Resources for older returners?

User271828

I’ve just joined this website and this will be my first post. If I’m in the wrong place then apologies and please let me know.

The short summary is that I’m looking to return to work as an older worker and would appreciate any general advice that you think might be helpful.

I have worked in the tech industry for over 30 years and have undergrad and masters degrees in computer science. Five years ago I decided to quit my then job, spend some time doing things I wanted to do, and maybe retire. I own my house, have no debts and have enough in savings, pensions and investments to live fairly comfortably indefinitely. Since then I’ve done some traveling and learned some new skills, including completing another masters degree related to computer security.

I’m now looking to get back into some sort of work. I understand that the government were introducing some programs to get older people back into employment, but they all seem to be mediated through Jobcentre Plus and it appears I can’t register with them because I don’t claim any benefits. Is there any other way I can get access to these programs or are there any other relevant advice services I should be using?

elsien

What sort of help are you looking for?
There is the careers advice service which can help with updating CVs et cetera, but it sounds like you might know all of that anyway?

What field are you looking for, have you applied for anything yet, what barriers are you worried about?

Grumpy_chap

User271828 said:

I’ve just joined this website and this will be my first post. If I’m in the wrong place then apologies and please let me know.

The short summary is that I’m looking to return to work as an older worker and would appreciate any general advice that you think might be helpful.

I have worked in the tech industry for over 30 years and have undergrad and masters degrees in computer science. Five years ago I decided to quit my then job, spend some time doing things I wanted to do, and maybe retire. I own my house, have no debts and have enough in savings, pensions and investments to live fairly comfortably indefinitely. Since then I’ve done some traveling and learned some new skills, including completing another masters degree related to computer security.

I’m now looking to get back into some sort of work. I understand that the government were introducing some programs to get older people back into employment, but they all seem to be mediated through Jobcentre Plus and it appears I can’t register with them because I don’t claim any benefits. Is there any other way I can get access to these programs or are there any other relevant advice services I should be using?

You may be able to access the support through the Job Centre if you claim nJSA (new-style Job Seekers Allowance - this is not means tested but does depend upon your NI contributions).  I understand, even if your claim for the nJSA payments was rejected because of inadequate NI contributions, the claim would still be valid for access to the support side of things.

Have you simply applied for any jobs in the regular way?

Have you considered operating your own IT consultancy, offering services to local businesses and individuals?  You can keep it small and don't need to go all-in full-time if you don't wish to (and don't need the income).

What is your reason for wanting "to get back into some sort of work"?  Is it for financial reasons or for personal wellness, purpose, satisfaction?  Your post rather sounds like your desire is more motivated by personal satisfaction and challenge than any financial need.  If that is correct, you could consider third-sector activities.

User271828

Thanks for the suggestions. I was reading up about nJSA because I gather NI credits are tied into that these days. Fortunately I have 35 years NI contributions which I believe is as good as it gets. I did not claim any NI contribution related benefits when I left work because I registered as a full time student which I believe precludes that.

I've only just got around to looking for work recently. I've updated my CV and uploaded it to a few recruitment agencies. I've been receiving details of lots of jobs that I appear to be suitable for, but they're all further away than I want to commute. I was hoping that the local Job Centre might have details of jobs posted by local employers but it appears I can't get access to those without claiming benefits?

I'm lucky enough to be in the position of not having to work for financial reasons but I would like to put my skills to use and work in a team again. I had already thought of working in the charity sector but my skill set is very technical and specific to certain industries so maybe not a good fit.

elsien

The job centre is useless for job hunting. It’s not like it used to be  with cards up for local jobs. 

Now all the vacancies are on their online portal (which I didn’t find particularly user friendly) and they will just harass you to  apply for anything and everything just to get you off the books.
You’re probably better off with indeed etc.
or networking on LinkedIn. 

User271828

elsien said:
What field are you looking for, have you applied for anything yet, what barriers are you worried about?

Thanks for replying. I've registered with a few agancies and have been getting lots of job details forwarded to me, but they're not suitable in terms of travel requirements. I don't want to relocate or spend more than an hour a day commuting. Remote working might be an option but one of the main reasons I'd like to get back into work is so that I can be part of a team again.

I'm looking for work in devops, cybersecurity, software development or AI, all of which I have experience in and updated qualifications and skills. One of the barriers I'm seeing is that I was working in technical management and recruiters seem to be fixating on the management side of things rather than on the technical roles that I'm far more interested in. Plus, I have a suspicion that a lot of employers regard the technical roles they wish to fill as being only suitable to people earlier on in their careers.

Jude57

Have you tried direct contact with local (within your preferred commute area) software or cyber security firms? My stepson works in that field and that's what he did. He contacted every company that did anything he could see himself enjoying, tailoring his CV to prioritise his relevant experience of value to that company. He got a lot of interest and ended up joining a new software company which he helped to grow into an internationally successful name in gaming software. During his time there they only ever advertised their administrative posts; every specialist post was filled or specifically created by word of mouth or recommendation.

MarthaKL

User271828 said:

Thanks for the suggestions. I was reading up about nJSA because I gather NI credits are tied into that these days. Fortunately I have 35 years NI contributions which I believe is as good as it gets. I did not claim any NI contribution related benefits when I left work because I registered as a full time student which I believe precludes that.

I've only just got around to looking for work recently. I've updated my CV and uploaded it to a few recruitment agencies. I've been receiving details of lots of jobs that I appear to be suitable for, but they're all further away than I want to commute. I was hoping that the local Job Centre might have details of jobs posted by local employers but it appears I can't get access to those without claiming benefits?

I'm lucky enough to be in the position of not having to work for financial reasons but I would like to put my skills to use and work in a team again. I had already thought of working in the charity sector but my skill set is very technical and specific to certain industries so maybe not a good fit.

It’d be worth checking that 35 years NI contributions will be sufficient for a full state pension. If you’ve ever been ‘contracted out’ you may need more years than that.  You can check your state pension forecast at www.gov.uk 

badmemory

MarthaKL said:

User271828 said:

Thanks for the suggestions. I was reading up about nJSA because I gather NI credits are tied into that these days. Fortunately I have 35 years NI contributions which I believe is as good as it gets. I did not claim any NI contribution related benefits when I left work because I registered as a full time student which I believe precludes that.

I've only just got around to looking for work recently. I've updated my CV and uploaded it to a few recruitment agencies. I've been receiving details of lots of jobs that I appear to be suitable for, but they're all further away than I want to commute. I was hoping that the local Job Centre might have details of jobs posted by local employers but it appears I can't get access to those without claiming benefits?

I'm lucky enough to be in the position of not having to work for financial reasons but I would like to put my skills to use and work in a team again. I had already thought of working in the charity sector but my skill set is very technical and specific to certain industries so maybe not a good fit.

It’d be worth checking that 35 years NI contributions will be sufficient for a full state pension. If you’ve ever been ‘contracted out’ you may need more years than that.  You can check your state pension forecast at www.gov.uk 

Exactly.  The 35 years only applies if you were born in 2000 or later.