Day 6: My Unemployment Journey Update Monday Morning 16th Sep

[@itsmikemcdonnell]

Great to see an honest and humble fellow Brit being so transparent on here. Keep it up mate!

[@jamesgriffiths3265]

I found my passion 7 years ago, at the age of 31. Truck driving. 15 year career in financial services, handed my notice in 18 months ago to drive full time on the agency. Love it. Free as a bird, out on my adventures 😎

[@markennvibryan]

Great channel I’m based around Newton Abbot area I noticed some Dartmoor on your channel. Keep the vids going it’s good seeing a real life journey. I’ve been through similar myself. Keep on pushing 😊

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

@markennvibryan thank you so much...I have more videos coming out today. When I get back home and upload them....lol trying to upload a video on a 4 g connection just doesn't work ha ha.

[@tallydiablo9077]

I got stuck in a rut, I thought I could only do the job I was doing, which I hated! But I made the move, ended up doing a job I'd never have seen myself EVER doing, which I really enjoyed, and lead to my final job, which I loved so much. So do not rule anything out. Good luck.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

@tallydiablo9077 many thanks for sharing your story, when I read this kind of things it really does make me wonder what else I can do.

[@joncole8793]

I'm 50. Still don't know what I want to do! I've gone job to job on the basis of trying something new and hopefully making a career. Managed over 15 years with an airline until the pandemic. Now freelancing in the film industry. Can't get much different! I also hate those tests. I recently tried for a customer role at TfL and had several of those. And I still don't know why. The matter recognition tests have no barring on a customer service role!

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

@joncole8793 I wish I knew also. I'm in such a dull job doing IT. Just not sure how long I can keep doing this.

[@joncole8793]

@@TheOver50JobSeeker You will find a way forward. The only positive I would say about a dull job is it at least keeps you busy and occupied. But I've used jobs like that to just pay the bills so I can keep searching for the next role.

[@yellowbelly5982]

Take time for yourself and your wife and soon enough you will find a path that puts a spring in your step 😎. I'm around your age and over the last year started up my micro gardening buisness 😎. Working for PAYE existence is stressful and at times unrewarding and some management teams are unappreciative. Choose what makes you happy 👍😎🌻

[@louisesulis7517]

Being at a crossroads in your life is the universe giving you the opportunity to make a decision that takes care of your own well being. Be true to yourself, you love the outdoors and money isn’t everything. Happiness and joy are more important . Trust in the process and take your time, things will unfold. Be free 🙂

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Thank you, I'm sure i will get there! I'm a little slow sometimes! haha :)

[@CornishStingray]

Your openness and honesty is so refreshing on KZbin

[@user-dl5cj6gm3m]

Good luck. Been in IT all my life. Hired for my current role for a specific task which is EOL from 31st December 24. I'm under no allusions, so am preparing myself for the worst. Oh, I'm 57; youngling 🙂

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Get ready, get prepared! and fly young man!!

[@shereeduffill5161]

Life is very short. You may want to consider doing what is best for you . We all need to earn a few pounds but it is not the be all and end all of everything. After our living expenses we have £500 left for food, diesel for the car, etc. Now that is not a lot so why are we so happy??? because we have the love for each other and are content with our lot. Go forth and explore the uk and beyond as i see you have a camper van.kindest regards gary and sheree

[@charliecooper7655]

Skippy is so cute. Love cats. I'm mid 30s and enjoying the channel a lot. Thanks for your honesty. I often worry about what's gonna happen when I lose my job with the tech market being so awful.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Yep, we love Skippy the cat! I think she is "trying to love the dog! " haha but it's not great we he steals her food!! :)

[@flangewaffle]

Totally resonate with EVERYTHING you have said in the first few videos. I feel better knowing that my thoughts are not in isolation! I'm also in I.T and surprised to hear your thoughts echo my own. You have a great way of explaining them, as I really struggle to articulate. Bravo. Glad the algorithm worked. Good luck. Got the next few videos to watch later with a brew. *Just edited my own comment to add... We have voluntary/volunteering hours in my job (and previous). Nobody ever used them, myself included and I'm in my 40s. But this year, I was so disillusioned I thought, I'd use them.amd try break up my routine. Safe to say, it's one of the best things I've ever done. I too - have never felt a passion for a hobby or side hustle - so I volunteered to do the only thing I could do easily - driving. It's massively rewarding and proves a sense of worth - counter to actually having to be employed to get it. They're crying out for community drivers, so would recommend it, if you were at a lose end. I actually do it routinely, outside of the work voluntary hours - such has it grounded me and given a new perspective. Albeit... I'm still not sure what my 'actual' perspective should/would be! I'll keep watching to see if you end up with the 'answer'... Or maybe a solution. Or maybe not having one is the answer.... Crikey. I'll stop typing now 😂

