to really believe

[SmokeAndBone]

that I'm too old to be offered a better job?

I'm unhappy where I am and there are no opportunities for promotion. I still feel ambitious: I'd like a bit more money and responsibility, still up for a challenge!

I'm not in a profession so not qualified. Degree educated, work in a poorly-paid Uni administration role. But am a safe pair of hands, competent, good IT and comms skills.

But at 55, honestly what are my chances of going up the ladder a little bit higher?

@SmokeAndBone.. i think at 55 you are still young enough to want and deserve career progression. Let's face it, some people work into their 80s and even 90s! I'm 47 and like you am trapped in poorly paid admin. There's no opportunity for progression as everything focuses on the professional nurses. Admin are bottom of the heap. If i wanted anything more i'd have to move or commute. So i'm sorry i don't have any actual advice but wanted to say i totally know how you feel.
Good luck x

Don't give up on yourself OP.

A couple of years ago I was feeling stuck in my job - liked the work but very little chance of making more money. Then I took on a six month course in a specialist tech skill. The course was very part time so I could fit it around my hours at work. I invested quite a lot of money in it (£1500) and was nervous it might not pay off, but have just landed a great new job - much better immediate salary and much, much better prospects in the medium term. And it's for a company I like doing interesting work.

So my advice would be to do a bit of research into skills shortages, especially new tech fields. Anything where there's a shortage of trained people there'll be companies offering training, and recruitment companies which can give you advice too.

I'm a bit younger than you - 47 - but was still worried about making the leap into something new. At 55 you've still got plenty of working life left!

Well done, AppleCiderVinegar that sounds awesome and good for you landing a plum job! But you're nearly 10 years younger than me - I think ageism in recruitment is more insidious than we want to believe.

But I think there is an element of me having written myself off as well. Maybe I'm using age as an excuse....

Yes I'm sure you're right about ageism.

But lots of people work into their 70s now don't they?

55 doesn't seem old to me!

The question is, have you written yourself off?

It's fine not to be ambitious as long as that suits you and you're happy.

But if it's making you miserable or frustrated I'd be tempted to have a rethink.

Have you actually applied for other jobs? I don't see any reason why you can't move, I have friends older who have, but you need to actually tryl

Thank you for the replies. I've applied for about 6 jobs in the past 6 months and had 2 interviews. Didn't get the jobs, obviously.

After 1 I asked for feedback and tried to remember it all to take into account next time!

I try not to put myself down, but I genuinely believe that jobs go to brighter, younger candidates.