Too old to have a degree and stuck

by Ho
(Singapore)

Dear Carl,

I was in fashion merchandising for at least 10 years. It was a job that I like very much. However, due to business changes, many buying house and factories moved to cheaper countries. I was retrenched from my job of 8 years. This happen last year Mar. I took about 9 months to get another job but as I am currently upgrading myself, doing a business degree..I am unable to travel too much, thus quit the job. Now I am back to looking for a job again. Not sure long it will take this time this time ; (

Below are the questions that I like to ask..I hope that you can help to shed some light

1) I am coming 36 years old, are employers not willing to hire people who are in their 30s?

2) Am I too old to study for a degree?

3) At my age, is it too late for a career change?

Lastly, I want to sincerely thank you for putting together such valuable information in your web site. The articles help me gained a new insight to my job search. Hope to hear your comments soon.

Thank you once again
With best regards


Response from Carl: Thanks for the kind words, Ho. I'm glad you found the site useful!

Here are the responses to your questions in order:

1) I am coming 36 years old, are employers not willing to hire people who are in their 30s?

Carl: I hope not! I'm older than you and I still think I'm young! You're certainly not old so don't worry about that. If there are companies who don't want to hire you because they think you're too old, you probably don't want to work for such a company anyways. The truth is that the global economy is still experiencing trouble. The job market can be a tough one these days. I suspect that's the trouble you're having, not your age.

2) Am I too old to study for a degree?

Carl: Not at all. Many people go back to school in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. In actuality you might be in a very good position to go back to school given that you now have real life job experience and can probably use it in your studies to your advantage. If you financial situation allows, perhaps going back to school will also work out well given that (hopefully!) the economy will be better by the time you've graduated. Again, the timing and situation has to be right and you're the best person to determine that for yourself.

3) At my age, is it too late for a career change?

Carl: Not at all. Again, you're still young! People change careers at all stages of their life. I know of a guy who quit corporate life, got a law degree and became a lawyer in his 50s. I know of people who have quit jobs at similar ages and gone into a completely different line of business, often something that they'd wanted to do in their career all along.

Have a good think about what you want to do, what makes you happy and what skills you have that can earn you a living. You've already got some good experience under your belt from what you mention and I have a feeling that the global downturn in the economy is what is hurting you. There are many readers who are probably in the same boat you are too.

Carl