More than 500 people attended the Grand Strand Senior Job and Volunteer Assistance Fair held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. In all, 60 employers hoped to fill 400 positions.
Carolyn Martin had a strategy to stand out in the crowd, after having success at the fair in the past.
"When they just take an application, they're not going to remember. So I brought my resume with a picture on it," explained Martin.
She was a realtor for 30 years and says her retirement is in rental property.
"As you know the economy is bad so I have been having to take money out of savings to offset what I'm losing." She wants to work a few days a week, "I've got a lot to give, I'm not nearly through living and I'm 72."
Pat Walsh is also one of hundreds who stopped by the convention center. She's working, but says she isn't getting enough hours.
"I am dedicated, I like what I do but I just need a little bit more money. An hourly raise would be wonderful and that's what I'm looking for an increase in my take home pay," said Walsh.
City of Myrtle Beach Spokesman Mark Kruea said in the nine years of the event the majority of those who stop by the fair are looking for a job.
For Walsh, she's found herself in a situation she didn't think she'd be dealing with at 67.
"My husband and I both have said over time by this time in our life we shouldn't be here. We shouldn't have the stress that we have," she said. "As far as going out and being able to go to a movie or go out and buy something for yourself or go to a restaurant. We have to double think now. We just don't do it. We can't. "
Walsh is hopeful she's going to get a better paying job from today's fair. Both women say one benefit of working is remaining active and being around others.
