Help dealing with long term career change

[Antonio1981]

Curious to know if anyone has experienced going thru the transition of job search after 30 years with the same company? Spent more than half my life working for the same company and now feel overwhelmed/insecure going thru job search and interviewing.

 

Hoping I can get some advice on how to get motivated and rebuild confidence. Feel disadvantaged with today's younger generation and their skills with technology, etc. Are companies still interested in candidates over 50yo?

[+ purplekow]

Well Antonio, a few years ago, I sold my medical practice to a hospital with a contracted 2 year employment guarantee. Within those two years the hospital moved the practice twice. They mismanaged each of the moves, making it almost impossible for patients to find the practice. After three years, they c,losed the practice, leaving me unemployed.

I started doing part time teaching at the local hospital and as a result, I ran into colleagues, one of whom advised me of a job. I interviewed and was offered the job in a temporary position with the proviso that they would look to find someone with more longterm potential. I took that job, which was always meant to be a stopgap and after eighteen months, they found the specialist they wanted to run the facility and eventually I was dismissed. (The new person lasted less than a year. Oh well.)

I went back to the teaching position, which is paid but on an as needed basis. I volunteered to do as much time as they could give me, After, doing that for 16 months, I was offered a full time position, which I am considering.

Long story even longer, I put myself out there, I made contacts, I let people know I was interested in full time work and I kept my eyes and ears open. In that time, I applied for several jobs, but despite promising interiews, none resulted in a job offer.

I got better at interviewing and found that I needed to hone those skills which would help me excel at the interview. Also, on several of those job interviews and even at the two I landed, I decided to address the hidden agenda of ageism. I prepared for this and even though it is not legal to directly question about age, I made a point of bringing it up and I discussed why my age, experience, maturity and dependability far outweighed any perceived advantages of youth

So there are jobs out there, You need to convince yourself of your worth before you can convince anyone else. Sit down, figure out why they should hire you and then do not be afraid to tell them. Apply, even if you do not think you are right for a job and use that to hone interviewing skills and development of confidence, Keep your ears open and recruit friends and colleagues to do the same.

Find temporary employment, as the best testament to your ability is to have a job,

Finally, you should consider jobs which are related but not directly in your usual area of expertise.

In medicine, I did private practice. The jobs I got, involved hospital care of patients, teaching, administration and insurance management. Skills which were not my forte but areas of practice to which I brough a different prospective.

Good luck. It may take time but do not get discouraged.

Edited January 3, 2020 by purplekow

[+ g56whiz]

Richard Bolles wrote 2 best selling books on this subject: The Three Boxes of Life and What Color is Your Parachute and @purplekow has neatly distilled their content four paragraphs. The key is to quickly get over the hurdle of self doubt and get on to a clear-eyed assessment of what are the things you have to offer in the marketplace. As @purplekow found, your chief and most important asset may be the different perspective you bring to a new employer’s problems. I too found that to be true. I went into each interview focusing not on my need for a salary but on what could I learn and possibly share with this individual. That level of communication led to a wider network and ultimately an offer.

Two important words of advice:

- Do not neglect a prompt thank you letter after an interview. A well written letter that refers to topics covered shows how well you can think and communicate. It also shows your willingness to join the staff. And if nothing else it can keep your name in active consideration.

- Acknowledge the fact that you are and will be on an emotional rollercoaster for a while. Some days will be filled with high expectation and following will be days of great despair. Learn to live with both.

Now that I’ve reached the safe shore of retirement I’ve found that some of the more interesting moments in my career were in job searches. Then again there’s a reason that to the Chinese “May you live in interesting times!” is a curse rather than a blessing.

Good Luck.

[Antonio1981]

Richard Bolles wrote 2 best selling books on this subject: The Three Boxes of Life and What Color is Your Parachute and @purplekow has neatly distilled their content four paragraphs. The key is to quickly get over the hurdle of self doubt and get on to a clear-eyed assessment of what are the things you have to offer in the marketplace. As @purplekow found, your chief and most important asset may be the different perspective you bring to a new employer’s problems. I too found that to be true. I went into each interview focusing not on my need for a salary but on what could I learn and possibly share with this individual. That level of communication led to a wider network and ultimately an offer.

Two important words of advice:

- Do not neglect a prompt thank you letter after an interview. A well written letter that refers to topics covered shows how well you can think and communicate. It also shows your willingness to join the staff. And if nothing else it can keep your name in active consideration.

- Acknowledge the fact that you are and will be on an emotional rollercoaster for a while. Some days will be filled with high expectation and following will be days of great despair. Learn to live with both.

