>Nearing my 40s, so my profile is less appealing to employers, this field is very oriented to young people. This has always been the case. In the 1980s, when I was in my 20s, this was the deal, and very well known to all of us in university. Nothing new. One was too old after 35-years-old, UNLESS you were some amazingly great programmer, of course. Obviously. I remember having many conversations about this topic. And…
thanks for the great advice. the problem i've had is using my existing work experience to move into a new field, without some associated credentials. but i think you're right, it's worth just trying to force your way into things, being more creative then just applying for the same jobs and getting ignored, the definition of madness...
However, if you are talking about experience being your credentials, you have to start at the ground floor like anyone else and work your way up.
Experience never stopped me ever. I just read like hell to get all the top quality knowledge that I can, and then move forward. Unless there is formal licensing restrictions, I doubt there's a single arena I can't get a job in.
As an example, I did insurance and has zero experience. I got a job with an agency doing non-licensing work, and after 3 months I talked to the person in charge, spent 4 months studying, and passed 2 licensing exams. I studied hard. There's a 60% fail rate, and you only need to get 60% correct answers, and I passed on my first try. There are others at my office that took 8 and 10 times to pass that licensing exam.
You are letting false walls block you. Don't worry about credentials. Figure out what you want to do, then make it happen.
But I have for sure built up a LOT of experience by doing different things, because I just went out and did them and didn't let anything stop me. I'm 60-years-old and have no problems learning and getting a job in anything. I have zero experience in, oh, supply chains. But if I set my mind to it, I'll get a job in supply chains in 3 to 6 months time. Name anything that doesn't require a license, like a dentist or whatever, and I'll get a job in it.