I need some guidance.
After selling the business, I'd like to get a job. But I'm having trouble.
My field before the business used to be IT, which I really enjoyed.
But I've been 8 years out of IT- and I'm 59, both of which go strongly against me.
I'm studying again- I'm doing a Diploma in Software Development, and have completed two levels of Java and working on the third and final level. I've separately picked up some php. And I've done a short training course in software testing.
(My previous experience included mainframe Adabas/Natural, VB6, C#, Oracle and VBA for Excel & Word).
I've applied for IT positions, but generally don't get any response back. Any experience more than two or three years old is of no use. Trainee positions want young people, and often require a lack of education past a certain level.
IT recruitment agencies are not interested.
I can't get any help from any non IT agencies either. I'm not eligible for the dole, so there's nothing in it for them. "Look in Seek".
I'm willing to do non IT work, but I really don't know where to start looking or what to look for. And I'm OK to work in Sydney or Canberra- other locations would be possible but not quite as convenient.
I would rather not however go back into hospitality, although I would stand a better chance of a position in that field. I'd rather do something I liked better.
If anybody has any ideas or leads, I would be most grateful.
Thanks!
Geoff, I have mentioned it here on SS a few times before;
A job working in a Proshop at a Golf Club or Course is actually a very nice job to do. You don't need to know anything about golf either; just how to run the shop systems which they would show you how to do - timesheets, cash register, phone bookings etc.
It's very easy after the first 20 years.
(just kidding).
I have worked (in golf) over the past 30 years with plenty of folk your age and older who have come from other fields and who wanted a change.
They all love it, and many Proshops are flexible with their work arrangements (you will need to do the odd early shifts).
Almost all of them stay around for a long time, so that says something about the work satisfaction. It is far from boring.
The Directors of Golf (shop managers) love it too because they know the older employees are often good staff who can meet and greet and have a conversation with the players when they come in.
The pay would not be Bill Gates level (maybe $25 per hour these days?), but it's easy work, it's social (if you like humans), it's mostly fun and many Proshops struggle to get reliable, sensible, committed staff...the trainee pros are mostly young blokes who only want to play golf and aren't really dedicated to the shop work.
All you need to do is go to every Proshop in your area - private Club or public course and introduce yourself to the Director of Golf in the Proshop (you my want to call ahead first to make sure he/she is there) - and let them know you are available.
Something will turn up before too long, I assure you.