My age is 45 and i an MBA - have total work experience of 19 yrs. Around 14 years in corporate company and 2 years with a MSME consulting company and since last 3 years i have working freelance as management consultant for MSME sector. currently i am finding it had to get new clients and the earning is from consulting is low. What should i do - now i am finding is hard to find a good paying corporate job at this age.

Ans: 45 is not old in any way. If you upgrade yourself and remain relevant it's fine. Do financial planning through Mutual fund and quality stocks

Ans: Unfortunately, nobody can answer that question for you.. you have to find your own areas of expertise and interest and develop a business there. Start the business where there is minimum capital expenditure. Keep working till the proof of concept of your business is done and you truly believe that there is a future in the business you want to do.

Ans: Dear

I can feel your pain...it's not easy..

Few thoughts.

1. Talk to your friends and family to understand yourself better...why you got stuck...was it because of poor decisions, behaviour issues or anything else...do an honest self introspection.

2. Talk to senior people from industry and understand from them what you can do now.

3. Accept your emotional state...if you think appropriate go and talk to therapist they will help you understand yourself better.

While I know how painful it must be for you however I would say that it's pain and suffering that forces us to introspect and that provides us direction...so believe in yourself and life force.

Fact that you have come this far in life that shows you have tenacity and resilience... believe in that strength of yours and it will help you move forward. Your Sincerity will guide you.

All the best.

Ans: I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way, but please remember that it’s never too late to make changes in your career. Here are a few suggestions:

Upskill: Consider upskilling in areas that are in demand in the recruitment field. This could be data analysis, HR technologies, or even soft skills like leadership and negotiation. There are many online platforms offering courses that you can take at your own pace.
Networking: Networking can open up opportunities that you might not find in job postings. Attend industry events, join online forums or groups related to your field, and don’t hesitate to reach out to old colleagues or friends.
Mentorship: A mentor who has experience in your field can provide guidance, help you set career goals, and offer advice on professional development.
Well-being: It’s important to take care of your mental health. If you’re feeling burnout, it might be helpful to speak to a professional who can provide strategies to manage stress. Remember, it’s okay to take breaks and make time for activities you enjoy.
Consult a Career Coach: A career coach can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. They can help you identify your strengths, explore different career paths, and plan actionable steps towards your career goals.
Remember, everyone’s career path is unique and it’s okay to take your time to figure out what works best for you. Good luck!

Ans: I understand this must be a frustrating situation. You have a strong educational background and experience, but the job market can be tough. Don't view freelance work as a gap in your employment history. Frame it as an opportunity where you leveraged your expertise to consult with clients. Quantify your achievements as a freelancer whenever possible (e.g., increased client base by X%, secured Y new contracts). The financial and marketing fields have likely evolved since your graduation in 2006. Consider taking online courses, certifications, or workshops to update your knowledge in areas like financial technology (FinTech), digital marketing, or social media marketing. These in-demand skills can make your resume more attractive to employers. Since you already have experience freelancing for forex clients, explore ways to expand your freelance offerings. Can you offer additional services like market research, competitor analysis, or content creation related to finance or foreign exchange? Don't limit yourself to just finance or forex roles. Consider marketing positions within financial institutions, wealth management firms, or fintech companies. Your marketing background could also be valuable in other industries like retail, healthcare, or technology. Remember, your age and experience are assets. Age is not a liability; hence, by highlighting your transferable skills, expanding your skillset, and utilizing a strategic job search approach, you can increase your chances of landing the right job.