenges created frustration and uncertainty, despite her experience and strong work ethic.
Beth received support from RMCEP designed to help her navigate these barriers and explore alternative pathways to employment. She engaged in job search assistance, resume development, and interest assessments to better identify opportunities aligned with her strengths and goals. RMCEP also provided supportive services, including gas cards, to help her actively participate in job search activities and attend interviews without added financial strain. These services helped Beth remain engaged and persistent in her efforts while also opening her mind to new possibilities beyond traditional employment.
As a result of her participation in RMCEP, Beth successfully transitioned into self-employment. On March 19, 2026, she opened her own ear-piercing business, B-Nana’s, located in the Paul Bunyan Mall. In this role, Beth has found meaningful and enjoyable work that utilizes her customer service and sales expertise while allowing her flexibility and independence. Most importantly, she has established a sustainable source of income that supports her goal of working into retirement on her own terms.
Beth’s story highlights the importance of personalized workforce services that recognize each participant’s unique circumstances and strengths. Through RMCEP’s support, Beth was able to overcome barriers, redefine her career path, and achieve employment that is both financially and personally fulfilling.
Beth said that “getting assistance from Rural MN CEP to overcome my insecurities and abilities on the current job market and helped me to feel more confident in going forward.”
