Back in 89, I was part of the gang that stuck a complete network in the office of 3 graphics artists. They were all nearing retirement. (Civil service so they were at least 55) Three networked MACs, two printers with a combined several hundred fonts, one was a hot wax color priner, complete connectivity between all three computers, access ot the unclassified network so they could exchange ideas with everyone in the organization, huge scanner.

For whatever reason, I became the designated support for them.

It took them about 3 weeks to understand the graphics programs better than I ever did.

Another month and they could do anything the network was capable of.

My point: You're probably selling yourself short.

Buy yourself a high end graphic program and play with it. After you're sure you're comfortable, go get the job.

Or freelance. The small local companies that advertise in that paper appearing unasked in your driveway every week, many of them might like to have someone who can produce camera ready, especially if it is innovatrive and attention getting.

Thank you for your suggestions.

DANG! I find myself in complete agreement with Fromz!

You just have to start doing things to make yourself feel better about yourself. Start with the "intention". Visualize yourself at work and happy every morning when you wake up. YOU can make it happen!

I agree with Fromz on all but 'BUY' yourself a high end graphic program. Free, for download time, is GIMP, a high end graphics program (GIMP has been used in making movies), and Scribus 1.2.3, a high end desktop publishing program. Both come with excellent hands-on online tutorials you can learn at your own pace. For a top notch office suite that rivals and in amny cases exceeds Microsoft's, there is Open Office 2.3. Just Google to get current download sites.

You already have a graphics 'eye' having been a draftsman, and much of the software is pretty intuitive, so you'll catch on quick. I'm doing some of the freelance graphics work for folks in my small town - ads, flyers, brochures, and the big hit has been booklet publishing/layout (directory for a church, a coupla how-to's, a family history for geneology)... FWIW...

You're gonna do great in 2008 - once you have an attitude of gratitude, and allow yourself to make mistakes until you do better with practice....

Blessings, and good fortune...

I think you should reconsider your thoughts on working with a career coach.

They are trained to quickly assess what the issues are and identify your best options. Ive seen some great results with people just like you.

You can find a coach in your area by going to www.coachfederation.org.

You can also sign up with your local One Stop Career Center to receive free counseling on your career.

Hello babssyzz,

I am European where age over 40 disqualify from a job. What I learned in this country that there is never to late to get some qualification or improve some skills.

I am 54 years old and lately I have been in training to improve my credentials. I enjoy a lot attending educational seminars.

What I discovered was that regardless my English limitations and age, I was doing better than others, younger, and my mind is not staled. This year I got my broker license at the first shot, while younger people and born in USA failed the state exam for 4 or 5 times.

You cannot feel this way about yourself that you are limited because of age. It is not true and I am positive that You would feel better about yourself if you did something to attend graphic training.

I wish you best luck and I do believe that you can do it.

Holy Moly! You're already a whiz, you got whitemanitou to agree with Fromz!

That's a fantistic tip on the freeware LanSr. Kudos

Another thing you might consider if you decide to buy some software is to sign up for a class or 2 first at your local community college if you have one close. Most of the Microsoft stuff is available at VERY steep discounts for students. You'll need an ID but the $500 plus Works package was maybe 150 bucks in the student version I last saw. Heck, sign up for one of the classes that teach some of the applications. You are NOT too old to go to school. The community colleges in particular are full of older or returning students. Good luck!

Excellent Isabella! You go girl!