Patrick Mayo, informaticien sans emploi de 50 ans, débute une marche de 1000 km pour sensibiliser au problème du chômage des quinquagénaires. Il veut prouver qu’il est toujours actif et dénoncer les préjugés des employeurs ainsi que l’exclusion dont il se sent victime.
Jack Gaitelli , ancien dirigeant d’entreprise de 57 ans en recherche d’emploi depuis trois ans, se dit favorable au projet d’un CDD de 18 mois à destination des plus de 57 ans tant qu’il lui garantit de retrouver du travail. Olivier Spire, PDG du cabinet de recrutement Quincadres, lui, n’y voit pas d’intérêt, le problème du chômage des seniors se posant dès 45 ans.
A 47-year-old manager testifies to the problem of unemployment after 40 years. As he returns home, after going for an interview, he explains, in voice-over, that the loss of employment transforms engineers from high schools into "social cripples". He fears the "grimace soup", back in his pavilion, when he announces to his wife that he still has not found a job.
Two unemployed seniors are trying to get back to work. Nicolas de Prunelé, former 58-year-old business manager, has been looking for 5 years. At first furious, then depressed, today he thinks it is a "black bullshit" not to appeal to his skills. Yves, a 57-year-old unemployed person, goes to a special senior agency and explains that as he gets older, it is harder to make concessions. For Charles Cottin, director of the agency Actif senior plus, the labour market, reluctant to hire over 40, would need a "cultural revolution".
In Drancy, in Seine Saint Denis, the town hall calls on young apprentices, Compagnons du devoir, to help seniors looking for work. Julien Convenant, who agreed to participate in this program, called Calypso, advises his godson, 40 years older than him, Olivier Merciris, convinced that it is his age that dissuades employers from hiring him. Abraham Baldé, 58, has found work thanks to the CVs sent through this device.
Edwige Magne, unemployed at 54, testifies to the difficulties she encounters in finding a job. She finds the situation unfair after having worked with love throughout her life. She is then filmed playing jacquet with an old woman.