I’m applying for entry-level jobs at 56 and can’t even get an interview. My self-confidence has taken a hit, so I pivot.

This as told essay is based on a conversation with Jennifer Mannix, a 56-year-old based in Tacoma, Washington. It has been edited for length and clarity.

In 2022, after 30 years of working for the city ​​of Juneau, AlaskaI became eligible for a full pension, including health benefits and a pension for the rest of my life.

My wife and I moved to Tacoma, Washington, and it was wonderful to have a career break after several stressful years in risk management. However, I am in a unique position where I can afford to not work for a while, but I am only in my early 50s. I feel like I’ve earned the opportunity to focus my efforts on something that really excites me: women’s professional sports.

I applied for jobs last year entry-level jobs in the industry, from executive assistant to game day helper, and I haven’t even had a job interview yet. My self-confidence has taken a hit and I have to imagine that my age plays a role.

I wish hiring managers could see that there are many safe careers I could pursue and make money from. 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 that my age won’t be a problem

I’ve mainly applied to entry-level positions because I know that on paper it might be difficult for a hiring manager to see how my past experiences translate to this industry.

I can only imagine that a personnel manager When I look at my age and experience, I might think, “What the heck do they want to do with this entry-level job?” They may wonder if my skills translate or if I plan to stick around for a very long time. In my cover letters I made it clear that I am excited about the job, that I don’t need to make a lot of money and that I want to be involved.

My self-confidence has taken a hit

I left a place where the people I worked with knew me and what I was capable of. I am completely anonymous here. My insecurity levelhas increased, especially after about a year of seriously applying for jobs and not getting any snacks. I still have confidence in myself, but putting myself into new territory is definitely vulnerable.

I know I can’t take rejections personally, but they are a blow to confidence.

I recently went to a job fair specifically for the sports industry in Seattle, and I felt like I was 15 to 20 years older than most of the people there. It all makes me laugh and embrace it.

I’m building my own business because I don’t want to wait for an opportunity

Last year I started setting up a company that organizes events around women’s sports. I thought, if I can’t get hired, why not make something for myself?

We specifically take 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 about that women’s sports give me by building a community of fans.

I didn’t want to put a lot of money into this project, so I’m building my website, setting up social media and learning promotional techniques along the way, which is fun and challenging. I’m also still somewhat new to this physical location, so I’m relying on friends with a larger network to help me promote things.

It falls into place; I just have to be patient.

Networking events keep me motivated and confident

I’m definitely an introvert, and what I’ve realized through job applications is the importance of that attending networking events and meet 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 inspiring speakers, including women my age or older who are highly skilled in the industry. The energy of the events is positive and definitely encouraging for me. It’s outside my comfort zone, but I’m getting better at it.

You never know when you’ll meet someone who might be able to help you.

I wish hiring managers saw my passion and dedication

I wish hiring managers would realize that because of my experience, I could probably get a decently high-paying job somewhere in the insurance or risk industry. There are many secure careers I could pursue things and make money from it. After 30 years of working, I have developed transferable skills that will make me successful in any role.

While I worked hard in my old positions, I never had the passion and dedication that I have for where I want to go. I also wish hiring managers could see that I could help younger people. They may not have the training that I 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 positionbut I know I’m not. If we can remember to keep the faith and keep working hard, something will happen. I have to keep reminding myself of that.

Are you making a career change at the age of fifty? Contact this editor, Manseen Logan, at mlogan@businessinsider.com to share your story.