Now that I’ve reached the safe shore of retirement I’ve found that some of the more interesting moments in my career were in job searches. Then again there’s a reason that to the Chinese “May you live in interesting times!” is a curse rather than a blessing.

Good Luck.

 

Thank you for your insight. I appreciate your perspective on The interviewing process. I think my self doubt is a result of me being my own worst critic and being more introverted vs. extroverted by nature. Thanks for recommending some good books to help!

[Antonio1981]

Well Antonio, a few years ago, I sold my medical practice to a hospital with a contracted 2 year employment guarantee. Within those two years the hospital moved the practice twice. They mismanaged each of the moves, making it almost impossible for patients to find the practice. After three years, they c,losed the practice, leaving me unemployed.

I started doing part time teaching at the local hospital and as a result, I ran into colleagues, one of whom advised me of a job. I interviewed and was offered the job in a temporary position with the proviso that they would look to find someone with more longterm potential. I took that job, which was always meant to be a stopgap and after eighteen months, they found the specialist they wanted to run the facility and eventually I was dismissed. (The new person lasted less than a year. Oh well.)

I went back to the teaching position, which is paid but on an as needed basis. I volunteered to do as much time as they could give me, After, doing that for 16 months, I was offered a full time position, which I am considering.

Long story even longer, I put myself out there, I made contacts, I let people know I was interested in full time work and I kept my eyes and ears open. In that time, I applied for several jobs, but despite promising interiews, none resulted in a job offer.

I got better at interviewing and found that I needed to hone those skills which would help me excel at the interview. Also, on several of those job interviews and even at the two I landed, I decided to address the hidden agenda of ageism. I prepared for this and even though it is not legal to directly question about age, I made a point of bringing it up and I discussed why my age, experience, maturity and dependability far outweighed any perceived advantages of youth

So there are jobs out there, You need to convince yourself of your worth before you can convince anyone else. Sit down, figure out why they should hire you and then do not be afraid to tell them. Apply, even if you do not think you are right for a job and use that to hone interviewing skills and development of confidence, Keep your ears open and recruit friends and colleagues to do the same.

Find temporary employment, as the best testament to your ability is to have a job,

Finally, you should consider jobs which are related but not directly in your usual area of expertise.

In medicine, I did private practice. The jobs I got, involved hospital care of patients, teaching, administration and insurance management. Skills which were not my forte but areas of practice to which I brough a different prospective.

Good luck. It may take time but do not get discouraged.

 

Thanks for sharing and congratulations to you. You are so right about honing in on interviewing skills. A friend of mine had mentioned he hired a career coach to help update his resume and brush up on interviewing. I guess I've been spoiled the past 30 years being "tapped on the shoulder" for larger assignments and new opportunities without having to formally interview.

 

Financially I think I will be okay for awhile during the job search. It sucks having to dip into what I've saved for a rainy day...but luckily I've saved for quite awhile. I'm mentally prepared to take a salary reduction as well.

 

Right now, it feels like I'm going thru a bad breakup and have a knot in my stomach. Thanks for listening.

[+ WilliamM]

I strongly suggest doing some vulenter work in assignments that genuinely interest you. You may not get a chance to mention it during an job interview, but more valuable than a follow up letter after the interview. I often asked applicant "how well do you get through interviews like this?" People are usually honest because it is difficult to determine s good answer on the spot.

 

Most important: you will be ok, trust me.

[craigville beach]

for over 45 years I was in the financial field. my primary care doctor saw the train wreck that was headed my way, when it hit he told me he saw it coming. when it finally happened, my doctor told me "you will find something that is far more fun and enjoyable". he was correct. I now have 4 part time jobs, at the end of the day I am physically tired, but happy. I still have issues with how my financial career ended, but I am so happy it did.

[+ AntonGraza]

Hey Antonio, you are going to be in shock for a while, specially after spending that much time at one company (I am 55 yrs old and going on 31 yrs at my job) and have also been the "go to" person for those difficult projects.

 

One suggestion is to see about being a temp -contractor working for the military or the government. The people doing the hiring are on the look for us "older" people. Unfortunately in most work environments today, the hiring managers have a whole 6 years of experience out of college and there is bias against anyone with some gray in their hair.

 

This also may be a blessing in disguise. From the people I know who were laid off - terminated and were good workers in the wrong place at the wrong time usually found a job that made them happy and they wondered why they put up with the BS at company "A" for so long.

