Day 1: My Unemployment Journey Begins Part 2

[@stevebriggs6469]

"Fed up with fixing shit" --- Yeah I feel that. In IT for ~40 years and now I'm the old guy in the corner that knows where the skeletons are and how to fix them. I'm very very tired.

[@stephenrackham1163]

Hi OMG took me back 20 year, working as probate manager jumped ship, 66 year old HGV driver still working and campervan at weekends, we enjoy life go with your gut feeling, good luck buddy

[@zedjay81]

I've recently had a mental breakdown, i pushed myself far harder than I should of for a massive company. I'm currently still unfit to work. Mine too is remote and I know I've lost the real me due to long stressful hours for a company who don't give a shit. Quite frankly I'm thinking of going to stack shelves. I'm extremely lucky to have an amazing husband and him and my smelly dog have been brilliant. It's been really encouraging seeing someone in my own age bracket admitting how they truly feel. Work to live, not live to work. I've learned this the hard way.

[@bougeac]

Mate, I worked in software development for 20 years, fantastic money but at the end the pressure was crushing and every Sunday night I would stay up till 3 in the morning just trying to delay going to bed and facing Monday and another week. My wife was sick of me being unhappy (as was I), our mortgage had gotten a lot more manageable so I blew the job out. The other half earns good money so I became a house husband. That was over 10 years ago, I’ve got little money, but am very happy. The delivery driver job sounds like a winner for you!

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

@bougeac Hey, thanks for your message I might suggest to my other half about becoming a house husband lol....but seriously we'll done chap. I bet you're soooo glad to be out of it. I'm hearing this more and more.

[@patrickmccafferty984]

Made redundant form IT directors role at 53. Still had children at uni. Tried to career change but money was not there and too old in reality. Continued in IT and made redundant twice more. Worked as warehouse manger, consultant, then lastly as senior project manager which I absolutely loved. Big C got me at 64. Forced to retire as in and out of hospital for two years. Thought about going back but then covid came along. Luckily debt free, good pensions, nice house. Still enjoying life at 71. Good, luck,but changing career at 50mis not easy.

Wow, it sounds like you went through the sh**t and came smelling of roses on the other side just about. well done.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

@@patrickmccafferty984 many thanks for your comments. Best wishes to you.

[@aitchmo]

I just had a tea out of the nostrils moment when you made the comment about IT and fed up fixing shit 🙂....I've been in IT for far too long and appraching retirement...I know that feeling only too well....I wish you well in whatever you may do.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

oh your comment made me laugh! brilliant thank you so much! take care!

[@damonfallis3873]

Reading the comment section of your first two videos, it's uncanny how many of us IT professionals end up in the same boat. I was made redundant from my Head of IT position, with a financial service company at the beginning of October 2023 after 7 years of service. Finding myself out of work at 52 was scary, followed by the next 11 months looking for work without any luck has been depressing to say the least. However job opportunities seem to be like buses, nothing about for ages then three interviews come along at once... I had given a lot of thought about what else I could do, but having spent the last 25 years working in IT means I'm not sure what else I would be any good at. Keen to see what you get up to, and the best of luck on your journey of discovery.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey and thanks for your comment, what you said really resinates with me, I also just don't know what else I could do ! apart from being a campsite warden is only thing that ticks the boxes, problem is my partner has can't go to far as she looks after her mum etc.... so I'm having to stay in IT....but the good thing is I can save my pennies for a rainy day..

[@zombiestyled]

Sitting in a campervan, in a work shirt. Are you sure you've told the other half you've quit your job 😂😂 Good luck regardless 👍

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Brilliant! hahaha love this, yes I have and she is well aware! and supported me 100%

[@richradka]

@@TheOver50JobSeeker I noticed the shirt as well. while employment/meaningful work is the goal, in the meantime make the most of your downtime! I mean, maybe you are most comfortable in a crisp collared shirt; if so go for it. but if you are like me, take advantage of the time you can chill the f out!

[@Sabhail_ar_Alba]

The longer your out, the more hunger you'll have to get back into your career and realize you're lucky to have the kind of skills to make a good living.

[@InvogueUK]

Worked in IT until 2000's Travelled to Moscow for two years to teach English, came back set up self employed photographer. Now retired in Portugal. IT, glad to see the back of it tbh.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

I do often wonder what will take for me to walk away, I guess only time will tell.

