Feeling Stuck in My Career at 30: How Can I Overcome Gaps and Rejections?

I would really appreciate it if someone could suggest how I can overcome my problem of gaps, frustration, and rejection. Some details about me are: I am a commerce graduate. After completing a diploma course in computers, I joined a company as an Office Management Executive. However, they changed my profile to Inside Sales Marketing as my performance in inside sales was better than that of the direct sales employees. I worked with the company for a year but left because I started receiving prank calls on my workstation and getting flowers in the office. I complained to my boss, but he took it lightly. Meanwhile, a competitor company offered me the position of Asst-Marketing Manager-Inside Sales, so I accepted it. I worked there for another two years but left due to bad office politics. I wasn't able to secure a new job for a year because the offers I received were either for direct sales positions, which I was not keen on, or for inside sales positions where I was considered overqualified.

Eventually, I made an amendment to my resume and labeled myself as a Marketing Coordinator instead of an Assistant Manager. I joined a new company as a Tele-Marketing Executive, as I wanted to secure a job at least. However, as the company failed to establish itself even after a year, they began downsizing, and I had to resign. Since then, I have been unable to find a job. Previously, companies tended to offer me positions I hadn't applied for - for instance, if I applied for an event coordinator role, they would offer me an admin executive position. This pattern continued, leading to further frustration. To address this, I enrolled in a Symbiosis PGDBA program in Sales and Marketing (although in hindsight, I should have chosen Admin or HR), and I successfully completed it with distinction. However, after a four-year gap since my last job, I am struggling to justify my time off. I am 30, unmarried, and lack a compelling reason to explain the gap. I considered trying in a BPO, but I now find myself suffering from interview phobia.

I have provided detailed information to give you a complete understanding of my situation. At times, I contemplate interviewing as a fresher. What should I do in such a situation?

Regards,

It's never too late in life. As it is said, "jab jago tab savera." Leave all the negative thoughts and start a new beginning with new thoughts and say to yourself, "Yes, I can do it, and I will do it." You are educated and have completed your post-graduation. So, you can once again try for a marketing job, or even BPOs are also not a bad option. Customer care is also a viable option. Nowadays, if you have good communication skills, a lot of opportunities are available in the market.

Regards,
Rajeev Dixit

With your experience and postgraduate qualification, have you thought of teaching? You may find the field of education less daunting and, though it may not be as lucrative, it's a very satisfying field. Also, see [Whistling While You Work: The 10 Most Satisfying Careers | CareerCast.com](http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/whistling-while-you-work-10-most-satisfying-careers).

There is nothing to feel disheartened about. You were simply choosy about the kind of job that you wanted to take up and preferred not to work until something worthwhile came along. Why should it be considered a stigma and something undesirable? A person can dare to be different and choose his or her own way of life. Somehow, the industry calling it a "gap" and as such something not very desirable is just a prejudice and a false belief.

To expect that people would start working and continue until they reach old age and infirmity is not the only way to lead life, nor is it a very healthy or admirable way. You have taken a much-considered break and then pursued an academic course. Subsequently, you think you are not able to fit yourself into some popular molds which are being dished out to you. It is fine, so far.

Now, you have to make your decision regarding a job, career, or plain livelihood. You have to decide and back it up with full conviction, whether you would be able to make yourself ready to accept the opportunities available and come out of your comfort zone to apply your effort and will to deliver what is required in these roles. It is quite possible that on the way you may come across something that may appeal to you.

Alternatively, getting into a job may bring people, circumstances, and resources near to you, which you may need to chart out your own journey! The possibilities are endless! All you have to do is make a start. Perhaps you have waited long enough for the right opportunity to come your way. It may not be worthwhile now to wait any longer for your "dream" job. Make a start now, and someday you'll find what you have been looking for.

It would be very unfortunate that despite your qualification and experience, you do not make a start at all. So, just put all your self-doubts, apprehensions, and worries behind you, and start looking afresh at all the available opportunities.

Hope the above makes some sense. Do feel free to revert back in case you need further clarification or assistance.

Warm regards.

You don't have to worry about this; the past is past. Just forget it and move on. What I can tell you is, just keep on trying; definitely, you will get a better job. There are some people who can understand your profile and reasons for that gap, and definitely, if everything goes fine, you will get a job. Hey, don't forget to treat yourself after getting a job 

Regards,
Mohan

I am also suffering from age discrimination, low morale, wage differences, etc., at the workplace after serving 15 long years in one company. I know the issue, but people don't understand the problem.

I appreciate the valuable suggestion from Mr. Manpreet. Plan and execute a tension-free tour along with your closest friends or relatives. Then, afterward, you will be able to think in the right way.