 

From what I can see, the only skill the new kids have that are better than us is the use of Excel. If you brush up on that and just be you, I guarantee you will find something. Also, do not be afraid to tell anyone you are looking for a job, people are overall kind and will go the extra yard to help you.

 

Good luck, Anton

[Antonio1981]

I strongly suggest doing some vulenter work in assignments that genuinely interest you. You may not get a chance to mention it during an job interview, but more valuable than a follow up letter after the interview. I often asked applicant "how well do you get through interviews like this?" People are usually honest because it is difficult to determine s good answer on the spot.

 

Most important: you will be ok, trust me.

 

Thanks for your response and insight. I seriously have considered getting involved with charity work - especially when I go thru occasional "corporate burnout" cycles. Earlier today I was looking at the LGBT Center to see what their programs look like as well as Big Brothers of America.

 

Thank you for the reassurance that I will be okay. Greatly appreciated.

[Antonio1981]

Hey Antonio, you are going to be in shock for a while, specially after spending that much time at one company (I am 55 yrs old and going on 31 yrs at my job) and have also been the "go to" person for those difficult projects.

 

One suggestion is to see about being a temp -contractor working for the military or the government. The people doing the hiring are on the look for us "older" people. Unfortunately in most work environments today, the hiring managers have a whole 6 years of experience out of college and there is bias against anyone with some gray in their hair.

 

This also may be a blessing in disguise. From the people I know who were laid off - terminated and were good workers in the wrong place at the wrong time usually found a job that made them happy and they wondered why they put up with the BS at company "A" for so long.

 

From what I can see, the only skill the new kids have that are better than us is the use of Excel. If you brush up on that and just be you, I guarantee you will find something. Also, do not be afraid to tell anyone you are looking for a job, people are overall kind and will go the extra yard to help you.

 

Good luck, Anton

 

Thanks for your insight Anton! You are correct that a lot of people are so much happier in their job choices. I'm a very loyal person at heart and the last to leave "the party". LOL. Ive supported and mentored a team of young hiring managers (avg age around 30yo) and had to work them on hiring the best talent - not just someone they "click" with. I'm good with excel - it's the social media platforms where I struggle to keep up!

[Antonio1981]

for over 45 years I was in the financial field. my primary care doctor saw the train wreck that was headed my way, when it hit he told me he saw it coming. when it finally happened, my doctor told me "you will find something that is far more fun and enjoyable". he was correct. I now have 4 part time jobs, at the end of the day I am physically tired, but happy. I still have issues with how my financial career ended, but I am so happy it did.

 

Wow! I'm impressed with holding down 4 part time jobs! I love your work ethic. Thanks for responding and I'm thrilled to hear that you are so happy and doing well.

[amused1]

20 years into my career the company I worked for went under. I was a wreck. The labor market in my area was tight and suddenly flooded with over 1000 newly unemployed individuals. My house was deeply under water so relocating was not an option. I did some consulting and volunteer work for a while as I assessed my situation.

 

One of my greatest fears was that my skill set was limited to the very specialized area of my last position. I decided to take a 90 degree turn and do something completely different. I took classes to develop the skills I needed as well as prove to myself that I had the ability to learn new skills.

I've worked in that industry for the past 14 years but seeing the writing on the wall (online businesses changing that industry) started looking for a new job.

 

It took 4 years and 100s of applications but am now 3 weeks into my 3rd major career.

 

The things that tipped the scales in my favor:

Work ethic

Community engagement

Strong references

Well built resume

 

I strongly urge you to speak with a job transition professional be it a resume consultant or head hunter. They often see the marketable skills the don't occur to you because it was 2nd nature to you. "Just part of the job."

 

Abilities like prioritization, multitasking, logistics, attention to detail, etc are so often automatic as to be overlooked and unrecognized by experienced workers.

 

And, finally, approach your job search as a job. Apply the skills you've developed and your work ethic to it as you did your recent career.

 

It's not easy, believe me I've been there. You'll send out dozens of applications/resumes with little response. It's the nature of the beast. Don't let it get to you too much. Your value will ultimately be recognized.

[+ Charlie]

Well Antonio, a few years ago, I sold my medical practice to a hospital with a contracted 2 year employment guarantee. Within those two years the hospital moved the practice twice. They mismanaged each of the moves, making it almost impossible for patients to find the practice. After three years, they c,losed the practice, leaving me unemployed.