[@seymorbutts1027]

what is Portugal like to retire to Sir...compared to say Spain

[@debbiefletcher3852]

62, NHS. Have also reached an impasse professionally and also in life. Well done you, such a courageous move 👏

[@jinjatube]

Sounds like you're tired or even burnt out, as you mentioned. Because you are reasonably financially secure, I think you should do what you want to do (remembering that doing very little for a while is also an option). Seems like there's very little risk, and a lot to gain, even if it's just feeling more energised. I look forward to seeing what happens next!

[@elfinzilla]

My father was in a similar situation around 50-55 years of age, he took a job working as a regional manager for a powerline surveying company. Because of a poor working environment and stressful situation, also long working hours he quit. He now works in HGV driving for a local building company and really enjoys the social side of it, no stress and being able to come into work at chat to his colleagues without any stress. Bikes to work everyday, loves it.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey thanks for your comments, the whole HGV thing is certainly on my list of possible career changes :)

[@resistantgeordie2636]

My dad was an egineer for 35 years in the same place! He got made redundant at near 65! It nearly ended him! He needed work to finish paying the endowment mortgage for 3 years! He took a driving job for a builders merchants and told me he couldn't believe he never did that sooner!! He loved it! He worked until 71 years old just because he loved being out and about! I'm a driver, i drive artic plant transport! Going for transport manager cpc but will never stop driving hgv until i can't anymore! I love it!

[@yellowbelly5982]

Your physical and cognitive wellbeing is very important 😎🌻🌻

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

So true!

[@Silver_172]

Your full journey resonated with me I’m 33 at the moment , Always been a support agent as sorts , I’m now a technical director to a business , travel , fix shit, care for team members. Yeah it gets too much I’ve been here under 10 years but also the longest job I’ve ever had ! I’m sat here where I can’t leave due to the money but need to leave due to the stress and mental challenges of it all. Good luck in the job role the amount of times I think about stacking beans in Asda or delivering food or cars is probably greater than I think about my own job haha 😅

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Glad your enjoying the channel ! and many thank for your comment. I'm yet to take that final leap and try something completly different, I think that day is coming though!

[@MrCHrisfj]

I also work in IT and used to work part-time as a Sainsbury's delivery driver (to earn additional money and pay for our wedding) it was a very rewarding job and it was great to meet with with the regulars each week but it was quite a physically demanding job (especially close to Xmas and New Year) and I had to leave when I injured my back (trapped a nerve), thankfully they were able to move me into the onsite Petrol station until I left the area after being made redundant in 2017. I'm a little bit older than you and having recently bought a house abroad (rent in the UK) and am getting very interested in gardening and home improvement projects. Having been very hands on and practcal throughout my life I love creating things and though my current IT job pays the bills it doesn't fulfill me inside like gardening or looking after the house plants.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

@@MrCHrisfj hey thanks for this info really good to know !

[@joncole8793]

Hi. Just stumbled across your channel. Why didn't I do this? Almost therapeutic! I took VR from a long aviation careers partly forced by COVID in 2020. Now freelance in the film industry. The first few years have been good but this past Year has been very tough post last years strikes. Sure they were in America but the knock on effects here in the UK has been bad. The industry is nowhere near where it was. So finding work has been very very tough. I'm pretty much at rock bottom. Can't afford any more gaps in-between jobs for the foreseeable future as all my savings are gone and I'm behind on pretty much everything except my main bills (mortgage etc). So it's been interesting to hear your story.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hi there! Thanks so much for stumbling upon my channel and taking the time to share your story. It's great to hear that my content has been therapeutic for you, even in these tough times. I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you've faced in the film industry. It's clear that the past few years have been incredibly difficult, especially with the strikes and their knock-on effects. It's frustrating that you're finding it so hard to secure work, especially given your experience and skills. I know it must be incredibly stressful to be in this situation, but I want to encourage you to keep your head up and keep looking for opportunities. It sounds like you've been doing everything you can to stay afloat, and I hope that your persistence will pay off. Best of luck to you!

[@bobfunk5055]

I was really pleased to hear that you loved the networking work. My work has its ups and downs but I genuinely love the tech and learning. Good luck with everything!

