I'm 32 and never had a proper job, AIBU to think it's too late?

[HopelessHumphrey]

Don't even have kids. I have had a fair bit of complicated health, and plagued with anxiety.

I've always done bits and pieces, bits of part time work here or there whenever I can. I have done some really great tasks with these jobs, so I can talk the talk but can't walk the walk because I have no training. My CV is full of holes and shows no solid length of time in any role.

I can't even do a LinkedIn profile because it just looks so ridiculous. I don't know what to do but I feel very depressed and like there is no escape?

It's too late for a good career isn't it?

I always was ambitious and worked part time since a teenager, but have managed to mess everything up so badly I can hardly believe it. I feel like I don't have any real skills at all.

Marketing is a very broad area. I would advise you to decide on a specialism (PPC, SEO, website reporting, Google Analytics, content writing, etc) and research the heck out of it. Google offers free and low cost courses in analytics, for example.

Next, build a portfolio. For things such as SEO or blogging, approach a couple of local companies you like (including your charity) and offer some free project work in return for a reference and a case study. Be very specific in what you will do for them - you don't want it to drag on for months! Underpromise and overdeliver.

Once you have three case studies you are proud of, start applying. I personally enjoy contract work as it's well paid and you can avoid office politics. Freelance work (especially online) is another option as you can fit it around hospital appointments. The only kicker is that you won't be paid for that time, so make sure you command a decent hourly rate to begin with. Employers want the safest option and if you can prove you can deliver, with your portfolio and knowledge at the interview stage, you are likely to be hired.

Who knows? it might be, might not. The point is to have a go at it and not be put off by the possibility that it won't work out. Once you let go of trying to secure an absolute outcome and value yourself for doing the trying you will feel a freer to have a go.

Don't let you anxiety stop you ever trying to do anything - that is objectively depressing.

Thanks, that's a good plan and breaks down the steps well.

The only thing is - I actually DO have several case studies, projects I am massively proud of. They are the things I think that get me through the door in interviews. But something isn't joining up.

It's never, ever too late. I was a professional musician (poor-ish busker/band player/muso for hire) until 32 or so. I went into a new career around then (into sales) and am doing pretty well now. Still doing music, but it's for fun now.

no, it's never too late

TheABC does have a good plan (think I need to apply it too)

I'm much older than you, had one career that has been lost to the internet and in an admin job/unstable startup and need to make decisions and sort something out

Many people do and can change work, or don't get started until a bit later and still make a success of it. A linear career may look great on paper but it doesn't excite me about the person, when I was interviewing. Be the wild card that nails it

What about retraining with a practical skill... nails, floristry, photography, dog grooming, cake decorating etc.

Careers with on the job training?

Citizens advice bureau volunteering looks really good on CV.

Seriously it's never too late...

32? Ha! I laugh in the face of your 32! Got my first proper grown-up job at least a decade later than that.

I'd LOVE to do Citizen's advice bureau volunteering - always thought that was only for lawyers and people from support services backgrounds! Will check this out though.

I will need to investigate re-training costs.

You're probably accidentally giving off red flags during interview. Generally speaking if you can get to interview it means on paper the employer thinks you can do the job. At interview they are verifying what they saw on paper and they are checking you for fit. Which is a fancy way of saying "do we like you". I'd advise looking at compotency based interview questions and sample answers. Make sure you don't disqualify yourself e.g. "it was a fab project.. but I didn't do well at x and y" When you feel yourself heading towards "yes but" just don't say the second half of the sentence.

Honestly, I'm pretty sure I'm not disqualifying myself? I don't tell outright lies though.

For example, I've never managed staff at a more junior level to myself.When asked if I have, I obviously tell the truth, and then add though that I have coordinated staff for X and Y event, drawing on some similar skills. Basically the buck stopped with me so I try to show transferable skills there.

Unfortunately, so many people on LinkedIn do the horrendous "I am fabulous and a gift to business" pitch, so it's spoilt it for everybody else, meaning that everybody has to do it! It's like being trapped in an episode of The Apprentice.

I've seen LinkedIn profiles for people I've worked with and I don't even recognise them.

So find a way to present your skills in their best light and don't feel bad about it. If you only knew how many incompetent people I've worked with who are either oblivious to that fact, or who choose to hide it behind a CV or LinkedIn profile that makes them sound amazing, you wouldn't be worrying!

I'm a bit surprised and rather cheered by the fact that several of you are saying LinkedIn tends to be full of people presenting themselves in a very flattering way.

I guess really that makes sense - kind of like Facebook, really.

Go to Reed and get some temp or contracting jobs. Then start building your CV.

Given that most of us won't get to retire until we are 68, I'd say 32 is definitely not too old! You've got 36 years left to undertake training, get an entry level job, work your way up and build up your credentials.

Mostly you just sound lacking in confidence - try looking into access courses or volunteering in areas that interest you to build your skill/experience levels and confidence up.

Good luck to you whichever direction you end up going! 😀