I started doing part time teaching at the local hospital and as a result, I ran into colleagues, one of whom advised me of a job. I interviewed and was offered the job in a temporary position with the proviso that they would look to find someone with more longterm potential. I took that job, which was always meant to be a stopgap and after eighteen months, they found the specialist they wanted to run the facility and eventually I was dismissed. (The new person lasted less than a year. Oh well.)

I went back to the teaching position, which is paid but on an as needed basis. I volunteered to do as much time as they could give me, After, doing that for 16 months, I was offered a full time position, which I am considering.

Long story even longer, I put myself out there, I made contacts, I let people know I was interested in full time work and I kept my eyes and ears open. In that time, I applied for several jobs, but despite promising interiews, none resulted in a job offer.

I got better at interviewing and found that I needed to hone those skills which would help me excel at the interview. Also, on several of those job interviews and even at the two I landed, I decided to address the hidden agenda of ageism. I prepared for this and even though it is not legal to directly question about age, I made a point of bringing it up and I discussed why my age, experience, maturity and dependability far outweighed any perceived advantages of youth

So there are jobs out there, You need to convince yourself of your worth before you can convince anyone else. Sit down, figure out why they should hire you and then do not be afraid to tell them. Apply, even if you do not think you are right for a job and use that to hone interviewing skills and development of confidence, Keep your ears open and recruit friends and colleagues to do the same.

Find temporary employment, as the best testament to your ability is to have a job,

Finally, you should consider jobs which are related but not directly in your usual area of expertise.

In medicine, I did private practice. The jobs I got, involved hospital care of patients, teaching, administration and insurance management. Skills which were not my forte but areas of practice to which I brough a different prospective.

Good luck. It may take time but do not get discouraged.

One of my former primary care physicians, who was also a personal friend, had almost exactly the same experiences that you had. He is still working, at 75, in a public health clinic, and is the happiest he has ever been.

[David1024]

Thanks for sharing and congratulations to you. You are so right about honing in on interviewing skills. A friend of mine had mentioned he hired a career coach to help update his resume and brush up on interviewing. I guess I've been spoiled the past 30 years being "tapped on the shoulder" for larger assignments and new opportunities without having to formally interview.

 

Financially I think I will be okay for awhile during the job search. It sucks having to dip into what I've saved for a rainy day...but luckily I've saved for quite awhile. I'm mentally prepared to take a salary reduction as well.

 

Right now, it feels like I'm going thru a bad breakup and have a knot in my stomach. Thanks for listening.

 

one of the most important things to have these days is a current LinkedIn profile, with a (flattering) headshot and as many recommendations and endorsements as you can get from personal and professional contacts. The resume is a thing of the past; many potential employers will look for the professional touch on LinkedIn, together with the relevance of their skill set. Good luck!

[Antonio1981]

one of the most important things to have these days is a current LinkedIn profile, with a (flattering) headshot and as many recommendations and endorsements as you can get from personal and professional contacts. The resume is a thing of the past; many potential employers will look for the professional touch on LinkedIn, together with the relevance of their skill set. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the info. I am currently updating my LinkedIn profile. A friend of mine mentioned rebranding oneself as well with the goal to catch the attention of recruiters, etc. I plan to hire someone to help brush up my resume. Do you really think a resume is not as important in today's marketplace?

[Antonio1981]

One of my former primary care physicians, who was also a personal friend, had almost exactly the same experiences that you had. He is still working, at 75, in a public health clinic, and is the happiest he has ever been.

 

Thanks for sharing. I'm encouraged by hearing that everyone's end result has been a good one. Cross my fingers!

Edited January 4, 2020 by Antonio1981

[Antonio1981]

20 years into my career the company I worked for went under. I was a wreck. The labor market in my area was tight and suddenly flooded with over 1000 newly unemployed individuals. My house was deeply under water so relocating was not an option. I did some consulting and volunteer work for a while as I assessed my situation.

 

One of my greatest fears was that my skill set was limited to the very specialized area of my last position. I decided to take a 90 degree turn and do something completely different. I took classes to develop the skills I needed as well as prove to myself that I had the ability to learn new skills.

I've worked in that industry for the past 14 years but seeing the writing on the wall (online businesses changing that industry) started looking for a new job.

 

It took 4 years and 100s of applications but am now 3 weeks into my 3rd major career.

 

The things that tipped the scales in my favor:

Work ethic

Community engagement

Strong references

Well built resume

 

I strongly urge you to speak with a job transition professional be it a resume consultant or head hunter. They often see the marketable skills the don't occur to you because it was 2nd nature to you. "Just part of the job."

 

Abilities like prioritization, multitasking, logistics, attention to detail, etc are so often automatic as to be overlooked and unrecognized by experienced workers.

