I’ve been working very successfully as a linguist for nearly 30 years. Initially I was employed abroad but since we moved back to the UK over 20 years ago I’ve been a freelancer, working from home. I’ve always been busy full-time working for international financial clients. I have also lectured and run workshops many years ago. I also do my CPD, attend conferences, network, keep up with technology, update my software etc.
I’ve known for years AI was coming but thought it would take some time to take over. Instead, it seems to have taken exactly 6 months. While there is still work out there, and a need for the human input, prices are crumbling, organisations are embracing the technology without a thought for quality, just savings, companies merge and offices are moved to the Far East, so I’m losing contact with the project managers who assign me work. At the moment I am still fairly busy but it’s clear I need to make plans for the immediate and long-term future.
I’m nearly 58 and I think I need to work for another 10 years to pay into my pension (I am also separating from my husband, haha, and not ready for retirement). I have two undergraduate degrees and I am fluent in 4 languages, I am used to running several tasks at a time and work to very strict deadlines. Where do I go from here? I am happy to change job and I’d also be happy to retrain, but who would take on a newly qualified 60-year-old?!
My question is, what are my chances to be considered by employers? Is my age an obstacle? I know I don’t have to state it on my CV but it’s just apparent from my education and work history.