Hello everyone. I’m approaching 40 but feeling depressed and useless as of late. I was previously in the uniformed organization for more than 10 years. I then took a career break to spend more time with my family and to explore my career options.
During my career break, i upskilled by taking a course in IT as i have interest in this domain. Managed to land a role in IT but coming to 1 year in, i find that it is not suitable for me due to various reasons. As such, i resigned without a job line up.
I have been applying for jobs but only getting non replies and rejections. I’m starting to think that my age and experience hinders me from getting a suitable job. Really feeling lost…
Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you are going through a challenging time, and it is understandable to feel lost and discouraged given the circumstances.
I must commend you for the courage it took to make significant changes in your career and life. Taking a career break to spend time with family and explore new options is a brave decision, and upskilling in IT shows your willingness to adapt and grow.
It is tough when job applications do not yield the desired results, especially when you feel your age and experience might be working against you. Sometimes it takes time to find the right fit, and persistence is key. I understand how discouraging job hunting can be, and i encourage you to try and maintain a positive mindset, such as doing the things you enjoy and spending time with your family.
You can try networking, as that often leads to opportunities that are not advertised publicly. Networking sessions can be found through mobile apps like Eventbrite.
hi @user5368 ,
i appreciate you being vulnerable enough to share your experience, and it definitely sounds like a very isolating time for you currently given your career circumstances.
but i think it is really noble of you to take a career break to spend more time with your family as this is an area of our lives that we often take for granted while chasing career-related endeavours. and i believe that your family appreciates this sacrifice that you have made for them as well!
and i think it is even better that you managed to upskill through an IT course during this time as well. looking on the bright side, the current situation with all these rejections could just be a phase given the generally poor job market, and not necessarily a reflection of your competencies or age-related factors. so i hope you don’t take it too personally, but instead find the motivation within you to press on and continue seeking more opportunities as you have been doing.
I find it admirable that you took time to be with family, to also upskill and find a job in a different field as well!
I do hear that it is challenging to find a job with older age, and with the context of uniform service making up most of your career. You’re not alone in this, and there are others who have made it through. It feels tough right now with a lot of uncertainty and not knowing what will work out, but I’m certain you will make it through!
I’m wondering if you’re also in touch with career services? There are currently new launches for skills future and rewards for people looking for a job. And there are opportunities to further upskill to find a career that’s suited for you if IT wasn’t the right field.
Thank you @Rotovap, @calmbird123 & @lilac for the comforting words and encouragement. I’m currently in touch with a career coach going through a programme to rediscover my strengths to align with my best choices of job roles.
Hey, thanks for sharing this — I just want to say you’re not alone, and what you’re feeling is completely valid. It takes a lot of courage to step away from a stable career, and even more to try something new. The fact that you upskilled, landed an IT role, and made the call to leave when it didn’t fit — that shows self-awareness and strength, not failure.
Actually, this reminds me of my mom’s experience — she also had a tough time getting back into the workforce after a break. For a while, it was just rejections or no replies. But she kept applying and took on some simple part-time desk jobs in the meantime. Eventually, she found a role that really suited her. So don’t give up — there is something out there, it just takes time and persistence.
And funnily enough, my mom also took a data course to upskill — but in the end, she didn’t pursue it because she didn’t enjoy it. It just wasn’t her thing. That doesn’t mean other paths won’t work — it’s part of figuring out what fits you. Trying something and realizing it’s not for you is still progress.
Since your background is in uniformed work — I’m guessing possibly in the government — maybe consider applying to other departments or roles in the public sector? Your discipline, leadership, and operational experience are valuable in many areas, like training, security, or project coordination.
And remember — your career doesn’t define you. Even if you’ve been rejected a lot or haven’t found the right fit yet, life has so many other things to offer, like your family and the strengths you’ve built over the years.
Please don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re doing your best, and it shows. Keep going — the right opportunity will come.
Thank you for the update! I am glad you have taken steps to improve your current situation. The guide from someone like a career coach can definitely make it seem less daunting.
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!