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ProjectFrugal]

I'm in I.T. and have been doing support for 23 years. the money is good, but it's groundhog day every day. Going to cut the cord in the next 4 or 5 years max and live a lean FIRE lifestyle writing music and my own software for my own enjoyment. Just about finished writing a "Retirement Income" calculator which I'll be giving away this week to people like us in a similar age range. Keep well! :)

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Yes, I know the feeling well! it's great knowing I'm not alone in this :) thank you so much! good luck with your new adventure! it sounds fab! :)

[@ProjectFrugal]

@@TheOver50JobSeeker Cheers mate :)

[@igorsolaja609]

I know the feeling. After working in IT support for 15 years, I transitioned into project management. It's a different kind of stress. While I can handle management stress and love to get the job done, technical issues really made my head spin though I derived great joy fixing them. Perhaps you could consider moving into IT management, where you're less focused on fixing bugs and "sh..t" 🙂 and more on overseeing operations

[@classicminihaha2508]

For those who stay busy and keep motivated then things have a habit of sorting themselves out and opportunities become available. Don't dwell on stuff and let malaise settle in. Seems like you've got a good life, surrounded by a lot of people who care for you and will support you whatever your decisions. Sounds like you've had enough of I.T. and the corporate life so if you can afford to, half your wage and get out into a different role. Life's too short. Best of luck.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Many thnaks for your message! yes, i have totally had enough of IT, In a way I'm kinda hoping I don't get another job doing it. Not sure how much longer I can keep going with this type of work. I really need a good kick to try something else !

[@jasonhook6657]

Really enjoyed this video, I spent 25 years in the Telecoms industry (sales/commercial). in 2019 I got made redundant and decided it was time for a change and started my own fitted furniture business, thankfully its proving to be a success while giving me the control and satisfaction I always craved. I'm not saying it hasn't been challenging but I have no regrets. Like you I had that financial safety blanket which gave me the time to build both my skills and the business which has been key. If you have the time and a plan you will always have a great chance of succeeding. I look forward to the next video!

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Many thanks for your comments, it great to hear how people like yourself have done things like this. It is really inspiring so many thanks! glad your enjoying my videos! many more to come.

[@AI_admin]

I know exactly what you mean about that "feeling" since I have spent many years contracting, and when your scope is wide, that feeling usually comes when you realise the company is a mess (in my case lack of reporting systems, lack of accountability at Management levels etc - ie you don't have the tools to do the job) so basically try your best or pack up and run lol!!

[@michaelbbb2271]

Good luck very enjoyable listening to you hope u get ur start u need more can see you are a good man

[@AliWade1971]

It is fantastic to wake up and realise you don’t have to do a job that you weren’t happy in. I imagine there are all sorts of opportunities in the Plymouth area - any business wants decent hardworking people, with communication skills and the willingness to learn. Make a list of what interests you, give a few things a go. Work part-time, flexible hours. Walk your dog, paint those fences, breathe….

[@realreviews4017]

Your dog looks so peaceful with you. Obviously, you have a great relationship, lovely to see how happy he is with you. On another note, if you are ok financially, please consider not working full time again. The moment I can drop hours preferably days, I am doing it. I want my life to be mine.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

You are so kind thank you for the comment! he's a lovely doggy!! I'm just sat in the van with him on the sofa chilling out as I type this :)

[@nigelm4184]

I have been coaching English in the Czech Republic since 2001. I'm 52 now. I live in a town of 25000 people. I work for myself. Not hard to find clients once people know about you and word spreads. I spent the 90s backpacking around the globe doing all kinds of jobs and volunteer work. I love it here in CZ. Got married a few years ago. We own our own flat. Not planning on going anywhere.

[@AnnCross-w2e]

Good luck with your journey...... take time to breathe.

[@jongreenwood3029]

I am a similar age and work in IT. Everything you say resonates with me. Different times but the favourite job I ever had was a contract role as a dustman when I was early 20s. Early starts, early finish. No stress. Lots of exercise. I hope to retire in to something like that or postman or forestry commission.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Thanks for sharing! Really enjoyed reading about your jobs....i would so love to retire. Just need one more final push now as i do unfortunately need earn a little more money lol😊

[@JulieTaylor-l9p]

I've never worked in IT capacity so I can't comment on that, but my last couple of jobs I've left them because the employer just wants more and more. So I've told them to stick it and walked. Yes I'm unemployed, but happier than ever, looking for something that suits me. Goodluck with your job hunting 👍

[@rhambo5554]

If it were me, I'd just take contracting roles in DevOps and take a few months off in between contracts, so you get that balance of cash & using your experience and then also starting to make more time with yourself. As you said, you don't have major financial pressure so you're looking for cash to enjoy your time now.

[@jamesgriffiths3265]

I’m here for the journey, my friend. Quit the corporate world (well paid financial services job) 18 months ago with no job to go to. Now I drive HGVs on the agency, pick and choose my work to suit when I want to. Fancied a week off last week so hired a narrowboat. Going up to Scotland next weekend. Just free. See it as a blessing to leave that world, and take a risk to broaden your horizons, you never know what you might find ❤

[@richardbest5240]

Also work in IT. As James Hunt said sick of going around in circles. One IT colleague left and drove for sainsburys. Did it for years. Never went back to IT again.

[@AlbertKirilov]

Take care

[@TheB1nary]

I'm 54 and chose education IT 25 years ago. Still there, and probably stuck for some time yet since I have no mortgage and need to sort myself out. All the best to you!

[@rajnaik5787]

Your mention of the AS400 made me laugh, I had an IBM Authorised Dealership back in the 80's and we sold loads of 5250 emulation and token-ring network cards 😂 Best job I had was a home shopping picker at ASDA during the pandemic - 3am-9am, about 20-30,000 steps per day, lost 3.5st weight - felt FANTASTIC. Met some of the nicest people - no wage competition or jealousy - we were all on minimum wage. Really enjoyed the experience.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey, yes I loved those days of Token Ring and AS400 - I just hated being called by the Pager at 4 am because stage 3 has not completed haha! but fabulous memories! it was so nice being apart of something so cool back then!

[@InvogueUK]

@@TheOver50JobSeeker Oh Sys/38, AS400 token ring, pagers... Those were the days.

[@daffyduk77]

turfed out of my IT job 20 years ago - only way back in was relocating down London which was a no-no for the family, no WFH back then - so I did the basic jobs for 17 years, mostly as forklift operator. Best thing was the mix of people, some great laughs, clocking off after 8 hours & forgetting about work until next morning. Eventually ended up in a decent-ish company, retired early at 63 in 2020, using my savings from IT. With a side-hustle to tide me over until 66. The warehouse work had a manual component which was more healthy than sitting at a desk 9 to 5

[@Exiledk]

Start your own consultancy. You say you know what you are doing. You want to manage your own time and work? Your own business is the way to go.

[@bling9er963]

I am 53. Been working for myself for 10 years as a consultant, not unline what you have been doing. Thing is, at this stage of our lives its not about wages, its about financial independance. I structure my life arund that. How to creat a sustainable lifestyle with no outside money needed. Create the dream. A man who has a why, can just about stand any how. Mundane work can become something special. I have accepted roles that are less than what I am worth to get there, but it does not matter anymore. The dream is al that matters.

[@treeblackcrows]

Your partner may not like you taking a lesser paid job as it will affect your lifestyle. Don't sell your house, rent it out. Otherwise, if your relationship ends you could be living in the camper van!

[@_J4CK4L_]

With the new labor laws coming in 2025 (mayhem) the odd 1 house landlord is better off selling and investing in bonds or safe etfs.

[@BigDangerousDan]

I sold up, the stress ain't worth it!

[@richjohn11]

I am 60 years old and I left a warehouse job in probably the worst time in the UK, just before lockdown. I was planning to relocate to Scotland and sadly this opportunely fell through. Such is life! Naturally, there is going to be many suggestions for you to try different avenues and I was wondering if I may add to the list🙏. Not that I have an answer for you as I am in the same boat. Would you ever consider free lance work or maybe on line teaching courses for people who are wanting to enter in to the IT arena. I am sure you could with your knowledge teach loads to people for a fee. Again, the is sites like fiverr etc. Apologies if this is annoying or has been said before. Is it too late in you opinion for a 60 year old to start in IT...I would not like to be looking at programming, seen books on the subject and I do believe a programmer needs to know more than one language. I am snot sure of the area that would suit me as there is so so many Wishing you all the very best for you future roles and you health.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey , many thanks for your comment! a really interesting read! I would never say it's to late to try anything! I think the reason Ive been put off teaching is that there are soooo many sources of info out there on the internet already which to be honest would be way bettter that what I could offer someone. If I were to consider that I would much prefer the one to one route and be present in person as that would be much nicer in my view rarther than online teaching, but the downside to that is limited demographic.

[@richardfisher5508]

How are you? My journey is completely different. I've been a bodyguard for years. Plus some security management roles and security consultant. Also, I have been a writer for some years. Mainly CVs and professional bio's. At the end of bodyguarding at age 59. A number of reasons. Job dissatisfaction, and also looking after my 90 year old dad. Wishing you well 👍

[@robhowett7733]

You have time, don't rush into anything, now's your chance to think about a change.

[@ADFinlayson]

Thought about leaving IT a few times (LAMP dev), trouble is you get used to the money, mortgage to pay, kids to feed even though we live quite frugally, no debt other than the mortgage . We made the decision to just have the one income, mrs didn't go back to work after the second one (her employer didn't treat mums particularly well). So there is a lot of pressure on my income and taking half the salary just isn't an option, otherwise I would do my hobby business full time.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Yup, myself and my other half are constantly talking about what to do next. She is hoping to stop working within the next couple of years! And for me, well who know's how long I will stick at my new job! it's ok but just ok!

