So here is my situation. I have been working in the environmental field for over 20 years in permitting, environmental compliance, project management and water quality, primarily in the public sector. I have a masters degree and live in an Seattle where many of the working professionals have masters degrees or phDS. You practically need a Bachelors degree to work as a barista !

Last year my position with the state agency I have worked with for 16 yrs was eliminated. I received excellent evaluations and saved the agency millions of dollars. I was RIFed last year but was given a new position within the agency.

I am not enjoying my new job or the work culture with the group. I am observing some disturbing attitudes from management. One of these being an emphasis on hiring much younger workers and spending tine and energy to train them while trying to get rid of older employees through poor performance reviews, issuing a PIP or fabricating issues to make them appear incompetent.

I have applied for other positions within the agency that I am very qualified for and never even got interviewed. When I send out resumes to other agencies or companies I very rately get interviews. I am wondering if being 58 may be part of it.

I think when employers review my resume they may feel I am overqualified or too old . At this point in my career I don’t nessecarily want to “climb the ladder” but would rather do interesting, meaningful work that pays well.and provides me similar benefitds. With 16 yrs. at my current employer I have learned a great deal and am very loyal. I am also thinking about changing careers. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks