My situation is still receiving a paycheck, but not for long, as my division, I'm in banking and finance, was moved to Phoenix, and I'd like to get something in the same area. I've been doing this for 20 years and it's not easy networking when you're in your mid 50s like me and trying to find work in North San Diego, South Orange, or Southwest Riverside counties in Southern California. Appreciate any suggestions and help. Thanks for reading and responding.

Jimmy,

I suggest you check out TBD's Career Reinvention Workshop;

http://www.tbd.com/content/article/basic_article.article:::work_ccw_stage0

You might focus on stage's 2 and 3 to help get you started and connected with new people in SoCal.

Gordon

I would love a career change -- I'm just afraid. Yet, I'm afraid to remain in the field that I'm in, but it pays well.

Currently, I have several things going against me that should suggest a career change....

1) I'll be 50 y/o on December 11th

2) I live in Michigan

3) I work in I.T. (one of the highest layoff fields)

4) I work in the automotive sector

I was laid off in 2002 along with 5,000 people. Our work was shipped overseas. Since 2002, I've been doing consulting and contract work (pays very well, just not steady). I have yet to find a permanent position. Now, white collar layoffs are occurring with all of the automotive companies.

Sales - I pretty much suck at it.

Health Care - The site of blood makes me queasy.

Finance – Care barely balance my checkbook

Customer Service - Doesn't pay enough

Internet Technology - That's a possibility

Entrepreneur - Still deciding what to do when I grow up

Any suggestions?

One of the most popular career strategies for people our age is a Portfolio Career. Said another way, multiple streams of work (usually simultaneously) that provide you the income and diversity of work you may want.

It may include a part-time job in one field, contract consulting, a home-based Internet business, writing in your area of expertise, etc.

If you want to learn more, check out the book, One Person/Multiple Careers (Alboher).

I'm Tim, I have been with the same company for 33 years, doesn't affect my motivation to start over. I am 54 and have experienced that' singled out' axe from management because I didn't bow to them....but really unimportant. I am gonna take a career apptitude test in a week to see where my noise points, because I have never felt settled at the company I've worked at so long..manufacturing auto/truck filters.Not really thinking of my age, although others may, but my dream is to be appreciated where I go and wanted for the work I do. Must try, I must see another place where my talents will be realized and not chastised. Tim

Tim

I applaud you for your positive attitude and "go forward" thinking. In my experience, that's about 80%+ of the deal. Good luck and keep us posted, please.

Gordon

I have worked in the non profit social service field for many years and they usually NEED what you do! They are using the wrong side of their brains on the job and IT stuff makes them nervous but it is totally necessary to keep the computers and networks up and running. It can be interesting depending upon the size and "purpose" of the agency (the bigger ones pay more) and the work environment is usually friendly/laid-back and rewarding. Just throw your resume out to a bunch of agencies in your area and see what comes back!