Job change for the older person (60+) ?

[djwbiker]

Hi to all, what's your opinion on a job change for an older person (60+)

Most of my working life has been in the IT industry. In the 70's/80's I was in technical support for a major computer manufacturer, and then in technical sales jobs for a few companies until 2006. Since then I have been self employed in handyman/painting and decorating services in my locality.

I am now fed up with been so poorly paid and bored with the simple work. I thought I might do a series of courses available in Cisco Certified network training CCNA and CCPA.

My question for the PH collective is would a 'mature' person ever gain employment in the comms support/architecture world. I would be happy with part-time or full time, contract or interim duration.

What do you think?
Thanks
Dave

[TurricanII]

Before getting to age discrimination, 7 years is a long time to be away from IT. You will probably be starting from the bottom again if you try to get a CCNA then look for a job as a technician. Might you be suited to an ITIL or project management course or a service desk management position that draws on what sounds like many years of experience?

I am not sure if contracting provides an easier way to get your first role but I would look into that.

Failing that, you can always go self employed and offer IT support to some degree. Maybe you can find a few companies who do not need a full time IT person/manager to take you on one day a week.

All depends on what your skills and experience actually are. A massive part of working for an IT service provider is of course interpersonal skills, i.e. being able to empathise with the customer.

Edited by TurricanII on Sunday 15th December 01:11

[rog007]

As above; if you're good at what you do should have no problems. Tips on avoiding any ageist practices kicking in: don't put anything that 'ages' you on your CV; and only put last 3 or 4 roles on your CV (state previous history available upon request). Good luck!