Thanks,

Thank you for reviewing my situation and providing your valuable suggestions. I have been advised by everyone to stay positive. While I do try to maintain a positive outlook, I do get frustrated at times. For instance, when applying for corporate jobs, I often do not receive responses. Moreover, during interviews, potential employers are taken aback by the gaps in my employment history. In a recent interview for a BPO role, I was questioned about my employment gap and salary expectations. Despite explaining that I am willing to accept a package based on industry standards, I was put on hold. This has led me to consider starting fresh without highlighting my past experiences. I believe my fear of rejection stems from previous disappointments.

Although I am open to various job opportunities, I have always avoided roles involving hard-core sales, which seem to be frequently suggested to me, even by my seniors during exit interviews. In previous positions, I have gained experience in administrative tasks such as data management, creating presentations, and coordinating, as well as in HR responsibilities like candidate sourcing, interview scheduling, and reference checks. While a high salary is not my top priority, I do not subscribe to the idea of a dream job; rather, I am seeking a stable position in a supportive work environment.

What Types of Roles Should I Pursue?

What types of roles would you recommend I pursue now? Should I include my past experiences in my job applications?

Thank you and regards.

Going by your CV and your preferences, it appears to me that you need to have more confidence in yourself. Believe in yourself and only yourself. There is no point in brooding over the past. Wake up and face whatever comes your way. What phobia? It's nothing but an illusion, given that you have successfully navigated numerous interviews and have been employed not just once but multiple times. You have not experienced unemployment since graduating. With a PGD under your belt and experience in various firms, you are indeed attracting opportunities; that's the reality. So, don't feed us stories. Get ready and go for it. You will achieve what you desire if only you seek and pursue how to attain it.

Regarding Teaching

I have my doubts. Nowadays, without at least a minimum of a PG degree with M.Phil or Ph.D., it's challenging, which you do not possess. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

Career in Marketing and Sales

I believe you excel in marketing and sales, a field that offers countless employment opportunities. Some of our CiteHR friends have inquired about you already. However, explore and pursue what resonates most with your heart. I think you can bridge the gap by gaining additional experience with another employer (e.g., freelance work in event management, etc.). It's simple; just ask your friends for assistance.

All the best, pal.

Regards,
Kumar S.

You have been well advised in the previous comments. Take a job that is closely related to what you would like to do. Do not focus on a high position or worry about your qualifications versus your role. Just go out and take a job, even if it is temporary or unpaid. Start interviewing and think of these as your practice sessions for the job that you truly wish to get. Your focus now should be to get back into the professional environment. Spend your first salary imitating the attire of successful colleagues and similarly attend to your grooming. Listen to BBC programs to improve your diction and fluency in English. Join a local Toastmasters club to improve communication skills and build confidence. Success will come to anyone who works hard and is passionate about what they are doing.

How to Justify Your Gap Period

Think about all your achievements in the past few years—you helped somebody, engaged in studies, traveled, etc., and build a story around this that you can happily share with your interviewer. The keyword is "happily." Nobody likes a depressed person, and a good way to boost your mood is to start working out or going for long walks, which will help alleviate your frustration. It is your life, and if you decide to take a break from the working world, nobody can dispute your decision. However, you must be positive while conveying it, and if well conveyed, the interviewer will not spend too much time on this as they will assess you during your probation.

Bear in mind that the interviewer in front of you is also under tremendous pressure to recruit the right person, or their job and credibility are at stake. They are also trying hard to achieve recognition with their colleagues and management. If you convince them about how you can help the company and the reason why they should recruit you, you will put them at ease. Bear in mind that in addition to qualifications, the interviewer is looking for a person they can work with, whose attitude will be a perfect fit for the company culture.

Remember, if others can do it, so can you. Best wishes for all the success that is just around the corner for you.

Suggestion for Overcoming Employment Gaps

A suggestion: Maybe attain some additional certification that is in demand and will help you get back into the corporate world?

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Thank you for your message. I suggest considering acquiring additional certifications that are sought after in the industry. This can enhance your skills and make you more attractive to potential employers. Good luck in your job search!

Regards,

Overcoming Career Gaps and Frustration

Just to identify a few things: there are many companies that will take you as a fresher. Also, many companies will not be bothered about the gap, and there are also many companies that will not react or be worried about your gap; they only consider the talent within you. They only consider your approach towards accomplishments and commitments based on confidence.

So, all the best for your progress. May God bless you with a satisfactory lifestyle further.

Regards

Overcoming Career Challenges and Starting Anew

Don't worry, I have gone through the same situation. I started my second inning with a salary of ₹6000/- in a different field. Now, I am running my own company, and 300 people are working for me. When I started the second time, there was a huge difference in the market scenario. Call centers and the software industry emerged during that period. Although I was in a very good position before, I felt like an illiterate person. Still, it was necessary for me to work, so I worked very hard, and the rest is history.

So cheer up and don't lose hope. Start wherever you get an opportunity. Slowly, you will achieve your target.

Take care.

Regards,
Indu