Hello Mayank,
I am a commerce graduate and have around 15 years of experience in back office operations.
I am currently working at the document management department in an oil and gas MNC at a designation equivalent to that of a senior clerk.
I am nearing 40 and I will be losing my current job in the next few months.
My problem is that I am searching for a new job since one year but not getting any interviews. I guess this is due to my age (I am 40 and still at the clerical level) and my salary (around Rs 50,000) which is a bit on higher side with respect to my designation in my city.
I don't have the skillsets or attitude for a team leader or managerial position.
At present, I am not in a financial and mental state to acquire new skill sets, learn new things or start new businesses which are obvious suggestions.
I can't work in BPOs as they don't hire associates at this salary and particularly at this age. Besides, I am not comfortable working night shifts.
Could you suggest some different solution to my problem as I have already figured out/tried the common ones.
Thanks in advance.
Name withheld on request.

Ans: Mr Nagaraju, it is indeed sad to know that you are without a job at this age. I understand that you need to have something in hand and you have the skills and energy levels to carry on, but it becomes difficult to get into a job at 59. I suggest you try in start ups who may not be able to pay you as well and also offer consultancy services in your field on the side. Wishing you the best.

Ans: Continue your job search with your personal contacts, job sites like Naukri and social media platform like LinkedIn. Age will not be a limiting factor

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!