Career Mismanagement Leaves Me Lost

Daria Duda

May 31,2022 at 3:46PM UTC

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Career Mismanagement Leaves Me Lost

This is my first post and is long to provide background and context: I spent most of my marketing 'career' (24 1/2 years!) in one place - albeit that one place went through an acquisition, then there were mergers, divestitures, and more acquisitions. At the same time, my job responsibilities adapted - always in marketing. Some enhancements but no management growth. I was laid off along with 80+ others when the office shut down and moved to another state in 2018 (remote work was not an option then). Eight months later, I landed a new job at a small technology startup; 17 months later, they laid me off; 2 months later, I landed only to find myself 7 months later jobless again when the company discontinued the product I was working on.

Now I'm six months into yet another job search. At 56, feeling defeated. I'm actively interviewing and have had rounds and rounds of interviews, presentations, and projects, only to get the very impersonal and generic "thanks but no thanks" email at the end. Rethinking everything now. I'm blessed and grateful to have good health, family, and home, so I'm not struggling that way, but I need to work, be appreciated and have a purpose. Most job postings out there seem to be for marketers with 5 years of experience (not 10/15/20), and the postings for leadership roles require management experience, which I don't have because I mismanaged my career early on. Non-profits require non-profit expertise, etc.

I'm in an over-qualified but also under-qualified predicament. I keep up with technology, have additional marketing certifications, take different online classes, work with a great career coach, and honestly review previous "mistakes" to avoid repeating them. Yet it seems as if I won't fit in anywhere.

Open to all advice! Thank you!

