Job hunting in your 40s isn't easy.
I feel like I am never going to find a job that not only values my skill set, but is willing to compensate me fairly. At my age, I feel like job hunting is risky. I found my niche in my field, but finding a way to incorporate my program and training development, as well as opportunity to be a supervisor... it seems to be elusive. I thought I had found opportunities earlier this year at two different agencies, but ended up working under 2 directors who were highly toxic with their employees. From not respecting boundaries to asking employees to commit fraud... I couldn't stay. The job I have now is not doing work I enjoy, but it pays decently. I thrive on my passion for helping clients and assisting agencies in growing to better serve clients. I honestly am reaching a point where I don't know if my passion is enough anymore. 20+ years of work and volunteering, and while I've helped so many, I've overlooked what I need. So do I keep looking for the perfect job? Do I stick it out with the job I have now - that I don't enjoy? Or do I switch fields?
Try it at 70! This is one of the reasons I'm searching for Remote positions. Good luck!
Try being 64, with foreign-language speaking abilities. Can you parlay your skills into creating your own company? Or hiring yourself out as a consultant?
User deleted comment on 08/11/22 at 2:23PM UTC
Hi Anonymous! I hear you and I get it. I'm sorry you are experiencing age bias. Women are sadly undervalued after 40, you aren't imagining things. This doesn't mean you should give up or be undervalued or underpaid.
Job search is all about networking, especially as we get older. How can you leverage and deploy your network to work for you? Over 70% of jobs are filled by people who were recommended and just as many jobs are never posted on a job board. This changes the search game tremendously.
As a coach for women 40+ I see this all the time and it is frustrating to watch how difficult the process is.
Only you can answer your questions, so you may need to ask questions to yourself,
What parts of my work do I love, what will I miss if I walk awayWhat do I never want to do againAm I interested in being with people or on my own
Do some soul searching to figure out what you want and once you do, go after it.
Our organization, Modern Gen X Woman, recently did an event for women 40+ and one woman said "I don't know what I want to be when I grow up." Everyone chimed in. I'm telling you this because you aren't alone in this process.
Join our community, Modern Gen X Woman and surround yourself with more incredible women 40+
Jackie you're so spot on!
I'm a Gen X and I can relate to everything you just mention here. My job search has been a hit and miss, plus I have been networking with people within the community as a volunteer coordinator also doing the pandemic I got my certification as community health worker, Texas empowerment Initiative Advancement class for the disable, Certificate also Mental Health peer to peer classes. most jobs requiring bilingual. I meet all requirements, But Bilingual I am not. It's so many barriers, but I'm willing to be coach on how to over come it. I feel I need support system. By the way I have taken some notes down on asking myself questions you and Rachel Serwetz just share. also I just taken the quiz Rachel shared. Thanks, for the feedback. will do. Anonymous we can do this together. Take care
The job search is the most antiquated process and dehumanizing. It is frustrating but it is not a reflection of your worth at all. It is a reflection of a bias mindset by individuals.
That said, it really comes down to representing yourself as the it candidate - which means knowing your capabilities and having confidence in your ability to deliver and contribute to the bottom line.
I offer free 30-minute sessions and would love to connect offline. Just email me at [email protected] ?
I don’t have your wisdom but I did want to mention some of my thoughts.
i read a reply here about more senior employees feeling ‘discarded’.
currently I’m 34 so please take my viewpoint neither a grain of salt!
I can’t tell you how much I’ve always appreciated working with senior employees. They have so much to offer more junior employees. They have knowledge about a business cycle and foresight into daily ups and downs. They have a wealth of knowledge based on their experience. I feel lucky for any engagement with you to enrich my professional life.
im not trying to generalize though I apologize if this is the case.
it has been so limited to be a female and to have so few senior women that I can look up to and engage with that I just wanted to let you know that from my view point I appreciate you and am thankful you are there when I go to work.
We should create something together.
I would love to do that! I'm wondering if I should start a blog about working in mental health crisis services. Give perspective to agencies, clients, schools, etc. Find a way to lend my knowledge, help.
Sorry to hear about your situation. Here I thought it was only my age group (55-60) that had trouble finding a job and getting hired! It is discouraging to have so much to offer and then be looked down upon and discarded. It's even more discouraging to have a job that pays the bills and that you hate with a passion! I've been there! My advice to you is to do your research on where you want to be job-wise. Make phone calls and send resume's on your lunch and after work ON YOUR OWN PHONE/COMPUTER. LOL No job is worth unhappiness and stress. Life is too short. Good Luck.
Try looking for a professional position at 75!
I’m currently working but at a salary of $30,000
not enough to meet my bills.
I have 2 interviews scheduled this week where the money is substantially more but I get nervous about fitting in
You spend the time and effort to grow, not find the perfect job. You keep growing and learning.
I am 65 and thrive in many different arenas. I don't mind being in over my head because I've learned, over time, that I don't mind being uncertain and nit knowing everything. I love learning and figuring things out.
I love the $, freedom and flexibility, my confidence affords me. Leadership in a good many industries seek me out because my long history of making things happen and building worthwhile businesses.
I don't spend much time in toxic environment and will not tolerate drama. I don't set out looking for dream jobs. I gravitate to challenge.
If something scares me or gives me pause for not believing I can accomplish something, I'm like a dog with a bone. I get very curious and eventually very interested if it checks my boxes of great $, smart people and a challenge.
Try starting a consulting business on the side. If you like it and you are getting good results, it could be a path forward. Employers aren't supposed to discriminate against older women, but they do it every day and get away with it.
I'm not sure how to provide my skill set in a consultant role. Most agencies have staff for training and program development, and supervising a team. All areas I would like to work in, but would also like to maintain the ability to directly work with clients in crisis. Supervisor roles allow for contribution to training and program development, but tend to have little to no client contact. Otherwise I would be happy to be a consultant to an agency.