[@stuartrich2499]

At 60 I was fed up where I was so I jacked, with a nice safety net of a self invested pension. About 5 years ago I had a Financial advisor who looked into the transfer value of my pensions. He advised at 60 I should be able to semi retire with a part time job.....the intention was Tesco's or what ever. 6 months later I now have a 3 day per week part time job (in the same industry I was in before) on the same money that I left for (pro ratad down) with a Company that valued my experience and I also do 2 days per wek consultancy. So damn! I am back to 5 days per week but earning more money than before, albeit the consultancy could fall away anyday but I am away from the last job which was very vindictaive. The fall back is the pension and a Tesco's job!! You do not know what is around the corner! Chin up!!

[@davidnaylor5475]

I have no idea about IT or that business and come from a completely different working area. But I fixed shit as well! (And still do). Just be happy or as happy as you can money is not everything. Good luck with your search.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Agreed, money is not everything!

[@jonnyenglish1013]

I hit the same block just before covid. I had a decent job in IT, pay was good. Covid hit I was made redundant and basically I stopped looking for IT work. I had enough. In my 30’s, looking for something better to do than the IT grind. My ex-wife’s friend saw that I was comfortable without a job, so decided to tell my wife my mother said she couldn’t cook. That one thing ended my marriage. Had to go back and get an IT job because after a divorce you basically have to give most of your shit away. One lesson I learnt was find a side hustle. And I think I’m back on track to leave IT in about a year or so and concentrate on the side hustle I’m building into a business. I 100% believe things happen for a reason. Hopefully by 40 I’m out of IT for good.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Thanks for your message, I really hope you find a great new sideline that you can turn into something amazing! good luck!

[@MrCHrisfj]

I'm in a similar situation, feeling fed up of IT and without having any ties to the UK apart from family my foreign wife and I have bought a house abroad and are planning to retire there eventually. Now trying to find a side hustle that I can do anywhere and at any time but it's a minefield with lots of scammers out there taking advantage of people looking for a way to create some kind of income from spare time; traders of various types, property development, airbnb style trainers etc.

[@jonnyenglish1013]

@@MrCHrisfj find something while working if possible

[@realreviews4017]

I think 2020 gave a lot of us time to sit back and face the fact we were not that happy at all and that a change was needed.

[@humblequest7905]

My IT role went from happy software developer to permanently pushing back on user demands (even told to turn on ‘Out Of Office’ notification on support email address). Team cut from 4 to 2, on-call every other week and an ever increasing backlog of unresolved issues. Lucky enough to be able to get out, financially secure at 57. Staying would have finished me off mentally.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

wow, sounds intense! glad you got out! I'm hearing this more and more! thanks!

[@expatexpat6531]

I was in the software business for over 30 years and now I'm retired and glad to be out of it. I've worked on IBM mainframes, macs, Next, ERP systems. I was in a large, international company with many benefits and was effectively able to change my job at regular intervals by taking on new roles, but it was a very, very stressful life. If you have the financial security to branch out in a new direction, then do that now. You still have a chance at 51, but, you need to keep your momentum up - the longer you are unemployed, the less structured your life will become. BTW: The best job I ever had was as a student managing a crazy golf course at a seaside resort.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey, many thanks for the advice! and I totally hear you! I think this is why I wanted to start this channel that would kind of keep me going and exploreing new things. And also keep track of my progress etc.

[@adonisnetworks]

Ditto!!..Same here!, resigned a new position after 5 months , way too stressful, constantly chased. I've started hating IT support work and some of the publishing software industry, as youe treated like dirt . Lifes to short for this sh1t .😅😂😂

[@isoconfused8744]

Work for the NHS, Patient transport is fantastic.. A beneficial job that makes a difference, of which you get a nice sense of achievment for making someone's days a little bit better, and you get paid!! Drive about chat and assist. I would highly recommend!!

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Many thanks for this! yes this kind of role would suit me I feel!

[@jimbean4945]

Certainly, this is an interesting video that's decided to pop up on my recommended feed. I am about to turn 40 and being made redundant by my employers, and much of what you say (or between the lines) resonates with me. I also work in IT, but from a web developer lead/manager perspective. If it makes sense, I feel I've almost taken life's easy journey in IT. I'd like to see what comes next, escape the matrix etc, albeit the 10 years I have on my mortgage says otherwise. Without seeing your LinkedIn profile/experience, I wonder if you could take a more managerial/mentorship role in a similar field - if that would be interesting. Maybe it allows you a bridge to something else?