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AnonymousMay 31,2022 at 4:31PM UTC
Hello: My suggestions would be to (1) Limit being discouraged. You were able to find jobs after a couple recent layoffs. Perhaps, write a list of your successes so you can bring more energy into interviews. (2) Volunteer for a leadership or management position. That could be a club such as Toastmasters, a leadership a Church or Foodbank, or some other location. (3) Budget time for enjoyment. Do something fun to refresh yourself. Perhaps plan to read a fun book, watch a movie, go for a walk/hike, or something else. This will help with the recharge as well.
Daria DudaJune 1,2022 at 12:08AM UTC
Great suggestions -and one thing I have done already is volunteer with a tech accelerator chapter in my area, and that has given me a lot of confidence and understanding that consulting could be perfect for me. I like your idea of writing down successes (something I did 2 jobs ago but haven't revisited) and really taking positive stock in my accomplishments. Thank you for your positive vibes!
AnonymousMay 31,2022 at 6:14PM UTC
I wouldn't discount any of your experience. Is it possible you have some examples of leadership without actually have managed people? I wouldn't be discouraged from applying for jobs because you might be missing the management experience. Try to show the leadership through your resume.
I would also say, you don't have to 100% fit a job posting and requirements to apply. Try to think about how your past experience fits in those jobs, it doesn't need to be 1:1 compatible. I guarantee you have more experience than you're giving yourself credit for
AnonymousMay 31,2022 at 6:20PM UTC
Hi! Feel like I can relate to this post. Just lost my position at 54. And yes I feel over-qualified and under-qualified. However, I do not agree with the term "career mismanagement" - we all make life decisions based on health and family and any other circumstances that come along. You have done everything that you are supposed to do and something good will come soon - (I am telling myself the same thing:))
Kristie WhiteMay 31,2022 at 6:48PM UTC
It might not be mis-management, it might simply be subjective age bias. Ageism may be illegal but it is alive and well and running an undercurrent in every job interview. Plus, marketing is very trendy (IMO). So part of the youth attraction is toward marketers that are native to the newest tech, trend, or slang. So I would approach this from two angles. As a freelance copywriter, you can access a lot of gigs on Upwork. But you have to hustle a bit, pay attention all the time to be one of the first responders when you are just getting started. 2nd, look for a job that targets your age group - then your experience will be a blessing.
Daria DudaJune 1,2022 at 12:05AM UTC
Kristie - thank you! I actually did start an account with Upwork just a few days ago and will dig into that more. As you and a few others here have suggested - consulting may be just the right thing for me right now! I need to keep an open mind. Truly appreciate your comments and suggestions here!
KatMay 31,2022 at 9:06PM UTC
Do you like marketing or is it something you feel like you fell into? If you like marketing, try consulting, being a virtual assistant or doing contract work. There are small firms out there that would love to have an experienced marketing person grow their business but can't afford to (or don't need) a full time marketer. Your experience will be an advantage here since you have a successful track record to bank on when looking for clients. If you don't like marketing, then you need to look at what types of jobs you'd like to do and what transferable skills you have. Don't blame yourself for "mis-managing" your career. There's a lot of ageism in the workplace (especially marketing), as everyone thinks only the newest ideas and youngest people know how to do it well, which is not true. Look at your skills and find ways to use them in different ways if you need a new path.
Daria DudaJune 1,2022 at 12:04AM UTC
Hi Kat - I've been thinking about the consulting route and agree it could be a great new opportunity - I do love marketing and what I do. I've been doing some volunteer work with a tech accelerator chapter in my region - and that experience has helped me realize I could do this marketing advisement for money! Thank you again for your ideas - means a lot!
Anne MatsushitaMay 31,2022 at 9:54PM UTC
I'm sorry to hear about your situation! It sounds like you're very loyal, which is something you can mention since companies don't want to have to rehire and retrain people who aren't planning on staying long.
I also imagine you have a deep network you can tap into. This might even shorten the interview process, if someone on the inside is vouching for you.
You might consider consultant opportunities, where you can bring your expertise to a company who can benefit from your experience.
It sounds like things are getting stuck at the interview stage, so perhaps you can dig into this with your career coach. For example, do mock interviews if you aren't already. Best of luck!
Daria DudaMay 31,2022 at 11:59PM UTC
Hi Anne - thank you so much for your suggestions and ideas - I am truly amazed at the response others have provided me here - it really does help keep the positive vibes going! I do tap into my network, though did that less than a year ago too so hesitant to reach out again...but that's on me! The interviews go well - I get to 4th or 5th round / final round...then poof. But yes I have been working with my coach on leaning in, projecting confidence and knowledge, which has helped! Thank you again for your kindness!
Anne MatsushitaJune 1,2022 at 8:40PM UTC
You're very welcome Daria! I hear you, networking can feel uncomfortable for some folks. Perhaps you can offer to help them too, if you aren't already, so it doesn't feel one-sided.
