Ask HN: Struggling. Could use some advice/direction professionally
At 41, I'm a jobless father & husband. My journey has been far from straightforward, marked by personal & professional setbacks, including a criminal background & ongoing mental health struggles.
I received a BS in Actuarial Science/minor in Finance at 29. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.87/3.94 cumulative/major GPA. Made Dean's List & Chancellor's List. I tutored my peers in math/stats. The accounting department attempted to sway me to their department due to my proficiency—a decision I sometimes regret not taking.

After my brief stent as an actuary at a Fortune 500 company was cut short due to my criminal conviction, I dove back into the food industry. Initially managing one high-volume kitchen, then assisting in the opening of a new location & taking the reins of that kitchen. When the new kitchen manager at our original restaurant quit, I stepped in to run both kitchens. Eventually, I was running both restaurants in their entirety.

One project during this time was the development of a custom catering system, designed using Google Sheets & Google Apps Script. This system integrated with email & calendar functions through API connections, & leveraged Zapier & Podio for a more organized, Kanban-style workflow. The system was capable of automatically responding to clients with specific inquiries and adding them to Podio, the calendar, etc. I took on payroll for both restaurants. My role also involved working with management & staff to address needs & concerns, advocating for employees, menu re-design, and pricing adjustments. I also worked closely with food supply vendors & their reps on pricing/deals for us. This job demanded a lot out of me. I had to make the personal decision to step away because it was killing me.

I transitioned to landscaping for a year to address my physical well-being after years of high-stress work environments. This role offered me a much-needed respite & a chance to engage with my love for the outdoors, though I recognized its limited long-term prospects for someone that is 41 years of age.

Fast forward to the present. I’ve explored Java, then Python, followed by SQL, Solidity, React, HTML, & CSS. My affinity for these languages was recognized when I was hired as a contractor to solely develop projects for a coding bootcamp. This role spanned approximately 16 weeks.

During my quest for stable employment, I've deepened my proficiency in Python & recently participated in a GameJam, which required learning GML & GameMaker. In addition, my exploration of the Vyper coding language led to my being hired to write several articles. This experience allowed me to indulge my passion for writing & sharing knowledge with others. My toolkit also includes experience with R, SAS, & LaTeX, though I’ve not used these in the last 8+ years.

I’m open to any field. I am open to exploring opportunities in research, analytics, supply chain management, data analysis, or socially-focused roles. My objective is to hopefully find a position that challenges me intellectually, fosters skill development, & facilitates my entry into a new industry. Despite an exhaustive job search on platforms like Indeed, the paradox of 'entry-level' positions requiring several years of experience has been a barrier.

My strengths include a skill set nurtured by a deep-seated passion for continuous education. In team settings, I thrive, showcasing pronounced leadership & teamwork abilities. My love for research is matched by a strong work ethic. I am reliable & dependable. My ability to adapt to new challenges, solve problems & effectively communicate, ensures I can navigate complex situations & help drive projects to completion.

I am here not to cry victim,but to actively seek out solutions & opportunities. I hoped to connect with those who had the time & patience to read through my post & offer guidance, suggestions, or even possible leads. I am immensely grateful for any guidance this community can offer.