Career at an end, what now?
Discussion
I haven't managed to secure a job in 12 months and so I am faced with the realisation that no-one wants me. I am 48 and have good background in marketing and lots of up to date digital experience, working both client side and 3 years in an agency. Despite my good CV (which was rewritten by one of the CV Library writers) I have had lots of interest from recruitment agencies and some interviews which all seem to have gone well but resulted in either no feedback or feedback saying I was good but too senior or not the right fit. That's assuming they even bother to feedback at all.
Its a big shock tbh. I have always done well in marketing and never struggled to get a job but now feel like its not going to happen. You name it, I've done it, tried it in the job hunting arena. I hate the embarrassment of friends saying 'So how's the job hunting going?' and I keep saying 'Good but slow'.
So, realistically here I can only assume my career in marketing is over, it shouldn't be but all the signs tell me it is. I have been keeping going by working on an online course related to my experience which is good but pay back is long term, as new business ventures often are.
Today then I have admitted defeat and so am changing my search for a role to basically anything/anyone that will have me but I don't want to appear over qualified for low level jobs so assume I will need to 'dumb down' my CV (no offence to anyone here - sorry) but am unsure how to do this. Also, what would I wear to an interview? I've only ever worn suits. A quick search reveals driving jobs and some retail work.
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said this is a life-changing moment for me
Its a big shock tbh. I have always done well in marketing and never struggled to get a job but now feel like its not going to happen. You name it, I've done it, tried it in the job hunting arena. I hate the embarrassment of friends saying 'So how's the job hunting going?' and I keep saying 'Good but slow'.
So, realistically here I can only assume my career in marketing is over, it shouldn't be but all the signs tell me it is. I have been keeping going by working on an online course related to my experience which is good but pay back is long term, as new business ventures often are.
Today then I have admitted defeat and so am changing my search for a role to basically anything/anyone that will have me but I don't want to appear over qualified for low level jobs so assume I will need to 'dumb down' my CV (no offence to anyone here - sorry) but am unsure how to do this. Also, what would I wear to an interview? I've only ever worn suits. A quick search reveals driving jobs and some retail work.
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said this is a life-changing moment for me
Is there no freelancing work in the agency market?
Tough times, I know some jobs have a shelf life. Friend of mine ex agency, set up on his own, but has found it hard to make it pay.
Contracting?
I guess if you are set on a complete change of direction, then could you move into a sales role?
Tough times, I know some jobs have a shelf life. Friend of mine ex agency, set up on his own, but has found it hard to make it pay.
Contracting?
I guess if you are set on a complete change of direction, then could you move into a sales role?
Undirection said:
I haven't managed to secure a job in 12 months and so I am faced with the realisation that no-one wants me. I am 48 and have good background in marketing and lots of up to date digital experience, working both client side and 3 years in an agency. Despite my good CV (which was rewritten by one of the CV Library writers) I have had lots of interest from recruitment agencies and some interviews which all seem to have gone well but resulted in either no feedback or feedback saying I was good but too senior or not the right fit. That's assuming they even bother to feedback at all.
Its a big shock tbh. I have always done well in marketing and never struggled to get a job but now feel like its not going to happen. You name it, I've done it, tried it in the job hunting arena. I hate the embarrassment of friends saying 'So how's the job hunting going?' and I keep saying 'Good but slow'.
So, realistically here I can only assume my career in marketing is over, it shouldn't be but all the signs tell me it is. I have been keeping going by working on an online course related to my experience which is good but pay back is long term, as new business ventures often are.
Today then I have admitted defeat and so am changing my search for a role to basically anything/anyone that will have me but I don't want to appear over qualified for low level jobs so assume I will need to 'dumb down' my CV (no offence to anyone here - sorry) but am unsure how to do this. Also, what would I wear to an interview? I've only ever worn suits. A quick search reveals driving jobs and some retail work.
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said this is a life-changing moment for me
Test yourself - go on AliExpress spend a little bit on something you are interested in and set up a shopify doing the social media stuff. Blunt and simplistic yes - could be the best thing you will ever do. I have just advised a friend to do this with a total budget of £1k and time, ability and a real interest in the item they will sell.Its a big shock tbh. I have always done well in marketing and never struggled to get a job but now feel like its not going to happen. You name it, I've done it, tried it in the job hunting arena. I hate the embarrassment of friends saying 'So how's the job hunting going?' and I keep saying 'Good but slow'.
So, realistically here I can only assume my career in marketing is over, it shouldn't be but all the signs tell me it is. I have been keeping going by working on an online course related to my experience which is good but pay back is long term, as new business ventures often are.
Today then I have admitted defeat and so am changing my search for a role to basically anything/anyone that will have me but I don't want to appear over qualified for low level jobs so assume I will need to 'dumb down' my CV (no offence to anyone here - sorry) but am unsure how to do this. Also, what would I wear to an interview? I've only ever worn suits. A quick search reveals driving jobs and some retail work.
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said this is a life-changing moment for me
CountZero23 said:
Maybe broaden your search? There's plenty of that kind of work down in Brighton / London.
