Too old for anything?

by Mary Crawford
(Chicago, Illinois)

Hi Carl,

I'm at a very uncomfortable crossroad without good information on which path to take. I'm 58 years old. I worked in the News Broadcast business for 25 years. I've worked freelance for about 5 years.

I do not have a college education, but a great deal of experience, and a reasonable amount of common sense.

My occupation is so specific, and the broadcast business has changed dramatically in the last 5 years that I can't find a position in anything. Media related or not.

From porter to president, every job listing requires a degree. Would starting a degree at my age be a waste of time and money?

If so... what does one do?

If not... how could this work for me?

Thanks for any insight you may have.

Response from Carl: Thanks Mary. Sometimes in job descriptions, companies have "must have" skills and experience and "nice to have" ones. Sometimes it's hard for the reader to tell which one is which but the bottom line is that not all companies who say they want job candidates to have a degree actually mean it 100%. It's not always a deal breaker. Sometimes it is, but not always. I'd say your best best is to highlight your skills and experience and go with what you have and remind the reader about the skills and experience that you do have while trying to show them that your lack of a degree should not be an issue.

Carl