Any ideas as to what I can do?

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netspanner

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#253203 31-Jul-2019 17:01

So I may be soon looking for a new job as my course is about to expire from a lack of students.

For the last 12 years have taught a level 6 software engineering course using .Net and C#. Its a great course I wrote all the materials and I really enjoy programming. I taught Forms, Xamarin, ASP.Net core, SQL, Databases. A little front end (another tutor did that)

However now in my mid 50's I may find myself out the door at the end of the years. All these years of teaching, relating, resource development, programming, and fun will finish.

I thoroughly enjoyed my job, and the people I work with, and will be sad to go.

But talking to a recruiter no one would be interested in employing me as a programmer. What else can I do with this skillset?

Any suggestions welcome :-)

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Ultimate Geek

#2286737 31-Jul-2019 17:29

But talking to a recruiter no one would be interested in employing me as a programmer.

Did they give you any reason for that claim? .NET and C# are highly sought skills in Auckland and Wellington, so I would recommend you to keep applying for developer positions on those technologies.

sonyxperiageek

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#2286738 31-Jul-2019 17:33

Find another education institution to teach at?

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Dynamic

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#2286744 31-Jul-2019 17:39

Come up with the idea for an iOS or Android app that goes viral. Retire rich.

I thought NZ has a critical shortage of programmers!? I'd have guessed (knowing nothing about programming) that Xero or Cin7 or Vend or any of the big name software places would be highly interested in the stability of an employee with a bit of life experience, plus there are dozens of IT companies that have in-house developers.

Which city are you in?

Did you ask the recruiters what you can do to make yourself more marketable?

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gehenna

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#2286759 31-Jul-2019 18:03

sonyxperiageek:

Find another education institution to teach at?

And find another recruiter. The only reason they'd say no-one would be interested in hiring you is because they're not interested in marketing you.

Linux

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#2286760 31-Jul-2019 18:09

The recruitment person needs a hard kick in backend

PolicyGuy

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#2286761 31-Jul-2019 18:12

marpada:

But talking to a recruiter no one would be interested in employing me as a programmer.

Did they give you any reason for that claim? .NET and C# are highly sought skills in Auckland and Wellington, so I would recommend you to keep applying for developer positions on those technologies.

Of course they didn't give a reason, but I'm afraid it's obvious ageism.
The recruiter will be in their late twenties to early thirties, and will "know" that programmers are their age or younger. They have never worked in a big IT shop and seen that there are usually a few dinosaurs about, sometimes a lot. They will never shortlist an "older" person, let alone someone old enough to be their Dad.
I was in my late fifties when a recruiter said to me "you do realise this is a very dynamic position?" and I knew they were sure I was way too old for the job.

Try for positions that are not through recruitment agencies
Be prepared to go through a bunch of agencies until you might find one that isn't ageist
Contract positions are far more performance based and can maybe get you in the door

Good luck!

empacher48

368 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2286762 31-Jul-2019 18:14

Linux: The recruitment person needs a hard lick in backend

Hmmm, if you’re into that sort of thing....

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gbwelly

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#2286763 31-Jul-2019 18:14

netspanner:

So I may be soon looking for a new job as my course is about to expire from a lack of students.

Whitireia? I heard rumour that it's going to kick-off at all the other Polytechnics and ITOs too, tomorrow.

Your skills are very marketable as a dev, though you might actually want to get off the tools and switch to Business Analysis or Project management to put all those other skills to use.

surfisup1000

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#2286764 31-Jul-2019 18:15

Your age will count heavily against you ... you'll probably have to get a job using your industry contacts, if you have them.

Very difficult to prove ageism, but definitely exists.

gbwelly

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#2286766 31-Jul-2019 18:21

surfisup1000:

Your age will count heavily against you ...

Depends what sector.. -we have a lot of grey beards and shorts and sandals here at work...

gehenna

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#2286778 31-Jul-2019 18:51

Linux: The recruitment person needs a hard lick in backend

Certainly hope you mean kick.

Linux

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#2286786 31-Jul-2019 19:14

gehenna:
Linux: The recruitment person needs a hard lick in backend

Certainly hope you mean kick.

Auto correct fail yes definitely meant Kick

freitasm

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#2286817 31-Jul-2019 19:57

Where are you based? Do you have a CV? Email me at geekzone.co.nz.

netspanner

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#2286918 1-Aug-2019 08:21

Thanks for all the ideas. I am based in Christchurch.

The reason the recruiter gave is that I didn't have any industry experience. And that is true. As I was a secondary school teacher previously I have had over 20 years in education. As much as I love programming, I have essentially been at the same level of professionalism for the length of the course but always upskilling frameworks and technologies. Unfortunately we are in a shrinking industry which is so insane considering the importance of the subject.

Dynamic

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#2286922 1-Aug-2019 08:35

Any interest in going back to secondary school teaching? I'd have thought your general IT skills would put you in demand there. There may be some sort of qualification refresh required, but that shouldn't be a burden.

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