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 hard to get new clients and the earning is from consulting business is low as compared to what i used to earn. i am very confused as What should i do, i need to support my family currently - now i am finding is hard to find a good paying corporate job at this age.

Ans: Dear Harsha,

I understand your situation and the challenges you're facing in your business. It can be difficult and overwhelming to navigate the job market after a long period of running your own business, but there are options available to you.

Your background in sales and marketing, as well as your skills in technical learning, negotiations, and strategies, could be valuable assets in a variety of industries. You may want to consider looking for a full-time job in a sales or marketing role, or even in a related technical field. Additionally, with your skills in technical and non-technical writing, you may be able to find freelance work in marketing or content writing.

It's important to remember that no one job or career path is set in stone, and it's never too late to explore new opportunities. You may also want to consider seeking guidance from a career counselor or mentor, who can help you evaluate your skills and interests, and suggest potential career paths that align with your goals and strengths.

I hope this helps. Good luck, and stay positive!

Best regards,
Abhishek

Ans: Vipul, you need to decide between the two paths. Either expand your consulting business OR take up a full-time job. Looks like you're leaning towards getting a full-time job.

If that's the decision you want to go for, please look at the opportunities on platforms LinkedIn, Naukri. Please focus on finding the 25 companies that are hiring for a role that you would be most suitable. Make sure you are tailoring the resume, following up with them, trying to get in touch with their HR teams, and connecting with the decision-makers of the company. Focus on building the connections and do strong follow-ups to land a job.

Do not apply to hundreds of jobs. Just find the 25 companies and focus on how you could get in the eyes of the employers. Engage with their posts on LinkedIn, update your LinkedIn profile, and put up an open-to-work badge on your LinkedIn profile.

All the best for your job search and keep me posted here. Waiting for the good news from you.

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: 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.