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Hi everyone,

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Anonymous

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Hi everyone,

I need advice. I have been in a miserable situation at work. I've posted a few times about it. It's a clerical job. I have been here 9 years. There is really nowhere to go as far as advancement and the women here are so catty.

I have a degree in Social Work. The issue is I graduated in 1990. That tells you I am over 50. I have not really used this degree. I have had a few jobs over the years, but they didn't work out. I was never given a reason or lame reasons.

I have a second interview tomorrow for a social work position. It pays a lot more than what I make now. The interview is on teams which I have never done. Should I take this chance at my age? I am afraid I can't do it. I have the degree but little to no experience in child welfare except for a college internship. It's been my lifelong dream to do what I love but it comes with fears too. I am comfortable where I am as far as job security but miserable. There was a time in my life I lost 4 jobs in 4 years, and I have PTSD from it. What do you guys think?

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  1. Gabbie Espinal

    The worst that can happen is that they say no, so why not?

  2. Anonymous

    Since you are a social worker, maybe apply in another county or apply for a different position with advancement.

  3. Elizabyth Harrington

    You’ve got a second interview, so you are doing something right! Keep positive! Of course you can do this job - otherwise they wouldn’t have called you for a first interview. Follow your dreams. If this is what you want to do, go for it!! I’m also past the dreaded 5-0 mark and honestly, the wisdom you bring will be an asset. Don’t worry about your past experiences - just move on. If you don’t get this job, just keep trying until you find your place. As for the technology - log on a few minutes early to make sure your camera and mic are working. If you choke, be honest. I get past nervousness by being upfront that interviews make me nervous as hell (because they do). The best advice I ever received was to be unapologetic about who you are. People are either going yo like you for who you are or not like you and that’s okay. You don’t want to work for people who don’t value what you bring to the table. Good luck and I hope you knock this interview out of the park!

  4. Anonymous

    Thank you so much for your encouragement. I will be upfront and honest about being nervous and just clarify that there will be plenty of training. Our state has had a hard time with turnover in this department and they are hiring several across the state.

    Thanks again

  5. Maria

    Congrats on the 2nd interview, as someone else said, you're on the right track. Also, it's never to late to follow a dream or passion. If you really want this new role in SW, prep by researching the company and thinking about ways you can help them. Also list the top 4 things you bring to the table (if they haven't asked you already). Those video interviews can be a little scary but it'll be a breeze if you write things down first - or maybe bring in a real life experience where you've advocated for someone...doesn't necessarily have to be job related. Good luck!

  6. Anonymous

    Thank you

    Those are good ideas.

  7. Anonymous

    First, don't worry about age or limited experience. Find a way to have a real conversation about your desires and concerns. Explain to them it's truly your dream, ask them to help you fulfill it. If you do that and they don't reciprocate, then the perceived missed opportunity won't be truly missed.

  8. Anonymous

    Thank you

  9. Anonymous

    Thank you

    That is a good idea.

  10. Renee Pociopa

    Assuming you mean Microsoft Teams? If you have done ANY videoconferencing in the past few years, you should be fine.

    If you are worried about being out of the loop, look into joining professional groups for social workers.

  11. Anonymous

    If you have a degree in social work and you re feeling stymied by being in a clerical position, then, please *get out*. Since you have additional education, you have options. As someone who also has worked in clerical positions for years, your suspicion that your current position is a dead-end job is probably correct. Take a chance and run.

  12. Angela Mason

    Absolutely! Please go for it and make us proud!!

    The federal government hires for Social Workers, so do not put obstacles before yourself!

    You can do this! TEAMS and all! Get used to it because you could be meeting your clients in this telehealth care context.

  13. Rebecca Milliken

    If you get the job, take it. what do you have to lose? Don't underestimate your qualifications; if the place that's giving you a second interview is confident, you should be too.

    50 is young! I'm 58 and if if had a chance doing something that was a lifelong dream I'd take the chance. Good luck.

  14. Mislyn

    If you find another job take it!! Don’t ever be miserable in a job it’s not worth your mental health. Take it from someone who suffers with very low self esteem due to a boss that beat you down everyday.

  15. Angela Martin

    Try it! You aren't happy and this is a chance to use your degree. Social work isn't easy, but it can be very rewarding.