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

@jimbean4945 thank you so much for your comments. Really enjoyed reading that. I've not really considered a manager type role as yet. But it certainly gives me more to think about, so thank you. I think I'd be a really good manager as I'm very easy going and I don't have any trouble connecting with people and it would certainly be a slight change and a good challenge to which I could find more forfilment in helping others achieve there goals.

[@hidusb]

I've been in IT for over 30 years. Plan to retire in a few years. I don't think I would look for another IT role if redundancy comes. Good luck with the job search. Have you thought of generating a side hustle while you jobsearch?

[@victoriatattersall1162]

Don't be freaked out, what an opportunity to step back, take a breath and take some time to decide what you really want to do for the future. This happened to a family member, who also worked in IT. He set up a consultancy business and did training and teaching for local and subsequently national businesses. He has never looked back. It will all be fine and I firmly believe everything happens for a reason

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Thanks for your comments, the more comments I read the more I believe in myself that all will be ok! so thank you so much for your words! the whole "everything happens for a reason" is so true! but what is odd it takes time for that reason to become clear. I can't wait for that day!

[@brettmerritt8621]

Nice videos! Have you considered starting your own IT business?

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

I would, if I new what I wanted to start!

[@SurpriseMeJT]

I'm 45 and have only done IT and AV work despite going to university for totally unrelated subjects. I knew my time would be limited in the profession and luckily saved/invested aggressively 14 years ago for about 9 years. Also being let go in my current software support role and I really don't want to go back into the profession. I just feel so burned out working so hard as companies keep reducing workforce and overwork the remaining workers. I keep getting contacted for crappy support jobs and it makes me sick thinking of going back to such a soul destroying stressful work fixing crap. I can afford to take a pay cut so I'll be exploring things I might be interested in.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey, really enjoyed reading your comment. I'm soo with you on this! I just wish I had a tallent that I could call on now and get out of IT once and for all. If I had an idea for a business I would be straight on it! do let me know what you end up doing it would be great to stay in touch! good luck with what ever you do.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

@@TheOver50JobSeeker Thanks and best of luck to you as well! You'll think of something I am sure and be on your way.

[@JoeConnolly-p7w]

We live in an insane world, while I am not intimate with things in the UK, I know IT. Here in America, if you pass 40 they think you are in capable of drinking a glass of water but the majority of senior decision makers at these large IT firms here are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to promote 80 year old men to run the country as President of the United States of America if this is not a definition of insanity, I do not know what is! The last 2 years IT has had a SERIOUS issue, for decades all the major money people (retirement funds, PE, etc) nestled their cash in IT, but most IT firms are smoke and mirrors, since nothing exciting has come out of IT in a LONG time!!!! AI is like every other BS term you hear, yes it will be serious in 30-40 years but a coffee talk term at best now. You will get back, but you have to get off your ASS! This statement is NOT meant to hurt your feelings, but shake you the way a good Mom or Dad would. Make sure you shave before any video. If exercise was not a thing for you in past, try to start walking to get to jogging to try and enter your first 5k if you are physically able. Find a company you want to work for then call every hiring manager until they call you back. Applying for jobs, sending resumes in, WASTING YOUR TIME. Most IT companies are DYING right now. Agencies are great, but what do they do? They call companies to say can I help you find great people. If you call direct and they like you they will hire you since they won't have to pay that agency their fee to get a great worker. I know you know all of this, so please let's get going!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@philipshore6924]

I've made a career out of "fixing shit" but you have to love the process of taking shit, and making beautiful flowers from the manure. 💩🌻🥀 Seriously, here are two patterns forming in the IT industry to think about. 1) More days in the office - embrace that. If you can do your job fully remote then it can be off-shored. 2) Many companies are struggling with the out-source model and are currently in-housing. Having experience of working with off-shore teams and taking on systems in any state and making them stable is a great skill. But if you are tired of all that, then it is time for a change.

[@AliWade1971]

Ps If you like to work outside, with machinery/tech or animals, then try farming. Agriculture is desperate for workers, the pay is good and hours are often flexible

[@carlrobson5745]

Whilst it jobs might and are well paid I think over time they have made you unhappy. I understand it is your comfort zone but perhaps for your own well being you need a change. Subscribed and following your journey to employment maybe you'll get something from these vlogs.

[@annabocking8824]

With your knowledge on IT, you could create an ebook and sell it online, you never know it could supplement your life style. 👍

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

That's a great idea!

