smeenies's journey

I've been contemplating a significant career shift lately. After working in an office job, I'm now looking to transition into the service industry, specifically applying for positions at hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants. I'm at a point where I can support my lifestyle even with a pay cut, and I’m seeking a role with fewer responsibilities. However, I've already encountered some challenges, particularly ageism during the interview process. As a 35-year-old woman, I can't help but feel that my age might be a factor in why I haven't been hired yet. I'm curious if anyone else has made a similar leap from a corporate job to a service role for more flexibility or simply for a lifestyle change. How did you manage the transition, and how did you cope with feelings of being overlooked because of age?