  16. Anonymous

    Go for it! I would try out that link prior. Make sure you're in a good place with connectivity and not going to be interrupted. Although you have not used this degree, I would also suggest taking any current certifications that you would benefit for this position. Know what they would be and let the interviewers know that you are doing continuing education to stay up on the laws and policies for this industry. Depending when the 4 year gap happened it may not need to be mentioned. Speak slowly, pause and try to not use filler words (um, yea) They're going to want specific examples, not generalizations.

  17. Colleen Dolak

    Take it! It’s never too late to make a change. Social workers are in high demand and our society needs you! You’ve got this!!

  18. Anonymous

    Career paths are not linear; if you can re-direct your path to what aligns with your values and interests, go for it. If needed find a friend or coworker to do a practice interview on Teams to help you get comfortable with the online interview. Good luck with the career change.

  19. Anonymous

    We only have one life to live and I wish I would have gone into social work and I'm 41 and I'm still thinking about going back to school. Do what you love I'm sure they'll understand and miss you but you got to follow your passion. I deal with PTSD also try CBT therapy. It's made me a whole lot more confident when I'm talking to people

  20. Anonymous

    Hello,

    I’m over 50 and have had a variety of positions in different fields since 1997. I originally worked in social work/ special education services. I moved to the real estate field because I wanted more freedom in my personal life and am up for a senior position(from an assistant position). The only limit is your state of mind. I would suggest a refresher class at a local community college in the field before applying for positions. Or starting with a few hours of volunteer work. Also, only do a ten year resume and share details at interviews if anything further back comes up. Take your time and be ok if the position isn’t the right fit, right away. Best of luck!

  21. Sue Gordon- retired Career Coach

    I hear unhappiness here in your current role. Why should your age stop you (this is written by someone older than you). Take a chance, you aren't going to get happier by staying where you are. Either way, in not that many years you'll be over 60. Where do you want to be? Where you are, or in a job that fits your dreams? I would at least try. What do you have to lose?

  22. Sue Gordon- retired Career Coach

    Re the Teams interview- if it's video, practice a video with a friend on a tool like Zoom or Google Meet if you don't have pre-interview access to Teams.

    Have them assess lighting and background. Other than that, treat it like an in-person interview. No biggie. And good luck!

  23. Anonymous

    Try thinking of a new job as an adventure instead of a job. You learn or experience new things with both. It might help to reset the way you look at work.

  24. Alicia Bjornson

    Think of your elevator pitch. At 50 you are not over the hill. Life is beginning with new levels of perspective and experience. Use it to your advantage. Think of your elevator pitch…. Good luck.

  25. Anonymous

    You should continue your education and become a therapist. You already have the organizational skills. A couple of more years of school and you could be doing Zoom calls in your underwear! You'd also have the chance to free yourself from toxic coworkers while helping clients whom you can relate to on a therapeutic level. Make a change. It's never too late.

  26. Anonymous

    “Comfortable “ and “miserable “ are opposites. Your job can’t be both. Go for the new job. It might work out or it might not. It’s getting late but NOT too late to try. Good luck.

  27. Anonymous

    Social work positions don’t pay and esp if you have a BS only… and so, if this job pays Better…than the misery you have now..I would def take it. You’re trying to Leave a miserable and Low Paying position after 9 years….Go For It…friend, there’s a big world of learning and chance out there!,,, don’t look back… and please stop minimizing your life experience and over emphasizing your age…stop that!,,

  28. Cynthia

    Do not screen yourself out! They chose YOU for the second interview, so they believe you are qualified.

    Practice online with a friend and practice by recording yourself. Remember to look at camera lens, not at your screen. If you do not get this job, keep looking! Consider volunteering for current experience and taking a certificate course. Colleges offer them now too. Above all, find a job you like. You will perform well when you are happy at work. Try CBT therapy for PTSD, as someone else suggested. Good luck

  29. Alicia O'Brien

    Never. I repeat- never sell yourself short. Social Work is one of the sectors with the highest worker shortages. The market is perfect for you to land this job. Go into the interview with confidence that they need you (heck the world needs you) to be a Social Worker. You’ve got this!

  30. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career Coach

    Go for it!!!!

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