Job Hunting at 49 in India's IT Sector: What Challenges Do Experienced Managers Face?

Are there any criteria or hindrances to changing or getting a job at the age of 49 for an experienced IT professional in a managerial position in the private sector in India?

No, Arun, as long as you can deliver, no age can stop you from being employed. Good luck.

Regards,
ukmitra

Age is Only a Number: The Changing Concept of Employability

The concept of employability (not employment) has undergone a change after the advent of information technology and the service sector. During the period preceding the 90s, the thinking used to be conventional. People sought jobs that guaranteed job security, a steady income, and a retired life after 60 years. The majority during that time tried to settle in government jobs, public sector jobs, or in blue-chip manufacturing companies.

This conventional thinking did not encourage employees in that era to venture much to leave their jobs because they believed they were not employable at a senior level. The advent of new-age technology, business, and industry has placed emphasis on skills and has shown faith in those who can build blocks if given bricks and mortar, without reference to their age. Companies are now even willing to employ women who took a long break for family reasons. Therefore, if you have the right set of skills, I hope you can definitely find a company to utilize them, regardless of being 49 years old. Be positive and anticipate, and you shall find what you seek one day.

All the best,

Regards,
B. Saikumar
In-House HR & IR Advisor

Oh, thanks, Ukmitra. Some relief. I am amazed. I have the capability to deliver; let's hope for the best. Honesty is with me.

Best Regards,
Arun

Be very clear about why you are looking to change jobs. What exactly are your employment frustrations that are pushing you out of your current organization? What do you find most exciting and attractive when you look at the 'greener pastures'?

These two considerations will determine your exact position in the job market.

The question you raised belies an inner turbulence of high magnitude.

So, most of the available jobs are being offered to Gen Y! Well, I guess you know your niche well. This is the ripe time to acquire those skills which are:
a) in high demand in the industry today,
b) not easy to find professionals who have that skill at the required level of expertise, and
c) you can intuitively deliver the outcome of the role you want to play.

It is not about getting any job at 49! It is about getting a job that enables you to contribute better and perform even better on all projects.

Also, your ability to deal with colleagues in their twenties will matter a lot, as they may have a preset notion that you might be over the hill.

Think clearly about the role, assignment, education investment, compensation, and benefits most relevant to your current life stage, your ability to adapt quickly to diverse organizational values and culture, as well as your technical and business acumen.

Regards,
Ratan Prakash

Yes, it is very difficult to get a job at the age of 49 if you have been out of work for more than 2 to 3 months. Though people talk about age not being a criterion, it is indeed a hidden criterion, and most probably, you will end up not getting any job. This is a fact based on my own experience. I have worked for 27 years in the IT industry and have always been rated as a 1 or 2. I resigned from my job because of office politics and frustration. The only mistake I made was leaving the job without having another offer at hand. Now, I am jobless and finding it difficult to figure out how to spend my time, even though I don't have a financial problem.

I hope this helps the younger generation. Never leave your job without having another offer at hand if you truly want to continue your career. This is my best advice.

Thank you, Mr. Ratan Prakash, for your valuable suggestion. I was also thinking about whether I should take the risk. However, I didn't want to change my previous job unless the management was creating problems that made it difficult to continue my service. I had planned to continue until my retirement age, and I was happy with my job. Unfortunately, this current job has not proven to be very satisfactory. Job satisfaction is lacking, the work culture is terrible, it's a government project which is causing me a lot of stress, there are financial issues with my company, and this government project adds another layer of complexity. At this stage, I feel very insecure. That's why I sought all of your suggestions. After going through all of your feedback, it seems that for experienced and mid-aged professionals, the door is seemingly closed in the Indian market. It's very strange to think about. I am quite disturbed.

Best Regards,
Arun

Hi Arun, Thanks for sharing your real problem/issue. It's hard to share it in a public forum, and I can understand how difficult it is for you and also for Vchamku.

The Challenge of Finding the Right Job

The fight for the right job, with the right environment, right salary, and right people is a never-ending battle. We service-class employees always have to compromise somewhere. Specifically, in the IT sector, the challenge is from the new generation who are not only smart but also very proactive and faster, besides being tech-savvy and ready to adapt to any environment quickly. So, in IT, you will have to compete with the new generation staff.

Strategies for Career Change

If you have to change, focus your energies on SMEs and companies that have not been IT-enabled for various reasons. SMEs and startups "value" experienced staff but are not in a position to pay the high salary that the market demands. So, you need to find the right match and the right company. Don't wait for the company to advertise for a job; approach them with a solution from your experience in industries where you feel you have an edge and expertise.

Good Luck.

Regards,
Ukmitra

Thank you very much, Ukmitra, for encouraging me. However, it's very hard to find a job. I have already approached many, but I am not getting any other options so far, even in small companies. Still, hope is with me. I am thankful to you for sparing your valuable time to encourage me.

Best Regards,
Arun

It may be difficult but not impossible. Start trying with small companies/startups. Aim for much higher positions like VP, etc., and take responsibility for the whole operation. You may have to compromise on salary, though, but there are many companies, maybe small, but in dire need of managerial talent. Your vast experience will make you irresistible, especially when you are willing to negotiate. You need to look in the right place.

Hope this helps. All the best.

Regards,
Pavan Aundhekar