There seems to be a reasonable amount available but I am just not getting anywhere. I feel that I am too senior for some roles and not senior enough for others, almost like I fall down the gap in between, but that may be just my impression. Also, I need to be realistic about how far I can travel.tumble dryer said:
battered said:
Bulls
t. You're 48. You're as good as you were a year ago and better than you were as a youngster. Get out there and pitch. Your skills are needed somewhere. Find out where and nail it.
t. You're 48. You're as good as you were a year ago and better than you were as a youngster. Get out there and pitch. Your skills are needed somewhere. Find out where and nail it.
DSLiverpool said:
Test yourself - go on AliExpress spend a little bit on something you are interested in and set up a shopify doing the social media stuff. Blunt and simplistic yes - could be the best thing you will ever do. I have just advised a friend to do this with a total budget of £1k and time, ability and a real interest in the item they will sell.
And is it working?The fact you are getting interviews is a good thing, at that point you are down to the last 3 or so.
last time I was out of work (aged 45) it took me 3 months to find a job. I probably applied for 300 jobs in that period yet it seemed I wasn't getting anywhere, then suddenly I got an offer on a job I didn't even think went well at interview.
I would take any job you can now, but keep plugging away at applications for a job you want to do. Do not give up on your career.
last time I was out of work (aged 45) it took me 3 months to find a job. I probably applied for 300 jobs in that period yet it seemed I wasn't getting anywhere, then suddenly I got an offer on a job I didn't even think went well at interview.
I would take any job you can now, but keep plugging away at applications for a job you want to do. Do not give up on your career.
Undirection said:
DSLiverpool said:
Test yourself - go on AliExpress spend a little bit on something you are interested in and set up a shopify doing the social media stuff. Blunt and simplistic yes - could be the best thing you will ever do. I have just advised a friend to do this with a total budget of £1k and time, ability and a real interest in the item they will sell.
And is it working?It really depends if you HAVE to be earning full wack right now - if so trying your own path isnt for you, I am 6 months in to my new venture and its not covering the school fees (yet) but it will and very soon ...... but 6 months of not much isnt for everyone.
"digital marketing" is massively in demand at the moment in and around London.
But you don't need to work in an office - you can work from home/digital nomad. Nor do you need to be employed - £50 a hour seems to be a starting rate for freelancers in that space, book 15hrs a week and that's £36k per year ... for a part-time job.
But you don't need to work in an office - you can work from home/digital nomad. Nor do you need to be employed - £50 a hour seems to be a starting rate for freelancers in that space, book 15hrs a week and that's £36k per year ... for a part-time job.
MrOrange said:
"digital marketing" is massively in demand at the moment in and around London.
But you don't need to work in an office - you can work from home/digital nomad. Nor do you need to be employed - £50 a hour seems to be a starting rate for freelancers in that space, book 15hrs a week and that's £36k per year ... for a part-time job.
Indeed - we just came across a fashion company paying £10k to a CRO specialist for a closed / open checkout comparison - nice work if you can get it. But you don't need to work in an office - you can work from home/digital nomad. Nor do you need to be employed - £50 a hour seems to be a starting rate for freelancers in that space, book 15hrs a week and that's £36k per year ... for a part-time job.
Marketing Expert, but failing to sell ones self, interesting.
Seriously though, just keep at it, the right position will come along, try a different tack, agencies are awful, try approaching some companies directly.
If your not already doing something with your time other than looking for work perhaps consider charity work or a part time job (try to keep it relevant), just for something to add to your CV.
Seriously though, just keep at it, the right position will come along, try a different tack, agencies are awful, try approaching some companies directly.
If your not already doing something with your time other than looking for work perhaps consider charity work or a part time job (try to keep it relevant), just for something to add to your CV.
I sympathise completely and am in an almost identical position, and age, to yourself.
Skills do not appear to be transferable from one industry to the next and one feels completely invisible most of the time.
Trying to remain positive isn't easy but it must be done. I'm currently in a 'Groundhog Day' phase where each day feels the same (job searches and applications, CV reviews, etc) and one wonders what you must do today to make tomorrow the day when things will change. At least, that's how it all feels to me.
I cannot offer any advice or encouragement, but wish you the very best in your searches and will follow this thread with interest.
Skills do not appear to be transferable from one industry to the next and one feels completely invisible most of the time.
Trying to remain positive isn't easy but it must be done. I'm currently in a 'Groundhog Day' phase where each day feels the same (job searches and applications, CV reviews, etc) and one wonders what you must do today to make tomorrow the day when things will change. At least, that's how it all feels to me.
I cannot offer any advice or encouragement, but wish you the very best in your searches and will follow this thread with interest.
Undirection said:
tumble dryer said:
battered said:
Bullst. You're 48. You're as good as you were a year ago and better than you were as a youngster. Get out there and pitch. Your skills are needed somewhere. Find out where and nail it.
t. You're 48. You're as good as you were a year ago and better than you were as a youngster. Get out there and pitch. Your skills are needed somewhere. Find out where and nail it.In addition, people deride agencies but they have their place. Also, with regard to where you are, after a year maybe it's time to broaden that geographical area. Sure, nobody wants to live out of a suitcase (I know, I do)but if it's the only way to pay the bills then you do it.
If this really doesn't work then maybe you need to widen your approach to Sales. In my world (food manufacture) the vast majority of sales bods are 40+. The days of the 20-something "rep" seem to be over, these days people want a mature head on a pair of sensible shoulders to manage an account, be this a retailer, or a B2B ingredient/component/services supplier.
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