[@AliWade1971]

Great idea. Another KZbin channel answering the IT questions that you can answer, a digital course …. We all go to KZbin and online courses

[@jamesrandall8485]

I am in same situation , had a job worked on shift, left to go onto days , 2 months in and i am thinking i will either get sacked or i will leave , thinking shld I go bk to old job, when u go down a career road its not easy to adjust if u are not happy

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey, thanks ! it's not easy! but what is easy is your gut feeling, I try to ignore it but I just get more unhappy! I hope you find a good way forward! actully - I'm sure you will :) keep in touch let me know how it pans out.

[@Frank-ke9uj]

I know a Waiitrose delivery driver and he has spoken to other Supermarket delivery drivers and Waitrose treat their staff the best. You have an opportunity to change, life is too short,

[@bobfunk5055]

Do you enjoy the DevOps work? Or had enough?

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

It's ok, just ok really - I feel I would prefer just bulk standard Linux, but thing is these days it appears you need to know practically everything form server infrastructure, to backups, to networking, to scipting and code, linux and lets not forget cloud! aws and azure! I have had enough, is putting it mildly, that being said. If a stress free easy role came along that was remote, or maybe 1 day a week in the office that could be ok.

[@steelhelmetstan7305]

Worked as an engineering tradesman most of my working life and ive been made redundant many times....steel plants , chemical works, etc etc etc all closing.....get on your bike they said, yep done that worked overseas etc....im 55 and have a settled engineering/technician job now....reading the comments there seems to be a lot of folk working in IT and associated industries....being 55 or over 50 in the trades here in the uk is definitely no hurdle....in fact people over 45 are in demand, simply because being that age + means the person would have served a recognised apprenticeship....firms uk wide have not been doing this over the last few decades......now they are in panic mode and trying to get more young people into trade jobs, but not a 4 year apprenticeship, 2 or 3 at best....not the same unfortunately, hence older people are wanted. Thats the world of work we have created in the uk....🤔

[@Jimmyjamesgannon]

Data, BI and Cyber security are the big things in IT now, Ops will be mostly gone in 10-20 years

[@timmyssweet]

I advise leaving that world for the sack of your health. But, money is important, so if you can find something you like, go for it.

[@carolmaz8675]

I would take the opportunity to enjoy a bit of time and get out of the rat race . You both don’t have a mortgage so fantastic . So many people wait too long to retire and suffer bad health . Travel do hobbies etc life is for living . Don’t feel obliged to do what the worker bees are programmed to do until you drop . We are more than work on this earth embrace it . Create a passive income and be free

[@MrWibbleman]

Change is nice. But an I.t. Contract will always pay more. Not just about the money but you don’t have to work so long.

[@Cecilia777100]

Great video. Thank you. Striped shirt flickers on my screen.please wear flying colour next time. Just saying. Great subject

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Yes, i hate that shirt! I will burn it just for you! :)

[@diablobarcelona]

Wow, OK so you're Linux also, interesting. I got into computing at the age of 10 on a ZX81, began typing in programs from INPUT magazine, then onto the ZX Spectrum learning assembly language, and here I am today, at 52 years old with a very clear saying about my work - "It's a hobby that pays well, and on a bad day its a job", because that exactly what all this is, a hobby. I truly love IT, doing geeky stuff in my now very rare free time. It truly is still a passion. However, back in 2019 I lost my father, had a massive court case and it really knocked me. Around Q3 I decided I wanted to stop doing this and considered moving to recruitment, then shortly after developed pneumonia around Nov. 2019, and while in hospital after nearly dying a mate in the Netherlands asks me if I could revamp his mail server. Long story short, I ended up creating a Docker with Dovecot, OpenSMTPD etc solution from my hospital bed. That fired up my inner geek and bammm... soon as I was out of hospital I put myself back on the market and within days I had another contract.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

What an amazing story, thanks for writing this - really intresting!

[@CORRIGEEN71]

It’s a bit disappointing to hear after a lifetime of work you can only float for a year? Apologies if this is rude not meant to be assuming you rented ur hse out for extra income / comparative age did eng degree / then had a scaffolding company / have a farm / started a house moving company after my motorbike accident in 2018 it’s low tech my best day was last week 5 hrs 825, if you can get along with people you can do many types of work

[@PlayerClarinet]

Ex-Software QA manager here. Retired at 52; financially independent. Now work as a volunteer teaching English to adult migrants; love it. For what it's worth: listen to your gut. You say your instincts are screaming at you not to go into IT, so give something else a chance.

[@nickuk911]

Yes in regards to houses a lot of people see a house as an Asset but its infact a Liability in most cases !

