u/Flat_Cake_2502

Background as an AM in large hyperscalers, took a careerbreak/ started my own thing after a bit of burnout/family bereavement. Started a professional doctorate (part time) about a year before I left, still got a year left.

Finding it now impossible to get screens even, two solid logos on my resume.

On the resume I have self employed consultant (I actually do that) and on the education part it’s doctorate in progress.

Am I cooked? Should I remove it? I thought it might be neutral but from an interview I did get via referral, I was told although I seem like a good candidate I’m potentially unfocused. I don’t agree, but can’t argue my way into the next round.

Two other referrals for meta/google I didn’t even get a screen for similar / lower (smb) roles.

Has anyone done a boomerang after 2 years? What was the experience like? Do you need to do the full loop?

Is it any different other than having worked there previously and knowing the ins and outs and “how” an interview should look?

Left just over 2 years ago, my old team got laid off early this year so can’t reach out to old manager to rejoin. Applying via referral for Account manager role on a different team.

Worked at 2 hyperscalers for a decade in a few roles, last one was 6 years as AM.

I left to try my own business in a completely different market (a few life events happened that made me make the decision).

I did okay on my own but it’s no longer sustainable, financially or mentally. I’d bite someone’s hand off to get back my old job (not possible).

I’ve been applying for roles for about 2 months and I’m not evening getting a screen. I get the automated rejection response. Some of these companies were actually reaching out to me at my last role (I just ignored them at the time).

I’m was obviously naive/ overconfident when jumping back into job search. I thought the household names would help, evidently not enough.

Is having my own business for the last 2 years a red flag? Any advice on what I can do? I reached out to my network, got 2 referrals for 2 other hyperscalers but didn’t even get a screen.

Advice appreciated, feeling deflated.

Context,

Worked in sales at a very large hyperscaler, Account manager in SMB + mid market for 5 years, 2 prior as lead gen in same company. I’m mid 30s.

Left exactly 2 years ago to set up my own company (non tech), did okay but honestly not worth it for me (stress,hours, pay).

Looking to get back to tech but realise the market isn’t great. Plan was, get in the door somewhere then work my way up, even if it meant pay cut.

Met with some close connections recently, some extremely high up in large tech corps and I was told I’m too old to be going in junior, it looks bad and will take forever to get up the ranks.

Completely opposite of what I was thinking, damn I only applied for a BDR role at openAI the other day (no response).

So do I try just hold out until I get an equivalent role or higher, or do you disagree that I’m too old to be getting a lower level role?