Posted on 08/05/2013 11:46:55 AM PDT by vwbug
I have worked as an Electronics Engineer for the last 30 years and have been unemployed for the last 6 months. Job prospects are not what they used to be where, I could put out my resume and have an offer in 2 - 4 weeks. This has got me to thinking of a change in careers before the savings run out.
Get a job with the IRS. You get bonuses for stealing other peoples money after you break their chops and you can never be fired.
In the mid-70s I switched from E.E.-type jobs to computers but I am afraid that it is too late to do that for you. Home computers are on the way out.
Look for a contract job. There are always engineering openings. It took me 6 months to find a new job last time, a year ago. That is a fairly normal time frame.
If you are able to move, there are jobs out there.
It is strange how the NE generates a sizeable amount of engineers and yet companies who use them setup shop elsewhere.
How about a related trade: I and C technician, elevator maintenance? Are you open for relocation?
Stay in related fields. I went through 11 months in 2002, but eventually got back in (IT) and am doing better than ever.
You think you're going to be able to consistently make a 15% return on a weekly basis for the next decade? Sign me up when you find that investment, and I'll give you a third of my 15% earnings as a finders fee!
How to become a millionaire:
Step One: Get a million dollars.
I don't know if it's an option for you, but you might consider a small business venture. There's risk (and potentially a lot of it), but it's not something that can be outsourced.
Aw, the thread got pulled! And here I was, looking forward to getting a free TacoCopter with my next order of tacos!
Quite honestly, I think you’re on the right track in that you have to consider every option. You’re at a tough age where a lot of young kids are in charge and you may seem like “the old guy” even though you are not. That’s in addition to a lot of work either not being there or being done overseas primarily as is the case with e-eing.
Have you considered changing locations?
Do not lose heart. Consider yourself fortunate that you have savings to rely on. And don’t worry about using government services to help you through. You’ve earned them at this point.
Best of luck. Prayers.
Good luck, fellow Freeper. When I was younger my dad lost his job when he was around the same age as you. I know how extremely difficult it can be for someone in your age range to get hired. Seems like mosr companies would rather go with a young buck they could hire for a lower salary.
If you can take electronics engineering to control system engineering, there is a lot of demand in the oil/gas/petrochem industry. Not so much in New Hampshire.
They won't hire anyone who is 54 years old.
Just being honest and not hurtful....it’s most likely the 30 years thing that is hurting you.
Though technically illegal, age discrimination is rampant and widespread in the job market. Some potential points of pushback:
-”Oh, he’s almost retirement age. He’ll probably just retire in a couple of years. We don’t really want to have to do this search over again, do we?”
-”How many years? What, this guy works with vacuum tubes?”
-In this field your manager will likely be around 40 and intimidated by having someone much more experienced around, and/or threatened or afraid that you won’t follow his direction.
If you can get in front of someone I’d really push the fact that you are up-to-date on the latest technology, can be flexible and take direction from younger supervisors, and can commit to a certain number of years working there.
Dang it!
If you like to eat, keep cloths on your back and etc, I'd look at blue collar trades that fit in with your electronic skills as an interim source of income. Perhaps even sales, both retail and industrial if you have the personality for it. If you're creative, work on a new device in your spare time that you might patent and market later. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention.
Set goals, and assign your subconscious the task of figuring out how to accomplish them. Above all, don't forget to call on the Almighty when you're stumped.
Being successful, financially independent is much like a well designed circuit. Think of it that way. ;)
Finally there are a number of great informative books that will help get and keep you motivated to succeed.
Age is just a number - it's your abilities and drive that count.
Best wishes for success...
Or become a professional poker player. Then it becomes: Step 1: Start out with 10 million Step 2: Turn it into 1 million
Yep. North Dakota needs petroleum engineers like crazy right now.
Here is my free advice. It’s worth every penny you paid for it.
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