[@mikefellows3901]

Hi mate, if you dont need megabucks my recommendation would be find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life 🙂 Very best wishes !

[@movesky6696]

i am 58 old want to college said we not take any older poeple who over 40 to 50

[@vince-n]

the job market is the worst it has ever been right now as the uk economy is on its knees...i dont think its just IT jobs either

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Yup, it's not great out there!

I'm a lot worse off than you I'm 48 only just got a mortgage and not much savings. my target to get financially comfortable is 55, years' time. target is too have assets (savings, pensions, investments, inheritance, etc) equal or almost equal to my liabilities (mortgage)

[@edwinodus]

It looks like you live in a recreational vehicle

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Ha ha no, i do live in a house for the most part, but I do enjoy being out in the campervan!

[@BarneyR2]

I am a 57 year old female and am self employed. Was CompTIA certified years ago. I still do some IT stuff but most of my paid work comes from bookkeeping services. Been self employed for about 15 years. I would like to have spent more time in IT, but there's less overhead in bookkeeping. I work for older clients so they are ahead of me in age so will likely retire at some point. I hope I would still be able to find new clients because I don't every want to leave IT or bookkeeping. I would like to up skill to sales. I would not want to go back to being an employee.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey, welcome and thanks for your comment! Yes i do remember the CompTIA! yes much less overhead in bookkeeping! and no P1's or MI's to deal with haha - I'm sure you will be ok! keep going! :)

[@nigeltrivass4128]

You are still 16 years from retirement, are you really going to work for Tesco for minimum wage? Take the DV role if offered as it's potentially both interesting and financially rewarding. You would of course need to shut this channel down immediately.

[@WeFade2Grey]

Welcome to the KZbin family! Drop me a line would love to catch up. Contact details in my bio.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey, thanks very much! I will look you up :) cheers

[@jonnysegway7866]

Maybe pick up something associated with AI programming?

[@Therapist_sells]

Don't understand this video at all

[@ChrisAyres-do4fz]

Where I live sadly there's no jobs at the moment which are worth doing , I used to work hard the last 14 years but this country has become worse and worse as time goes by , bills going through the roof and only jobs where I live are like part time or zero hours , so it actually pays more not to work at this time , I'm thinking one day of leaving the UK to go to a safer more productive country like Australia or New Zealand but yeah that is not an easy task to undertake, Anyway i wish you lucj in your journey im sure with your skill level you will find a job again soon 🫡

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Yes, I should have left the UK a long time ago now! I left it way to late ! New Zealand sounds amaing!

[@ChrisAyres-do4fz]

@@TheOver50JobSeeker Im the same i keep putting it off but should really just get on a plane and not come back as its going to get worse and it dont matter how much cash we have , the govt want to come to take it all away from us sadly they have become the enemy of the people they are meant to serve , anyway i wish you good luck my friend.

[@TheDervMan]

Fascinating insight this. I'm over 50, work for a good company and mostly brilliant people but I'm not getting a buzz from it like I used to (I'm in network engineering). I've always been a hands on network engineer and we're now moving everything to AWS but Terraforrming everything just doesn't do it for me, much like you and coding. Like you I've been contiplating my next move, you're only here once so if work isn't doing it for you try something else. I love tinkering with motorbikes so did consider the local bike garage, but the flip side is I may stop enjoying it if it's my day job. Money is also a consideration as IT pays well. 🤔 I'll be following your journey with great interest.

[@MrMattw975]

Don't rush with the safety net you have, take the time to explore options. Find something you love & if your gut says don't go back to IT, then don't. Delivery driving, post man, driving the elderly to hospital, etc are all worthwhile, social jobs. As you get past 50 yo, for your longer term health & health habits it's far better to be active than stuck behind a desk or on a phone (losing stamina, muscle, etc). Alternatively try different jobs, make content about them & grow your channel. I mean there's guys earning very good living's rating takeaways on KZbin.....the sky's the limit :)

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Thank you so much for your words! you really hit the nail on the head with your suggestions! and yeah, I have in the past few weeks seen jobs on Linked in as drivers for carers etc! which would suit me down to the ground!

[@MrMattw975]

@@TheOver50JobSeeker I will almost guarantee that your lung issues will improve as well with a less stressful career. Remember years ago you were considered washed up if you were looking for a job aged 50+. Now our generation is seen as the ones that still have a good work ethic. You've done things the right way, worked hard, paid your home off & have savings......kick back for a bit. And if you don't like it, you can always go back to IT. Another piece of advice that was given to me early on before I went travelling in my 20's was....get a fork lift licence. With it you can pick up work just about anywhere you are in the world.