 

And, finally, approach your job search as a job. Apply the skills you've developed and your work ethic to it as you did your recent career.

 

It's not easy, believe me I've been there. You'll send out dozens of applications/resumes with little response. It's the nature of the beast. Don't let it get to you too much. Your value will ultimately be recognized.

 

Thank you for sharing your experience and tips navigating the job search I'm starting to believe that my fears and self doubt are common, but encouraged to know that recruiters and future employers still find value in work ethic, organizational skills, loyalty, engagement. Thanks for your shining a positive light that I needed.

[+ purplekow]

When I have gone for interviews, the interviewer has the resume in hand. He/She may have reviewed other data, but the resume is still on the desk. Now I suppose there are Skype interviews and other than face to face interviews, but I have not done any of those.

[amused1]

Thanks for the info. I am currently updating my LinkedIn profile. A friend of mine mentioned rebranding oneself as well with the goal to catch the attention of recruiters, etc. I plan to hire someone to help brush up my resume. Do you really think a resume is not as important in today's marketplace?

A well constructed resume is still a major factor in the job hunt. Also, work on a few cover letters. Make sure your resume consultant is up to date on which key words and attributes are being searched. Many large organizations scan resumes for key words before any human ever looks at it. Also, discuss the best strategy for listing your experience without fully indicating your age.

[David1024]

Thanks for the info. I am currently updating my LinkedIn profile. A friend of mine mentioned rebranding oneself as well with the goal to catch the attention of recruiters, etc. I plan to hire someone to help brush up my resume. Do you really think a resume is not as important in today's marketplace?

I think it’s relevant to still have a resume, but make sure it’s consistent with your LinkedIn profile. The thing that the resume does not do is to show endorsements and recommendations from others, or who is in your network. You can also add other stuff there, for example, any volunteer or non profit work you do. In today’s environment, it’s illegal for an employer to ask any questions that are not relevant to the job, so an online presence that shows you as a more complete person can be very helpful.

[Antonio1981]

I think it’s relevant to still have a resume, but make sure it’s consistent with your LinkedIn profile. The thing that the resume does not do is to show endorsements and recommendations from others, or who is in your network. You can also add other stuff there, for example, any volunteer or non profit work you do. In today’s environment, it’s illegal for an employer to ask any questions that are not relevant to the job, so an online presence that shows you as a more complete person can be very helpful.

 

Thanks for the tip. I've got to learn to be my own biggest advocate. Im pretty humble and modest by nature and don't like to toot my own horn. This will be the first step in stepping out of my comfort zone.

[amused1]

Thanks for the tip. I've got to learn to be my own biggest advocate. Im pretty humble and modest by nature and don't like to toot my own horn. This will be the first step in stepping out of my comfort zone.

 

I too had to learn to be my own advocate. After so long in the same company many of my skills were unrecognized, I was just doing my job like always. My resume consultant was amazing and really helped me to see just how broad and valuable a skill set I possess. Working with her gave me the first key to unlocking my inner job hunter.

[Antonio1981]

Just bumping this thread with another question -

 

What is the recommended financial savings one should have in the event of situations like this? Is it 3-6 months of current earnings?

[+ oldNbusted]

Just bumping this thread with another question -

 

What is the recommended financial savings one should have in the event of situations like this? Is it 3-6 months of current earnings?

 

 

$1 million more than you have now. Oh wait, that is the answer to 'how much should I have to retire on?'

 

After the Great Recession, the old advice of having enough liquid assets to cover 6-9 months of your expenses was upgraded to 1-2 years. Keep in mind that current expenses is (hopefully!) a lower number than current income.

[+ E.T.Bass]

I always heard one should have one years take home pay on hand.

 

As far as the interview,

I remember from communication class learning to prepare sharing the professional organizations you belong to and the roles you perform each day. "This is what I'm skilled at doing.", perhaps 3 things.

 

Over the last few years I've realized it is hard to find good people. New reqisitions stay open a long time. So it seems this is a good time to interview for a new position. Companies need good people. 50 years old should be Ok. Don't sweat that, unless you like to find things to worry about. There are tricks to interviewing which seems gamey. But you do what you gotta do. Pay attention and ask questions about program terms and initiatives they bring up.

 

I performed the same role for nearly 17 years. Last year I decided to interview for another group I knew needed people. I asked to be promoted up a level and for a specific raise which I got.

 

My old Org was flummoxed that I would leave. 17 years is long enough, probably too long, to stay in place.