Ok … if I’m going to get myself back on track, I’ve got to start earning some money.

If I don’t earn money, then I won’t be able to eat … which means there will be a tendency for me to die … which I’m trying to avoid.

So that means I’ve been getting back on the job interview circuit.

But boy have things changed!

I mean, the last interview I attended was about 27 years ago! 😳

And I’ve come to a few conclusions from the interviews I’ve attended:

🔑 My former industry has been absolutely smashed

Like many industries, COVID changed the rules.

Now, a typical firm consists of a few people in the office and a lot more in India and The Phillipines.

You’d probably be speaking more to your overseas contingent than the people in your own office.

🔑 Ageism still exists

A big concern of mine has been how I may be perceived, given I’m in my 50s and office colleagues may be in their 20s or 30s.

I’ve had one or two interviews which didn’t progress which I’ve put down to the age factor, even though it’s never directly stated as such.

“Culture” is a common euphemism that can handily encapsulate the “we think you’re too old” excuse.

🔑 Some things don’t change

Despite the gap in years where I’ve been out of my industry, I’ve noticed that not much progress has been made to better it.

In my naivety, I would have thought more technological advancements may have occurred, but this doesn’t seem to have been the case.

In fact, the way these firms operate their businesses is such that I can see some low-hanging fruit for them.

🔑 Everybody is just exhausted

With the amount of new regulations imposed by government in recent years, industry participants have simply had enough.

Older participants are leaving.

Younger participants are not entering.

In fact, any interest firms have had in me is not so much because of any sparkling brilliance I may be displaying, but more of a desperation to lock-in anyone with half a brain who may be a net-positive for the firm in question.

I’ve been going through psych and behavioural tests and I’ve had to bite my tongue to stop myself from telling them I’m a Grand Master at these from my dark days.

But then again, maybe they wouldn’t care … just as long as I’m not a serial killer or something!

I’m also questioning whether I’ll be able to handle what I’ll be letting myself in for.

After going through recuperation and rehab for a number of years I know I won’t be starting at my peak.

But I also know I have to start somewhere and apart from earning a wage, this move would get me interacting with people again on a daily basis.

And learn more about what technologies could be a good fit for businesses out there.

As well as being able to eat still … 🙄

Small steps .. small steps.