Have I become a dinosaur?
I have been a computer operator of MVS data centers for over 30 years. I have never had so much trouble Landing a job since I recently turned 51 years old. I was told by one company they wanted to go with a less seasoned recruit. This means a big company choose a young untested person to handle the most serious of outages that can their company millions of dollars per minute to not freeze. I am aware that recent technology and backup systems have rendered a person like me obsolete. So my question is.. should I keep on applying for a job doing what I do, or find a new line of work since I don't have any college behind me? Thanks for any advice.
Paul, have you looking into signing up with some of the agencies that recruit for contract work? This would give you income, place you with some of the top tier employers in the country, and give you exposure to companies that you may not have the opportunity to contact otherwise. While contract work is limited in duration, it will give you a chance to upgrade or increase your skillset and make you more marketable for full time work for these companies. Good luck in your search, in is rough out there for those of us who are over 50!
I decided to get my CDL and drive an 18 wheeler for a while. My kids are grown and I don't have a house or lease holding me back so I guess I am free to hit the road and ponder my future. Who knows I might like it, may become an owner operator.. I have to get to work, cant keep going like this. I'm actually at peace with this, I have already signed up for the paid training and looking forward to this. We shall see...Thanks all the great comments!!
What u do is creat software or recylce harddrives
MVS is older so it would be good to add skills in Linux and Windows if possible.
You think you are a dinosaur? I've been a software engineer for 55 years, since long before the word was invented (oops - RE-invented)! All that "modern" stuff is NOT a better solution to good old-fashioned HUMAN judgement. Hang in there and look for a company that might understand this. As for me, I am now temping at 3rd shift minimum wage jobs, WHEN I can find one, and they don't offer any employment security.
Maybe reeducate
I think you should do is that just keep doing your job and do it well till you retire. Don't worry about what others say or do. Just in case take some college courses to start and stay ahead since you're had an careers experience already. The way you stated it seems like you already have a great time in your career. Most people would have walked away and felt ashamed or never made it that long. If I were you, I would keep doing what you're doing because you're going somewhere so far in life.
Sadly, it's impossible to tell if they let you go because of your age or your salary level. If your job can be done by someone with
You have to change with the time. Part of having a career is to be able to see where the industry is heading and making sure you are on course with that. Upgrade your skill sets and start you own company. Technology is a global playing field. Broaden your horizons. Stop thinking about your age, 50 is young and you got a lot of life to live. Take it from a 56 year old IT engineer. Still going strong and nothing can stop me. Stay current with the technology. Most of you MVS guys have been replaced with automation so it's a wonder you held on as long as you did in that environment.
Hello Paul, I'm really sorry to hear that with all of your knowledge and experience you are not able to land a job of your interest. Follow your heart and mind, develop a strategy, devotion and dedication will pay off in the long run.