Ask HN: Will I Ever Recover?

Been working in my startup for the last 7 years. It has no failed and I am turning 37 soon. I am interview now but my identity has been shattered. I don’t know how to build myself back up. Everyone tells me it’s not too late to start again but I am no longer young. I feel so miserable.

A bit of a cliche but every experience matters. Document what you learned in your journey and plan how you can apply this in sync with your skillset. And can’t emphasise enough, keep giving interviews. And learn from your interviews, refine your resume or portfolio or presentation skills accordingly and you will soon land on your feet. One thing that always helps in interviews is keeping’s perspective that you’re also interviewing the employer. Be inquisitive, and show your genuine interest in a company not just because you want to work with them but also because they interest you. (And interviews are far easier than running Startups ;) ) All the best!

That's up to you, not me.

You are not your job. You never were. Every single person on this planet has intrinsic worth that has nothing to do with what they do or how they think. You are important regardless of where you have worked.

I often find the most painful employers and experiences are the ones that I gain the most out of in terms of development and growth. Not fun to hear in the moment but afterwards it's a gift.

37. Heh. That's the age where you just start being able to use the wisdom you've been acquiring.