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36 years old, jobless and lost, seeks advice:

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36 years old, jobless and lost, seeks advice:

Hi everyone,

I’ve spent the last decade working in-house as a marketing manager for various companies. I was laid off from my last job at a Fortune 500 company back in Feb 2024 and haven’t been able to find employment in my field ever since.

It’s close to eight months of unemployment and I’ve only had five interviews despite submitting hundreds of job applications. I’ve tried all the tricks. Tailoring my resume to suit the role. Applying for jobs I’m under, over and exactly qualified for. Nothing seems to work. I was almost hired at a dream company but they ended up going with an internal candidate after spending three months interviewing me! Super frustrating.

At this point, I don’t even know if I want to work in the traditional marketing industry or corporate anymore. I’d love to work for a non-profit but rarely find available roles that are marketing-adjacent. I’m capable and open to taking on a totally new role but I know hiring managers aren’t going to take the risk of hiring someone who doesn’t demonstrate exact work experience relevant to the role.

This job market has me feeling so defeated. I’m 36 years old and I feel like my life is on hold. I feel so worthless and lost. I want to start fresh but that feels impossible. Any tips on how to navigate this? I’d love to hear stories from people who found a new passion and were able to successfully start a new career. Thanks for letting me vent!

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  1. Anonymous

    First off it's a horrible market.

    Second, volunteer to help others in anyway you can. Your self work will thank you.

    Network while volunteering would be ideal. You are probably not going to find your next job in this market on a Job Board.

  2. Anonymous

    I would schedule time with a job/employment coach. They are amazing at tightening up resumes, providing contacts and helping you through the employment process. The market is not the same as it was even 10 years ago.

  3. Anonymous

    Consider looking at local colleges. People in non-educator roles often overlook those opportunities, but they need a wide range of support staff. Pay often doesn't match the commercial sector, but benefits and job security tend to be better.

    One caveat is that even jobs that don't necessarily require a bachelor's as a minimum in other sectors are likely to require it in academia. From the perspective that education is their primary purpose, it makes sense that they would prioritize formal degrees. Even if your first role doesn't require one, it's difficult to advance much further.

  4. Taylor Peters

    Have you thought about trying to create a marketing business yourself? Maybe offer flat rates to small businesses? Reach out to other co-workers that might be in the same position. I think it might be hard but I can see in this economy where it might be needed. I'm sure there are lots of smaller to midrange businesses they could use some guidance. Something to thing about.

  5. Anonymous

    I'm in your shoes. I was laid off 6 months ago. I've had interviews but they've gone nowhere. I'm also in marketing and my speciality is writing. During the course of the past six months, I've been assigned writing "tests" that I'm confident I've aced. I've been writing longer than many of the hiring managers have been alive, LOL. Of course that doesn't work in my favor -- I'm 20 years older than you. But man, I've still got a lot to offer. I have one more unemployment pay out coming to me next week. And the next person to tell me to network can please just keep it to themselves. I've found most people who attend networking functions are in it for themselves, and not so interested in helping others.

  6. Anonymous

    I am also in the exact same position. I'm a project manager and my last role was in marketing. Laid off almost a year ago from a large multi-national. I've applied for a few hundred roles and only got a handful of interviews. I live in Europe, in a non-English speaking country but am a Native English speaker. I have a Masters degree and nearly 15 years of work experience, but I'm still struggling.

    A few months ago I started volunteering with a non-profit. It has helped grow my network but not gotten me a job yet. I really enjoy working with this non-profit. It's small, the team is really great, and the mission is formidable. There is a chance of a paid position but it won't be enough to help with my family, so I'm considering becoming an English teacher for adults to supplement the pay gap.

    You should volunteer with a non-profit in your area or start-up organization that aligns with your personal values. Once they get to know you and see the value you can bring their organization, they'll find a role for you.

    Job/career coaches can be helpful, but only if you know what you want to do. If you are disheartened with corporate work-life and want to find a new path, then you are on your own.

    You'll find your way, don't worry. I hope you have a good support system.

  7. Anonymous

    I'm 36 as well. I just recently had to move back in with my parents. Honestly the worst part about the situation is my dad who thinks anyone who works less than 7 days a week is lazy. I'm taking a break from a regular 9-5 job and working part time.

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