Re-enter the work force at 54

[Bectot]

Hi
I want to get a job I'm 53 and my children are nearly all at Uni, it might sound silly but I am struggling to get past applying for minimum wage jobs.

I have been running a business for the last 12 years with my husband. Due to my husbands business taking him away for at least half the time, I have split my time between children and the business. I took care of everything, from finding clients, advertising, setting up websites, customer service, writing risk assessments, all administration, dealing with outside suppliers, payroll, accounts , etc.

During that time, I also took on a Teaching Assistant role for 5 years and qualified level 3. I also have recently completed half an OU degree and am now deciding whether or not to continue.
Before children I was a Supply chain controller at a multinational retailer.
So I know I have skills, I just don't know how to offer them. I end up getting upset with myself when I look at jobs as the only ones I feel qualified to apply for are for salaries less I was earning 25 years ago.

I need to earn money, and will need to work at least to 67... I just don't know how to get into the job market, I would be happy to retain if required.
Any advice appreciated.

You need either a career coach to give you a push, or if you Google older peoples employment agency half a dozen come up - pick the one that r encourages you to big up your skills

career shifters is also a good organisation if you might want a change

Yes, you definitely need some dedicated careers advice, @Bectot. They would be best placed to bring clarity to your work history and assess whether there’s anything else you should do to round out your CV, in addition to finishing your OU degree as speedily as possible.

Fresh qualifications are invaluable in middle age! The studying itself brings you into contact with younger peers and competitors (presumably even when studying remotely) and you should take advantage of opportunities to interact with tutors - who should have knowledge and experience of how to capitalise on your degree subject. I hope you have decided to complete yours?

When did you do your OU? I am on an OU students FB page and someone recently posted to say that they had a career guidance video call with an OU career adviser. It was completely free and available up to three years post study. Apparently it was really detailed and helpful...that could be worth a look?

That’s useful to know, @AtlasOfImperfection.

Thinking about it, a few hours discussion with an expert on the availability of careers advice for mature adults might be a good use of MNHQ’s online interview slot.

So many posters need exactly this service (paid or free) - particularly if you’ve been away from the jobs market for a few years. Some jobs might have become obsolete in the meantime, while new paths have opened up that you know nothing about.

Careers advice is a great idea - as is speaking to the OU.

I wonder also if you need to revise your mindset? When I read your OP title I though you would be asking for advice on how to get a job after being a SAHP for the last 20 years, but you have been working - and not only that, you’ve been running a business, working as a TA and studying for a degree. I think you’re underestimating what that looks like on a CV or application form.

What field do you want to move into? If it’s related to your OU degree then think about how your many years of working supports your academic experience and build your applications around that. If it’s a new field then I would finish your OU degree and then start to think about what postgrad qualifications you need to
move into that field and start to build your career portfolio - speak to people in the field, see they would give you some unpaid work experience or voluntary work with their company. Follow the industry - on SM, by reading, attending webinars etc (there’s usually free stuff out there). Good luck!

Have you looked at the government skills bootcamps?