That's amazing, you're doing great with interviews! Usually by the time you get to the final round, the team has decided you have the skills and experience, so it comes down to personality. Building rapport with whoever you're talking with can help - if it comes down to 2 strong candidates with similar experience, personality will be the tie-breaker.
You could also look at any LinkedIn recommendations the person you're meeting with has written, to get a sense of what traits they like to see.
AnonymousMay 31,2022 at 10:07PM UTC
Have you built a dynamic network to connect with. In your current situation your network may provide introductions, referrals and the inside line to new jobs that might never see a job board.
Barb HansenMay 31,2022 at 11:34PM UTC
You could look at subject matter expert jobs at companies that build marketing software, where your years of experience in marketing would be looked at as a huge benefit and your lack of management skills (your words not mine) wouldn't be a consideration.
subject matter expert jobs include Account Managers, Program Managers, Sales Support type positions, and Product roles.
A company that build marketing software would be happy to have someone with your experience.
I'm happy to connect with you here and on linkedIn, I have lots of connections in the software industry and I've spent a lot of my Product career in the Marketing Technology space.
Daria DudaMay 31,2022 at 11:56PM UTC
Hi Barb - I can't thank you enough for your advice! I know I need to think beyond a "product marketing" role and your ideas make sense! It would be great to connect with you on LinkedIn. Thank you again for your kindness!
Barb HansenJune 1,2022 at 3:34PM UTC
I'm happy to chat if you have any questions about transitioning a product marketing role into another SME role. Please reach out if you have any questions or just want to brainstorm.
We "older" women need to stick together :)
FYI - probably the best way to reach me is through LinkedIn or DM me here and I'll send you my email address.
Crystal HowellJune 1,2022 at 12:51PM UTC
Contact Madeline Mackey career coach, I used her for resume rewrite and intro letter, and linkedin rewrite, best decision I made.
Google has marketing positions, Nike, Adidas try big companies, Amazon, everyone needs marketing, Realtors, Mortgage and Insurance need marketing help.
You Cant Sell A Secret.
Join marketing groups on meetup.org, for professionals looking for like jobs and groups.
Start Ups only have grants for a year or more, ask if you go that route next time. Good Luck!
LaurenJune 1,2022 at 4:00PM UTC
You have wonderful experience so please remember that and invaluable knowledge to share with the right team. As I’m sure you’re aware now, startups are hit or Miss and typically not stable. I worked on a lot of marketing roles for nonprofits and never had one nix a person for no prior nonprofit experience. A nonprofit would LOVE to have someone of your experience (not sure what your comp needs are) but I would def hit up more nonprofits. In regards to management, let’s face it, most managers suck because they have never been formally trained/developed. Def make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and shows you’re open to opportunities. Keep that head up!!!!
Andie ParkerJune 2,2022 at 3:29AM UTC
Come work at my company! We hire all ages and backgrounds. We actually are looking for more experienced people!
KatJune 2,2022 at 4:11AM UTC
Do you have fully remote jobs? Where do I send my resume?
Andie ParkerJune 2,2022 at 6:03PM UTC
Yes we are fully remote, but have the occasional local meetups for quarterly kickoffs. email me - andieparker614@gmail
Abid QasimiJune 2,2022 at 11:19AM UTC
hlo
Daria DudaJune 2,2022 at 7:51PM UTC
Hi Andie - would love to hear more. Can we connect on Linkedin? Daria
Andie ParkerJune 2,2022 at 10:47PM UTC
Absolutely Darla!
i've dropped my email in another comment on this thread.
Sara TalcottJune 2,2022 at 2:01PM UTC
Non profits don't necessarily require non-profit expertise. I went from a VP of Marketing in natural food products to a Director of Marketing and Comms at a community foundation that needed a department built, a complete shift of messaging, internal education, and a complete rebrand. My skills came in very handy for all of this. Try applying to NPOs, they often can benefit from marketing experience in the "real world" as they usually lack this expertise. Oh, and I think NPOs are generally not as age-discriminitory.
anastasia biroshJune 5,2022 at 10:34PM UTC
I feel you. My career has been full of contract and temp jobs. I went to my county's Workforce Development Center to get assistance in writing my resume for ATS vs Humans, and it has seemed to help.
Crystal HowellJune 6,2022 at 6:05PM UTC
It is sad to know how experienced workers know their jobs, and the hiring managers seem to get younger and accept lower pay.
Try AARP they have good jobs from all over if you are over 50, Good Luck!
Sarmi ParidaOctober 26,2022 at 2:59PM UTC
Sounds very familiar !! Women over 40 and especially 50 and even more so women of color are being targeted in lay offs and orchestrated separations by companies. It never was a fair world . You need to keep at it though, strategically by differentiating yourself.
Melissa ChiouMarch 13,2023 at 4:12PM UTC
I feel you.
I think at over 20 years, you have to take more of a mentoring or instructional role - instructor, podcast guest, paid speaker. It's something I've been pushing towards too as I have over 20 years in TV and marketing.
I just started a YouTube channel and have been posting business productivity tips for business owners. I had been so scared of being on camera, but whatever. It's the new way to make money and generate inbound traffic.