I am feeling depressed + discouraged. Was laid off months ago, am over 40 in an ageist industry, laid low while I had children a decade ago (took a less traveling job) & am having much more trouble then I ever imagined breaking into a new job or freelance contracts. I’m usually a warrior in so many ways and absolutely LOVE working. It’s really bumming me out & scary. What am I doing?! Do I wait out this dry spell? Change career? Become an Uber driver?! Start begging?! Ugh. I hate uncertainty.

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You're not alone - I'm in a similar boat. In additon to trying to stay afloat bills-wise I'm also working on an unrelatedside project and looking for help... there's no money as yet, but its fun, keeps me sharp, and gives me hope :) just an idea. you could start something of your own (or if you want to pitch in on mine let me know!)

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Interested in hearing more!

Sending you the best energy. It’s a tough time for so many people right now

likeuplifting

This market is tough. I wouldn’t over index on age as an excuse because in my experience are a career coach and recruiter companies hire the most qualified candidates. Figure out what skills you are missing for the roles you want. There is a plethora of free on minimal cost trainings out there. Update your resume so it reads like the roles you are interested in. Go to YouTube and learn how to interview in this market. And workout daily!!
I have a job but found out yesterday that I’m depressed. The world is a different place since Covid and we are all trying to make it like it was instead of creating some new.
The definition of doing the same thing and expecting a different resume is insanity. Good luck and DM if you need help.

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A lot what we feel is not because what we are, but it’s a lot because our surroundings, I guess. Whatever is happening to us, the current market conditions is a function of that.

smart

Hi, Don’t worry! Just keep going at it. Don’t settle for anything less. Even if you get an opportunity that provides you the means to take care of your livelihood, keep searching the better opportunity that makes you feel worthwhile. I can understand the frustration. I’m going through the same and it has been a while since I’m unemployed. I have had the blessing to work at the best firms and now I have doubts if my career will ever revive back. But I’m trying things that are in my control. Beyond that, I am choosing not to worry.

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The market is tough, especially for women our age. I make sure I only have ten years of work experience on my resume (or remove dates completely) and I keep my hair dyed when job hunting. Sucks to have to do that but it is an ageist society and I get more hits doing those two things than without

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TY 🙏🏻

I made a career change at the same point. Kids were grown and flown. Found that student housing management wants hard working mama types! Love the changes I made!

likeuplifting

Start something of your own.

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I like this. I am getting stunted by the nuances of getting started…

What's your networking strategy? I find most careers in my later stage in my career came thru people I know and keeping strong networking connections. It takes a lot of work but it pays off!

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I have a good network, I think, but it’s pretty tight knit and there’s been turnover in their own leadership roles… A lot of agencies have opened up- nationwide so trying to navigate some new contacts.

If you have a bit of money to invest in yourself, hire a business coach or personal brand coach and a resume writer. You have to find a way to differentiate yourself especially mid or later career, or career change/niche. People who specialize in branding can help you tell a concise story and what you’re skilled at. You will learn a lot about yourself and maybe even help you decide your direction. It is worth the money! Good luck!

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Ageism and sexism are real. But some companies are better than others. If you haven't already, work on your "elevator pitch". In 10 seconds, who are you and why are you good at what you do? Then do it in 5 secs. Then in 2 secs. There are workshops on this. Find one. Practice with a colleague. Do online interviewing practice. And keep applying over and over and over. Eventually, you'll hit on a company that values your experience. Remember, you never know where you'll find it.

It's easy to get bitter and depressed about sexism and ageism in tech hiring. But you have talent and wisdom that comes from experience. It's valuable. Don't throw that away!

likehelpful

i am feeling your pain right now….

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I am sorry. It really sucks.

Hang in there! Keep applying and stay positive

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You are not alone. I am over 50 and was let go of my remote job because I moved. I have been looking for a good paying job for over 6 months.

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Ugh. It really sucks. I’m sorry.

Looking back, I would not have chosen a creative career if I knew I would become less valued with age and experience. Or that taking a break - for any reason - would render my previous accomplishments obsolete.

I hope you find a new position soon and that you love it. You are a valuable person, no matter what you do for work. Sending all the good vibes! ⭐️💖

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Thank you. 🙏🏻 I am creative at my core, and want to stay in this business but feeling crushed. Appreciate your words of encouragement!

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If your interested in AI and DNA we should talk.

One of the reasons I get a bit blue more than normal is that my vitamin D levels are low and I watch a bit too much tv.

If you have the capability to go volunteer some of your time or garden a bit - it helps me cope.

I’m so sorry to hear about your situation and am in the same age bucket. I too have the same fears on not being able to find a job and consider myself extremely blessed to have a job I love. I have also interviewed many times while at this job and have only been offered one role which was mediocre.
The market is extremely competitive RN, consider it a numbers game (the more you apply for, the more chances of interviewing and landing something). But AI has also taken over for all resume scanning, perhaps think about hiring a professional resume writer or google what is the best format for ATS to flag your skill set. Experience still matters, think about what you bring to the table vs. someone younger and the value/nuances that will make the difference. Good luck with the search, but again, if you just care about getting hired apply everywhere & make sure your resume gets flagged by the ATS’s.

No uber driving! In my experience, it is going to take a few months for your networking to start paying off. Also, it takes a good 3-5 weeks after you apply to a job before you may hear from a company. Give it some time. Schedule a couple of hours each day to research and apply to 4-5 jobs. Then put it out of your mind. Relax, clean house, have fun, go for a walk! Get out of the house!!! Do this every day and that’s 35 new job leads a week. You will not be unemployed for long. It’s patience, discipline, and taking care of yourself! You’ve got this!!

Sorry to hear how you are feel I’m feeling the same as I am being made to resign cause I had a law suit against my company for sexual harassment that has finally came to an end but they are make me resign it’s all so confusing to me. I wish you the best in your job search hope mines goes shortly too.

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