I'm in my mid-40s and I've gotten really frustrated with the tech industry.

8 Comments

1. PatriciaNovember 30,2022 at 12:08AM UTC

   I can relate, I have been in IT Project Management for 17 years. Prior to this I have 15 years of developer/support experience.

   Even though I have been studying additional IT courses over the years, including a post-graduate degree in Data Science, all I have to show for it is a tax bill I am still paying! I have been trying to pivot into Data Analytics, but a degree and transferrable skills are not enough.

   I am now looking at Project/PMO Analyst roles as a stepping stone. I thought if I could marry the skills and get some related experience I may be able to pivot in the future through networking.

   Like you, I am not excited about the obvious option of IT Project Management, but it's all I am being offered at the moment. Doesn't stop me looking for analyst opportunities...

2. Carey ANovember 30,2022 at 11:04PM UTC

   That's funny because I'm also thinking about moving into data analytics or data science! Hmm, I don't have a degree or certificate in it. Are they not asking you to interview, or are they interviewing you but ultimately choosing someone else?

3. PatriciaDecember 1,2022 at 10:41PM UTC

   No interviews, they want years of experience on specific platforms and specific programs. I think networking is the only way in. Once I land the Project/PMO Analyst role, I can prove my skills and possibly pivot into Data Analytics.

4. KimberlyNovember 30,2022 at 3:49AM UTC

   Hello,

   Are you still seeking employment. I believe League Inc. is hiring for female engineers. You may want to check them out.

5. Carey ANovember 30,2022 at 11:04PM UTC

   Thanks, I will check them out. :)

6. AnonymousDecember 2,2022 at 2:29PM UTC

   How would you feel about working in Education? IT department for a school system or college/university? The pay might not be as competitive, but it's decent. Also, there is a focus on gender equality in a lot of the universities. Might even be able to teach if you wanted.

7. AnonymousDecember 2,2022 at 3:20PM UTC

   I went through this very issue back in 2003 when the tech market crashed. I did a complete career pivot but was lucky enough to have a house with equity and almost a year's severance due to 22 years with the company. I went back to school, got a master's degree in another discipline that I felt was more of a career calling for me, and never looked back. Since then, I have gotten a second master's degree and am almost finished with a doctorate. You're never too old to learn something new.

   One thing to note about what I did. It was not for the faint of heart because the salaries in my pivot career are not even close to the earning potential I had in the tech industry, so tightening the belt and figuring out exactly what you need to

   First: survive

   Second: get by

   Third: thrive

   is an essential element. At one point, I almost had to declare bankruptcy because of the significant credit card debt I had accumulated when I had the money to do it.

8. Huong Nguyen-ValleDecember 2,2022 at 4:58PM UTC

   hi! I am 42 and did a career pivot this year. I was in the non-profit sector my entire career and I had enough due to a number of reasons. I switched to the fitness tech sector and really love it! I went back to school to get my master's at 40 and graduating in June 2023. It is never too late and you can do it!