This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jennifer Mannix, a 56-year-old based in Tacoma, Washington. It’s been edited for length and clarity.
In 2022, after 30 years working for the city of Juneau, Alaska, I was eligible for a full retirement, which included health benefits and a pension for the rest of my life.
My wife and I moved to Tacoma, Washington, and it’s been lovely to have a career break after several stressful years in risk management. However, I’m in a unique position where I can afford not to work for a while, but I’m only in my early 50s. I feel like I’ve earned the opportunity to put my efforts into something that really gets me excited: women’s professional sports.
I’ve spent the last year applying to entry-level jobs in the industry, from executive assistant to game-day helper, and I haven’t even landed an interview. My confidence has taken a hit, and I have to imagine my age plays a role.
I wish hiring managers could see that there are a lot of safe careers I could be pursuing and making money in. The reason for my pivot is my absolute love and passion for live sports. I’m ready to put myself out there, start over, and learn something new.
I’m trying to prove my age won’t be an issue
I’ve mostly been applying to entry-level roles because I know that, on paper, it might be hard for a hiring manager to see how my past experience translates to this industry.
I can only imagine that a hiring manager might look at my age and experience and think, “What the heck do they want to do with this entry-level job?” They might wonder whether my skills translate or whether I plan to stick around for very long. In my cover letters, I’ve made it a point to convey that I’m excited about the job, I don’t need to make a ton of money, and I want to be involved.
My confidence has taken a hit
I went from a place where the people I worked with knew me and knew what I was capable of. I’m completely anonymous here. My insecurity level, especially after about a year of seriously applying for jobs and not getting any nibbles, has gone up. I still have confidence in myself, but putting myself out there in a new field is definitely vulnerable.
I know I can’t take rejections personally, but they’re a confidence hit.
I recently went to a job fair specifically for the Seattle sports industry, and I felt like I was 15 to 20 years older than most of the people there. I have to laugh about it all and embrace it.
I’m building my own business because I don’t want to wait for an opportunity
Last year, I started building a business that curates events surrounding women’s sports. I figured, if I can’t get hired, why don’t I make something for myself?
We’re specifically doing bus trips from where we live, about an hour from Seattle, to watch games. I love what this industry is doing to advance women leaders, and I want to spread the joy that women’s sports give me by building a community of fans.
Read more stories about job hunting, unemployment, and starting over after 50.
I didn’t want to put a huge amount of money into this project, so I’m building my website, setting up socials, and learning promotional techniques as I go, which is fun and challenging. I’m also still somewhat new to this physical location, so I’m relying on friends with bigger networks to help me promote things.
It’s falling into place; I just need to be patient.
Networking events keep me motivated and confident
I’m definitely introverted, and what I’ve realized through job applications is the importance of attending networking events and meeting people. I joined the Seattle chapter of a national organization called Women in Sports and Events, and I’ve gone to a handful of their events.
They’ve had panels with some really inspirational speakers, including women my age or older who are very accomplished in the industry. The energy of the events is positive and absolutely encouraging for me. It’s out of my comfort zone, but I’m getting better at it.
You never know when you’re going to meet someone who might be able to help you.
I wish hiring managers saw my passion and commitment
I wish hiring managers realized I could probably get a pretty darn well-paying job somewhere in the insurance or risk industry because of my experience. There are a lot of safe careers I could be pursuing and making money in. After 30 years of working, I’ve developed transferable skills that will make me successful in any position.
As I worked hard in my old positions, I’ve never had the passion and commitment that I do for where I’m trying to go. I also wish hiring managers could see that I could help younger people. They might have the education I don’t have in that specific field, but I can teach them how to be a good employee and a good team member.
It feels like I’m one of the few people in this position, but I know I’m not. If we can remember to keep the faith and keep working hard, something will come along. I have to keep reminding myself of that.
Are you navigating a career change in your 50s? Contact this editor, Manseen Logan, at mlogan@businessinsider.com to share your story.
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