I feel like such a bloody loser

[KinseyWinsey]

I'm 50 this year. Unemployed and really want to start working again. I believe I have 20 years left in the work place, all being well.

I need to retrain, I'm sure and I would really to pursue some formal training.

I don't know to even start this. How to process the decision as to what to do, where to go for help and direction. I have massive case of imposter syndrome, very low self esteem.

This is what makes me SUCH a loser. I can't even put the first step forward.

I was a sahm for about 10 years.

During that time, I did some freelance work in my field of direct marketing. I have a PGDip and MSc in marketing. But I really can't do that work anymore. It's not for me.

Plus I was never really that good at it. There, I've said it.

I would really like some formal training.

Where do I even begin to establish the start of my search? Any advice?

What are your interests and skills? Are you a people person? Do you like to be a leader? Are you good at ideas and concepts, or better at the more practical grind of putting those ideas and concepts into practice? What led you into marketing - and to spend such a lot of one and effort on achieving qualifications in it - in the first place? You say you weren’t very good, but something must have drawn you in and kept you interested, and whatever that was is likely to be a transferable skill.

Knock off with the “I’m a loser” pity party, because a defeatist attitude won’t get you anywhere, and focus on what you actually can do. You don’t necessarily need qualifications and formal training to change career, just a good grasp of what you can do and how to apply it to different scenarios so you can apply for things and interview well.