Overall-Treat9094's journey

I’ve been working as a barista for almost two years while trying to get back into the tech industry, and at first, I felt embarrassed about it. Transitioning from a role in infrastructure to making coffee felt like a step down, and I was hesitant to bring it up in interviews. However, I’ve recently started to embrace this experience during my interviews, and the feedback has been surprisingly positive. I’ve found that discussing my ability to manage a busy coffee shop, triage orders, and stay calm under pressure—especially when the espresso machine malfunctions during a rush—has resonated with interviewers. It’s not a direct correlation to tech skills, but it showcases my problem-solving abilities and adaptability in high-stress situations. This experience has also helped me talk about handling pressure without sounding rehearsed or defensive, which can happen after going through two layoffs. The barista role provided me with a recent, tangible experience to draw from that feels authentic and relatable. I’m curious if others have had similar experiences with bridge jobs that unexpectedly helped them in interviews, not financially, but in how they presented their skills and experiences.

I've been job searching for a while now, and as someone in my 60s, I can't help but feel like the whole process is designed to make me give up before I even hit 'apply.' I've faced two layoffs in the tech industry over the past few years, and honestly, the application process has only gotten weirder. I often spend 45 minutes filling out an application form, only to receive an automated rejection before I can even close the tab. Other times, I submit my application and hear absolutely nothing back. What really frustrates me is the skills gap narrative. Every job posting seems to require five years of experience in technologies that have only been around for three years. I know this isn't just an issue for older applicants, but when you add my age and a career gap into the mix, it feels like the odds are stacked against me. I've been proactive in updating my certifications and even took some Linux coursework on the side. I've reworked my resume more times than I can count. Right now, I'm working at a coffee shop to make ends meet, which I'm grateful for, but it's not where I want to be long-term. I'm really curious if anyone else out there is in a similar situation—whether you're a career changer, reentering the workforce later in life, or something else—has found any strategies that actually made a difference in their job search.