I'm applying to entry-level jobs at 56 and can't even get an interview. My confidence has taken a hit — so I'm pivoting.

Jennifer Mannix is pivoting from 30 years in risk management to women's sports.

Chona Kasinger for BI This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jennifer Mannix, a 56-year-old based in Tacoma, Washington.

It's been edited for length and clarity.

In 2022, after 30 years working for the city of Juneau, Alaska , I was eligible for a full retirement, which included health benefits and a pension for the rest of my life.

My wife and I moved to Tacoma, Washington, and it's been lovely to have a career break after several stressful years in risk management.

However, I'm in a unique position where I can afford not to work for a while, but I'm only in my early 50s.

I feel like I've earned the opportunity to put my efforts into something that really gets me excited: women's professional sports.

I've spent the last year applying to entry-level jobs in the industry, from executive assistant to game-day helper, and I haven't even landed an interview.

My confidence has taken a hit, and I have to imagine my age plays a role.

In Still in the Game , Business Insider is chronicling the realities of job hunting in your 50s — from overcoming age bias and navigating career transitions to rebuilding confidence, updating skills, and finding new opportunities in a competitive job market.

Read more stories here , and share your own experience here .

I wish hiring managers could see that there are a lot of safe careers I could be pursuing and making money in.

The reason for my pivot is my absolute love and passion for live sports.

I'm ready to put myself out there, start over, and learn something new.