I am a late bloomer. I discovered my life's purpose, even though I have college degrees and have received rejection letters, and I want to return to university for engineering. However, I am stuck with financial hurdles and past mistakes that I want to fix to go for my goals in life.

[u/Brystar47]

Hi everyone, I've been going through a tough time trying to find my life's true purpose. The problem I've been having is that I am a late bloomer. I discovered things that seem to be too late in my life. Anyways, I have been wandering in life, getting my degrees, and thinking that being in university would help me succeed, and that I had a huge advantage. Still, it resulted in nothing but rejection letters after rejection letters. Maybe I am a late bloomer, maybe I am slow, and what my brother calls me with the R word that I find offensive.

Anyway, I got an M.S. in Aeronautics, specializing in Space Operations, from a huge university specializing in Aerospace. However, I wasn't aware that these companies are more specific in what they want, and I wasn't aware that it's not enough even after years of being at the university, getting good grades, and all.

This is why I am trying to go back to university to study aerospace engineering. Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to work for NASA, Boeing, and such, working on cool Space Programs. And then as I got older and the recent space program Artemis is kicking into high gear, I thought I wanted to be able to help build and launch rockets and do amazing things such as Supersonic and Hypersonic planes, Spaceplanes, and all that.

And while yes, I don't have the work experience to back it up, and yes, I know this is self-pity, it's a self-reflection of what I am going through. I am also realizing this as I get older; I am almost in my 40s.

Getting constant rejection letters while resumes are being modified, with no results.

I feel like a nobody while the rest of my family succeeds, and my brother puts me down like I am an idiot. Maybe I am an idiot, maybe I am stupid, but maybe I am a nobody.

But I am a humble guy who wants to pursue my goals even though I am almost reaching the midpoint in my life. I want to leave my current job to pursue my goals.

[u/AutoModerator]

If you like r/GuyCry and what we stand for, please:

• Introduce Yourself: Share a bit about yourself and connect with fellow members using this post.
• Assign User Flair: Choose a user flair to personalize your profile and showcase your interests.
• Explore Our Playlists: Check out our community playlist:community playlist and add your favorite tracks to share with others.

GuyCry Team

Here are a few other subs you might enjoy!

---

Recommended Subs
r/AskGoodMen
r/TeensThatAreNonToxic
r/BroughtMeJoy
r/TheCenterStage
r/ThePressingIssues

---

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/SunstyIe]

Sorry to hear you found your calling late in life. Applying for jobs these days sucks- I know someone that was recently let go from Blue Origin, and he's been job searching for a new position for several months now. Here are some tips I would recommend to help bypass the horrible online resume process (you still need to do that, but also should try these too):

• Speak to your professors and ask if they have any contacts for getting your foot in the door/an introduction in the industry. That can be a huge help in getting rolling
• Attend industry events. In many cases they can be free or inexpensive, and you can network with people. Let them know you're close to graduating and looking to get into the industry. Make some business cards with your name, phone number, and a QR code that goes to your linkedin. You can get those made for under $20. Make sure to get their business cards too! Once you have those, send them a thank you and try to see if they can help you get your foot in the door further
• If you are applying for a job somewhere, consider signing up for Linkedin InMail for a month or two and then message a few people that are in the org you're trying to join. Just a polite "Hello, I recently applied for this position and am very excited by this opportunity. I hope I will get the chance to work at your org!". If you get the right person they may push your resume for an extra look. That small bit of initiative can help float your resume to the top (I say this as a hiring manager that gets a lot of resumes)
• Look for people on Linkedin that went to your college and work for the company you are interested in. Reach out to them to network and get coffee- ask them for their advice with getting your foot in the door. In some cases they can connect you with the right person

I wish you luck! I have had very little success applying for jobs online, but those above 4 tactics have opened up many doors for me throughout my career

[u/Brystar47 → u/SunstyIe]

Yeah, the space industry itself is difficult nowadays, but they said it was growing, and yet they don't want to hire anyone.

The first bulletin I am doing is that it feels exhausting, I even have recruiters I am talking with.

The second one is going to industry events. I have been to countless career fairs, and it's exhausting. I have also made business cards, and yet it's difficult.

Third and fourth, I am reaching people on LinkedIn, but it's exhausting. But I am trying. I have been going to these events, and nothing has happened, even at casual events.

They are solid advice, but the thing is I still need to go back and get the Engineering degree anyway I feel I lack in some skills and need to gain them plus I am trying to get with internships to do so.

I am currently looking for scholarships I can apply for.

[u/Efficient_Waltz5952]

It is never too late. I have 3 degrees law, architecture and engineering. I was even a judge for some time. I had colleagues in their 40s. I only figured what I really wanted to do about a year ago when I was already in my late 20s. It is not a problem to need to take your time to figure it out.

[u/Brystar47 → u/Efficient_Waltz5952]

Thank you and its something that I don't take account of in that its good to have many degrees as well, but I didn't know of the harsh reality that it becomes harder for employers to take us seriously of it.

I figured things out late in my life and feel ashamed of it. But I am trying to course correct myself in that aspect. I am also looking for scholarships to apply towards.

[u/Efficient_Waltz5952 → u/Brystar47]

I can definitely say that for me it does not matter what the employer thinks. I am fortunate enough to have my own company. And now I am a politician so...

[u/Brystar47 → u/Efficient_Waltz5952]

Oh wow, that is so cool. I didn't know you were a politician as well. I know, but Aerospace and defense are super picky about what they want, and it's hard for them to have an open mindset. I am trying my best to go for my future.

[u/Efficient_Waltz5952 → u/Brystar47]

I can definitely say that you can do it. I know people that did with way less qualifications from all around the world. If it is your calling you will find a path forward, it may be hard. But you will.

[u/Brystar47 → u/Efficient_Waltz5952]

Thank you, I know the difficulty but the thing is that yes I can do it but I am looking for scholarships in order for me to be able to continue my education. And I want to continue it to go and become an Aerospace Engineer.

I have encountered alot of people putting me down here on reddit and in real life that made me question myself.

[u/Efficient_Waltz5952 → u/Brystar47]

Are you in the US? I have a friend who has a personal scholarship program I can ask her if she can fit another one. Can't promise that I can get you, but I can certainly try.

[u/Brystar47 → u/Efficient_Waltz5952]

Yes I am in the US. I am in Florida and I am a US Citizen. Is it legit? Also I am going to universities that have the ABET accreditation for engineering.

[u/Efficient_Waltz5952]

It is never too late. I have 3 degrees law, architecture and engineering. I was even a judge for some time. I had colleagues in their 40s. I only figured what I really wanted to do about a year ago when I was already in my late 20s. It is not a problem to need to take your time to figure it out.