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey Thanks for your kind words and for sharing your experiences. It's great to hear that the videos have resonated with you and that you're finding them helpful. It's interesting to hear how our thoughts align, even though we might express them differently. Your experience with volunteering is really inspiring. I've often thought about doing something similar but haven't taken the plunge yet. It's great to hear that it's been so rewarding! I'm still figuring out my own perspective and what I want to do with my life. It's a journey, and I'm not sure if there's a definitive answer. But I'm hopeful that by continuing to explore and learn, I'll find a path that feels right. Thanks again for your support. I'll keep on going !!!

[@joline2730]

I was a typist . . . Did it for about 20 years, went for a new job interview and the guy asked me to do a typing test. I said "No" He was stunned ! I said "I've been typing for 20 years, either you believe I can type or you don't" I got the job 😮 I later went self employed which sorted that rubbish out. If you think the test is stupid, just say No. Life is far too short to waste YOUR time ...

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

@joline2730 I just love this! Next time I get asked to do an IT assessment, I'm going to use this line. It's absolutely brilliant.

[@ijharley68]

I have to say that we are very similar. I had numerous jobs in IT after not doing so well at school (I started as a software developer on AS400 and everything evolved from there). I was made redundant this April (aged 56), but I have to say it was welcomed, as I’d had enough. I had been planning for an early retirement for ages (hundreds of financial planning spreadsheet iterations), so for now I’m saying that I’m early retired, traveling in our Campervan as much as possible, walking the dog and getting fit. My wife also early retired. I would definitely start a retirement financial plan as soon as possible. BTW, I also hate psychometric tests, and I am so bad at them.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

I'm glad you're enjoying your newfound freedom with traveling, walking, and getting fit. It sounds like you've created a fulfilling lifestyle. Regarding psychometric tests, I can definitely relate! They can be frustrating and often don't accurately reflect our true abilities. It's important to remember that they're just one tool, and they don't define who we are or what we can achieve. I don't think i'll be doing any more of those tests!!

[@mjpm2409]

IT jobs are being shipped off from the West to India by the cargo ship day in day out. We need to move to jobs closer to the customer, on soil, closer to the revenue generation, where sales/cultural alignment can't be shipped off. Another issue is the fact that even Managers and Leaders in the UK/US IT industry are from the Indian diaspora so cross-sell opportunities to India to get 10s/100s of new Indian team members sitting in client site for poor day rates BUT with a visa, hence they sign for any money. That leaves us, underpaid, unemployed.

[@coltbrown7473]

Love Skippy. Dive into a hobby when not working is good advice, takes you away from any negativity or drudgery of mundane roles.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Yup, she is a fab cat! and smelly dog loves her too! she does give him a good swipe from time to time though! hahaha

[@deb7518]

Couldn't believe Skippy's age when you told it! She certainly doesn't look it! Maybe I should take to napping on a pillow and eating kibble to recapture my own youthful appearance, lol! It's clear to me that you should probably lean into the more part-time positions, in the area you liked the best (Systems, wasn't it?), as your nerves seem quite frayed when discussing the full-time, higher stress ones. There's nothing wrong with making that life choice, since you don't need as much income now. Quality of Life is a key consideration from here on out. I'm about 16 yrs older than you, and find I don't even have a desire to go out and do/get all the things I used to want extra money for. Now, I highly value going at a much slower pace, and it took me years to relax into it. Just don't overthink. I speak from experience that that's a hard habit to break.

[@annl4329]

I hope you don't mind me mentioning this, but I have noticed after watching your first few videos, the difference in your cough over the last week has been marked. Perhaps the stress of your previous job was actually preventing you from properly recovering from the pneumonia. I left a job a couple of years ago at the age of 56 due to feeling very burnt out and toward the end of my time in the job, I developed an irritating cough that I just couldn't shift. I went to my doctor's about it, but as soon as I left that particular job, it disappeared. I'm convinced it was the stress and the unhealthy working environment of the job itself. It made me realise that I made the right choice in leaving. I wish you all the best in finding another job that you enjoy.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

I never really even considered that! wow thanks! Another subscriber mentioned a kind of tonic i can take, so I'm going to give that a go too :) hopfully it will help. And thank you for mentioning that!

[@i-robbie8114]

“More life behind, than more life in front of us” - yes I think like this too, and reflect on the IT job i have and think… lets do something different, cash in the bank take a lower paid job, low responsibility, low stress, etc - but I don’t have the guts to leave and leap. You may become my inspiration. Life is short, and gets shorter of course.

[@MarkOBoyle-wx2ck]

I left a high pressure job to work in a school. Life is so much better

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey, thank you. Such nice words! wow apologies for not responding sooner! it's been a wild few weeks!

[@ToyyHill]

I am white male 58 years old living in South Africa.Been unemployed for 9 years.south Africa is the only country in the world were the majority of the population have a policy of Affirmative action. Some if not all companies give preference to blacks with regard to employment. It's tough.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey, many thanks for you comment! wow all the way from SA! thank you kind sir for watching my videos! 9 years out of work! how on earth do you manage?

[@fredmercury1314]

5:24 Don't be so envious. I have many passions. So many in fact that I can't keep up with them. Which usually means I don't do any of them. And then I'm miserable.

[@callan4ever]

I left IT back in 2007. Saw the writing on the wall.

[@MarkRobsonLive]

I worked in IT but found working in physical security best for me. I’m now working for myself. I do site work it’s easy money. I can watch KZbin and read books.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Sounds fab! yes I can sit all day and learn from youtube! it's great eh !

[@mrfish007]

😂😂 "You gotta wonder whose next"😂😂. Classic 😹😹

[@truthseeker8524]

Psychometric tests are a complete pain. They are a way of excluding people. Bad move. They are crap

[@dazsaz]

😊 its interesting thanks 👍

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

And thank you kindy! :)

[@pearleelife]

Cheers. Comment for algo and like peeps!

[@Curious-Minds]

IGRP?? damn you old. 😅😅😅 Next you'll be bringing up RIPv1 and DECnet

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

@@Curious-Minds ha ha, don't get me started 🤣

[@anniej1616]

I also very much had this, 'I haven't found the job I want to specialise in' thing until I was 53! I used to do all sorts of odds and ends to bring the money in, and it was very fragmented and confusing. At least you've stuck at IT! I used to be hellishly scared all the time about not earning enough, at least when I was self-employed before my current venture. I have been much happier since I set up a business in an area I enjoy, and I do almost solely that although a KZbin channel and other new ventures are also under development ... but I will have to be careful that while I build these new things, my stable business won't suffer since that is what pays the mortgage!

[@AI_admin]

Buy a business! maybe in deliveries ....ask to see all three sets of books hehe.

[@JamesSmith-cp9jd]

You come across as a genuine guy and you remind me of "Rick Stein and very awkward on the camera put a genuine person. You need a Keith Floyd moment when out on the boat at sea and the Lid on the pan flies off and your life will be changed for ever 👍

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

haha brilliant, thanks! yeah I'm still very new to this whole way of doing these types of videos!

[@trax0726]

Can anyone recommend some tips on career progression or finding an open window, mid thirties and opportunities to do something more interesting seems so limited or have unrealistic expectations

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Feeling stuck in your career? It's a common experience, especially in mid-30s. Here are some tips to help you find new opportunities or advance your current role: Self-reflection: Take time to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and interests, Skill check - Identify areas where you can improve or develop new skills. Use social media like Linked in to help you build relationships and discover opportunities and connect with people! Attend industry events: Conferences, workshops, and meetups can provide valuable insights and connections. I did recently attend a jobs fair, whilst at that point there was nothing for me , I'm glad I went just to check it out!

[@MrFrogBog]

Do something you love and the jobs and opportunities will come your way.

[@Hiram8866]

The way you describe how your mind works, you may have something like ADHD. But I'm not a psychologist. There is another channel I have been watching similar to yours called Fade to Grey. You should collaborate about your experiences.

[@TheOver50JobSeeker]

Hey yes, I'm also a subsciber for Fade to Grey! great channel :)

[@mjpm2409]

Also - Unless you're sitting on a MASSIVE pile of cash, how can you not be thinking about the money for your pension? How will you live from 60+? I always find it odd in today's cost of living that people say "I don't need x amount" - nope, but your teeny pension pot is crying out for funding.

[@fredmercury1314]

My brother-in-law has just pulled all the money out of his private pension, and pi**ed it away so they don't cut his benefits. He seems fairly comfortable, knowing the government will bail him out.

[@mjpm2409]

@@fredmercury1314 yeh. If he calls that "living" then fair enough

[@davestevenson9080]

Working for yourself is the only career I would recommend. I only make about 12k/year. But I am in great shape and don't have a boss and very happy, unlike most people I see. Those skills you have, sell them to people or companies directly. make a small website to portfolio and document all your best work over the years and spam companies that might need your skills. for instance one email can go to 1500 companies, flip the script on them. good luck