Topic : Career Goals

 I am 50 years old. I worked at one company most of my working life(25 years). During my time there I went to college part time hoping to advance in my field(CNC Programming). I was laid off in 2001, so I finished up my schooling. I graduated at the top of my class in 2002.  

  Since this time I have run into something that I cant put my finger on. Employers seem to assume that because of my degree, that I know everything there is to know about my field. There also seems to be a tendency to be overlooked because of my age. I think I'm going through a mid life crisis, or a depression.   

  I am working, but I work graveyard shift (11:00PM-7:00am). I dont like it but it pays the bills. Any reflections on this would be helpful.  

                                                                         Thanks  

                                                                       Midlife 830 

I am currently in between jobs due to a injury that happened on my last job.I had to have surgery on my right shoulder and I've been out of work since the end of october 2005.The problem I am having is that I want to get out of the highly phisical jobs and do something more brainy without gettting into something stressful due  to the fact that I do not deal with stress as well as others may.I have done a number of jobs like tractor triler driving,tow truck,managing,air conditioning,all resturant work,auto machanic,fork lift,farm work,you name it.The reason I have done all theese things was so that I always have something to fall back on but due to the fact that I seriousely injured myself and the fact that I am getting older I am looking for less phyisical work that will pay me a honest day's pay.My wife is due to graduate from nursing school this spring and I will have to find work in the fall but I have no idea what I am interested in!I Help! 

Dear all 

I have for the past 8months being living in europe in a country where english is the second language.  I am marrried for 8months but do not have children.   A few years ago I left my teaching job to work voluntarily in another part of the world and though it was hard, it made me feel worthwhile.   

Now I have married i moved to europe and because of the language problem, i cant get a job in a field i would be able to if i was at home.  I get bouts of feeling really down.  i have started some part-time work in an international school, but even though this school is fine, i find no joy in teaching.  I am torn between learning the language which i am doing (and will not be able to do over night) and finding a full time job.   if i dont learn thelanuage my job prospects reamin limited and i cnnot get to really communicate wiht my parents - in -law.  This is the first time in my life i have been without work.  The comments I have had from some people do not help.  E.g.  one of the class mates from my language course asid he was concerned that i get a job as he was working so that i could stay at home!  Another person from a sports club that I was going to join, said to me after i had explained that it was my husband and not i that worked at the company,  "so what do you do, nothing?"  What their preocupation with my financial status is, i do not know. 

My husand's sister and mothe are both ill and when i chose to move here, it was them more than me i was thining about.  Now i feel so lost.  it is so difficiult o make friends here.  People are just not interested i being friendly.  It sounds weird but it is true.  I have lost so much confidence sometimes i dont even want to go to the shop.  i am afraid that if we moved to my country, my husband  would have problems leaving his famil and his family would have even more problems wihtout hi,m.  i feel my life stopped the day I came here and i regret it.  i know some advice will be to hang in there, but i dont know how much longer I can do this.    

Your suggestions as to how to cope or any ideas for work from home, or work I could seek out that wouldnt need language would be great.      Ps  At the moment I am living in Holland. 

I understand completely what you mean and are going thru.  I am 59.  Here's the thing.  I would say that most people who graduate with a degree in the IT area - Do know their stuff - they eat it, sleep it, do whatever it takes to master it And apparently you haven't done that.  Know it is one thing, Really know it is something else. 

And yes because of your age they are looking past you to the younger set who Do know their stuff. 

That's life!!! 

I disagree with the assumption that I havent mastered my field,but here's the thing.... In any field you learn from the people around you(experiennced and inexperienced) regardless of how much schooling you have. When you think that you know everything to know about something it's time too do something else.  

Looking past me because of my age is not only illeagle,but immoral also. But proving it is quite daunting. 

Thanks 

Midlife830 

When I was in school deciding whether or not to continue with my field or pursue another field, I took a couple of courses in the IT area.  I was in classes with Hong Kong students - there was never a moment when they weren't talking, etc, etc, etc, about it until is oooozed out of there pores. 

When I would ask one of them for help - instead of them just answering my question - they made sure that I completely understood what was going on, and it was fun for them.  They also wanted 

to know as much as possible to add infinitum. 

I guess the only help I can give is Not to give up.  At 59 I am starting a whole new gig.  I have taken to the web for the creation of a site.  Although I am still working I have come to the point that I now 

want to do stuff for myself. 

Don't give up. 

Hello Rayken 

It is indeed so comforting to realize that we are not alone. I just wanted to say Hello to you because I am in the same boat and have spent the last 3-4 months speculating on and off about how to find my purpose because something is just eating me up inside, telling me that I am completely off track. My heart is just not into my work and every morning feels absurd to me when I go to work. The worst part is, that not many people seem to relate and I feel bad sometimes, knowing there are many people out there who would want my job. 

After lots of thinking and tons of time spent researching the net, I finally went to a life coaching session, and acquired a few selected self help books. I think I finally understand that the real answer lies within one's self. No matter how much you ask around and seek for help, it seems like the secret to finding your purpose is to connect with yourself from within. Connect with your body and soul, reach for the child within you once were, before you were conditioned through life. Then you will finally hear your inner voice. 

It is a very tedious process though and I am having a hard time waiting, because I just feel like I am wasting every single day of my life waiting. But I know I shouldn't be saying that. Every day is a learning experience. Nevertheless I can't wait to finally be able to break free of my current 'prison' and fly towards the beginning of the new chapter in my life, the one where I fulfill my purpose in life which I feel in my heart has to do with helping others, make a difference in the world. I just can't wait for my inner voice to manifest. 

Good luck to you 

Caroline 

Thanks for the help. 

 I have been thinking of doing something else als, I live in New York State, so the cost of schooling is very expensive per credit hour. My wife and I are moving south next year to be near relatives and start over. After we live there for 6 months, I can go to shool part time fairly cheaply ( compared to New York). 

Thaks again 

Midlife 830