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Original poster

changing job at 50. would you?

31 replies

misstblue2 · 21/10/2018 16:01

i've been working at the same place for 15 years and enjoyed it, loved the job the people everything but 18 monthes ago we were taken over by new owners and new management and they have have made alot of changes.
alot of the people i worked with have left due to the changes and i have not been happy for a while now.
the problem is i haven't got any confidence and ifeel stuck in a rut
after another shit day a couple of weeks ago i filled out an application form for another job.
they have emailed me to arrange an interview but my confidence is so low i'm thinking of not going for it.
my main worry is what if i get the job and i'm no good at it and i get the sack, i'm 50 i'm worried i won't get another job.
at the same time i know i don't want to carry on working where i am.
what would you do
sorry if it sounds like i'm rambling my minds all over the place with anxiety

OP posts:
justchangingagain · 21/10/2018 16:44

Please go to the interview, you will never know if you don't try.

GreenTulips · 21/10/2018 16:48

The interview is a two way process so go and ask questions - it a friendly place how many staff are there in the team etc etc

my main worry is what if i get the job and i'm no good at it and i get the sack

You could face redundancy any time, you could say the same about any future job, etc etc

The reason you are low is because you are unhappy

Go to the interview and see it as experience - if you get the job andor sounds good - go for it

Chuggachuggatoottoot · 21/10/2018 16:48

15 years, think of all that time and experience, take it with you and go for it!

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BIWI · 21/10/2018 16:49

I changed jobs at 54, have been there for 5 years. Just what I needed at the time! A new challenge, new people to work with - it was a great move. Definitely go for it.

funmummy48 · 21/10/2018 16:51

Do it! 😉

Finfintytint · 21/10/2018 16:51

Go for it. I left my career at 50 after twenty odd years and found a new challenge. Much happier and better for my mental health.

TheGirlOnTheLanding · 21/10/2018 16:54

I'm in a similar position (but without the interview, so far - well done on being selected to go through to that stage, you must have submitted an impressive application.) It's very scary but I keep thinking I may be 50 but that means I've at least 16 more years to work and it's only going to get harder the longer I stay and the older I am. And on the more positive side, as PPs have said, I've experience and skills to offer. Go for the interview, get a feel for the job and the company, and then reassess - what have you got to lose by speaking to them?

SeaViewBliss · 21/10/2018 16:58

Please go. I was in a similar situation last year, aged 48. My confidence was on the floor.

My DH gently encouraged me to go for an interview. I got the job and I am so much happier.

At least give yourself the chance. You deserve to be in a job doesn’t make you miserable. Good luck Flowers

Ophelialovescats · 21/10/2018 17:00

I changed job at 52 , best decision ever !

AwkwardSquad · 21/10/2018 17:00

Do it! As PP have said, you’ve nothing to lose, and the longer you stay in yor current role, the lower your confidence will get. Do you know anyone who could give you a bit of interview practice?

LightNC · 21/10/2018 17:07

Take your courage in both hands and go for that interview. It took courage and initiative to apply, please keep it going!

To boost your confidence, my suggestion is to do everything you can think of to prepare. Research, read up on likely questions, role play it with someone, things like that. Do something to make you feel calm as well - breathing exercises, whatever normally works for you.

A few thoughts to make it easier:

  1. remember you have no idea who else has applied. You may easily be the best candidate already
  2. There’s a reason you’ve been selected for interview
  3. If you don’t get this one, you will be much better prepared for the next one, and better prepared if there are more changes in your current workplace

I hope that is some help, and I really hope you feel able to give it a go.

Haberpop · 21/10/2018 17:11

I have changed job twice in my 50s and am now working toward becoming a foster carer, my age doesn't hold me back, why should it? You can bring a whole new skill set to the job so go for it.

Original poster
misstblue2 · 21/10/2018 17:16

thank you so much for all the positive replies
you are right i am going to go the the interview if only for the experience.
i've got to stop thinking about the what ifs and just do it
thank you again you have given me the kick up the arse that i needed

OP posts:
Oblomov18 · 21/10/2018 17:18

Go for it. What have you got to lose?
I'm looking for a new job atm.

Lunaballoon · 21/10/2018 17:20

I was made redundant after 18 years in a job. I was stuck in a rut, but didn’t think I had the skills to work anywhere else.

Being forced to leave was definitely the best thing that could have happened to me.

I’m now in my second job post redundancy and both have extremely positive in terms of my personal development.

Go for it, OP. Carpe diem!

HerBigChance · 21/10/2018 17:21

Do it! As all the other PPs have said.

If you've been invited to interview, it's because they think you can do the job. Now you just need to go and let them know you can. If you don't get it, the interview is practice for the next one (and so is the statement or application you've already completed for this one).

I'm 48 and approaching a similar position to you. I keep telling myself I can go off and change things. I have to.

AJPTaylor · 21/10/2018 17:25

You dont get any state pension for another 17 years!
Go to the interview

Fadingmemory · 21/10/2018 17:44

I changed jobs at 46. Stayed 15 years. Recent experiences have given you a knock but it seems you were happy for a long time previously. Your skills & experience won't have melted away, you are down & the only way is up. Read up on the new company, do as much research as you can and have your questions ready. Be prepared for competency-based questions relating to your previous (in your case considerable) experience - ideas here:

www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips/competency-based-interviews

Think about an answer to the question, 'Why do you wish to leave your current employment?' Far better to be positive rather than give a negative vibe about your present jog e.g. Desire to learn, Desire to take on more responsibility, Desire to take on less responsibility, Desire to relocate, Desire for a career change, Desire to gain a new skill or grow a current skill, Company reorganization has led to change in job content, or whatever.

Interviewees are nervous, that's normal. Have all the practical stuff (clothes etc) ready the night before & give yourself plenty of time to be there & compose yourself. Go for it and good luck.

Original poster
misstblue2 · 21/10/2018 17:54

thanks for the interview advice . if i have a wobble between now and the interview i will keep reading this thread and all the positive vibes
Smile

OP posts:
YeOldeTrout · 21/10/2018 18:07

Friday I found a job I could & should apply for, but it's outside my current very large employer (been with on-off 25 yrs). Related but very definitely different type of service provider. Eek! I'm going for it. Ap-deadline = Friday. I'm 51. Let's wish us both good luck. :)

Original poster
misstblue2 · 21/10/2018 18:17

yeoldetrout good luck fingers crossed for both of us

OP posts:
Original poster
misstblue2 · 21/10/2018 18:19

hope its not the job i'm going for Grin

OP posts:
BikeRunSki · 21/10/2018 18:26

Go to the interview! I am in a similar situation. 47. Been in the same job for 14 years, although the job itself has evolved a lot in this time and I have had a few assigments and Mat leaves. A year ago we were reorganised and I got a new line manager, I just don’t get in with him, and we have a mutual distrust of each other. I applied for an internal job last month - a combination of wanting that particular job and wanting out of the role i’m I’m. I didn’t get it, but it was a very close call (I know the recruiting manager pretty well and she has given me very thorough feedback). I’m now much more confident about applying for the next job that comes up.

marcopront · 21/10/2018 18:58

I'm 50 and I started a new job in August.
Go for it.

flumpybear · 21/10/2018 19:01

Go for it!!
What's the job?