Unemployed at 40, I give up on finding a job

I am 40 years old and feeling discouraged due to unemployment. Like many young people today, I am hesitant to look for a new job. Compared to those in their 30s, I face greater challenges due to my age, health, and outdated skills.

I have worked many jobs, often from morning to night, skipping meals, and returning home late. During my probation period, my salary was just VND4.5 million (US$180) per month, and even after becoming a permanent employee, it only increased to VND7.8 million.

Later, I invested in a business that went bankrupt, and my salary was not enough to cover the debt. I tried to start my own business, but the challenges only multiplied.

I have tried to find a job but have had no luck. As for my business, despite investing so much time and money, the returns barely cover my living expenses. External factors have also reduced my profitability.

Among my friends, only one or two out of ten have stable jobs, while the rest are struggling financially. Some, like me, have given up on finding a job, while others are still running in circles. A friend even lost several homes but has managed to recover a little.

The reality is that uncontrollable factors, like natural disasters and the pandemic, have made things harder for everyone. In fact, those with stable jobs and fixed salaries have it much easier than those trying to run their own businesses right now.

What would you do if you became unemployed in your 40s?

*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.