Career change at 50 to be a product owner ?
Hello there,
I've been looking at the prospect of the scrum proje t methodology and its certifications, especially PSPO. However, I have left the IT field 25+ years ago due to the IT bubble burst. I ended in the manufacturing field as sales executive and then ended up running my own sole proprietorship business in the field managing projects producing consumer products now for 15+ years. Due to covid etc, business and supply chains have been disrupted and so business has been very very difficult and tiring. I'm currently thinking of getting employed by someone in the IT or project management field but I'm already 50+! Hahaha My immediate question is, am I still able to get a job say in IT field being a scum master or a product owner. I know I've been away from the IT field or the job market for so long. So much has happened and changed. That's why I'm considering to give it a chance by getting re-education in Scrum. But I'm also worried about not being able to get a job after getting certified. 🤔 so on and so forth.
I'd appreciate if anyone would shed some insights on this.
Thanks. 🙂
I've been looking at the prospect of the scrum proje t methodology
If I was to point out that Scrum isn't a project management methodology at all, how would that impact your desire to become a Scrum Master?
Or Product Owner for that matter?
+1 to @Ian's response. A LOT has changed in technology in the last 25 years. I know because I am also 50+ and have been involved in the industry for since I turned 20. One of the biggest changes is around project management. Companies are trying to have more agility around how they build products so that the delivery is what the people want at the time that they are needed. Each situation is unique and it has been learned that the formulaic approaches of years gone by aren't as effective.
My immediate question is, am I still able to get a job say in IT field being a scum master or a product owner.
I don't think anyone that reads this forum can answer that question. The only way for you to know is to try. Could you be capable of doing the work? Again, that depends on you and the company that you are talking to about a job.
We can give you our opinions but without knowing you personally, I'm not willing to do that. Sorry, I know it isn't the answer you wanted but I am being honest.
Hi Guys, thanks for the input. Indeed appreciate it.
@Ian,
If I was to point out that Scrum isn't a project management methodology at all, how would that impact your desire to become a Scrum Master?
Well, I read in a number of places that Scrum is one of the most popular approaches to handle a project and I agree like the approach. So, I would say it doesn't affect my desire to be PO. My issue is not my desire but the reality that I wonder if I would get employed again at 50 after getting the certification. I know it's difficult to say without trying. But still the reality is cruel. Haha
@Daniel,
Appreciate your honest opinion. I like honest opinions rather than you giving fake hope! Reality is cruel. 🙂 But yes you're right that without giving it a try, no one knows.
Let's see. Hope someone can share your actual experience getting a job at 50!
Stay safe !