u/AsheSargatanas

TL;DR: I have 12 years of experience, a bachelor’s degree, and two technical degrees, but after 50+ interviews over four years, I still can’t land a promotion a better role AND NOT EVEN A LATERAL MOVE . I consistently get positive interview feedback and strong performance reviews, yet nothing changes. What am I missing, and is it time to leave my company or pivot entirely?
I’m 37 years old and honestly don’t know what my next move should be.

I’ve been with the same company for over 10 years and have about 12 years of total experience in the utility field. I have a bachelor’s degree, and over the last couple of years I went back to school and earned two technical degrees—one in Civil Engineering Technology (3.7 GPA) and one in Surveying/Geomatics (3.6 GPA). I’ve even gone back and got a SQL certificate ( 2 classes)
I thought adding more education would finally open some doors. Instead, I’ve been stuck.
Over the last four years I’ve been on around 35 internal interviews, plus another 20 or so interviews with other companies. Last week alone I had four interviews. I got none of the jobs
One of the first things people ask is, “Maybe you’re just not interviewing well?” I’ve wondered the same thing. That’s why I’ve consistently asked for feedback after interviews. Time and time again I’ve been told that I interviewed well or was a strong interviewer. Even recently, I was told I did a great job interviewing. I even had a retired manager from my company sit down with me and go over the interview process. He shared many of the behavioral questions they commonly ask so I could better prepare, and years later they’re still asking those same questions. I’ve spent countless hours refining my responses, practicing, and preparing for interviews because I wanted to eliminate interviewing as the problem.
I’ve also had engineers email my manager praising my work ( that my boss ignored giving me..) coworkers and managers have vouched for me, I’ve received Employee Contribution Awards, was recognized as one of the highest producers in previous roles, volunteered for company initiatives, networked constantly, and have done everything people tell you to do to advance your career.
Nothing.

The biggest mistake I made was moving roles and or staying

About four years ago I transferred into what was advertised as a Data Analyst position. It sounded like a great career move. I had cross trained with the analytics Department in my former role and had peaked. Everyone says “move Around and grow” . Instead, it has turned out to be mindless Monotonous data entry. I kept telling myself it would get better because I was hired onto the company from contracting years ago, that I could apply internally. I was nervous about changing companies again after finally becoming a direct employee instead of a contractor.
At almost the exact same time, I was offered an engineering position at another company—even though I didn’t have an engineering degree just
Alot of experience . I turned it down because I thought staying where I was was the safer choice.
Looking back, it was probably the biggest career mistake I’ve ever made. Next to moving to this group. EVEN AGTER I WENT WITH MY
Gut originally AND TURNED THE JOB DOWN
To make things worse, another coworker and I have got access to the laynbands , and we’re being underpaid by around $30,000 compared to where we should be based on our experience and qualifications. We’re essentially being paid around the lower-mid range for someone with only a few years of experience and an associate degree despite having significantly moreexperience and education. The most frustrating part is that I can’t figure out why I can’t get the seniority
Raise ( basicallyOne step above based on time and education. Not a ‘promotion’ every other group does this. or transferred. If I were bombing interviews, I’d accept that and work on it. If I lacked experience, I’d understand. But I meet or exceed the qualifications for many of these positions.
At some point you start wondering if there’s something you’re missing that nobody is willing to tell you.I’ve even had external companies make offers in thepast, so I know I’m employable. But I passed on them for one reason or another, believing staying with my current employer was the better long-term decision.

Now I’m questioning everything.
I don’t really want to keep going to school if I can’t even get into an engineering technician role or work toward eventually earning a PE. What’s the point if I’ll never hit the work experience. More education doesn’t seem like the answer if I can’t get the experience that actually matters.
Lately I’ve even caught myself thinking about doing something completely different, like talking to an Air Force recruiter or going for Xray Technician (but there’s a waitlist ..), because at least it would feel like I’m moving forward instead of sitting in the same place year after year.
Financially it’s getting difficult too. I’m working hard, but it’s frustrating watching time go by while feeling like my career is standing still.
Has anyone else been in a situation like this?
Did you eventually find out what was holding you back?

Is this just a sign that I need to leave the company completely? I just really don’t want to give up a position that slightly more secure than others.. and start completley over or whatever it is. Or go back to consulting. Has anyone made a major career pivot in their late 30s after feeling completely stuck? I’m open to honest feedback. If you think I’m missing something or there’s another angle I should be looking at, I’d genuinely appreciate hearing it.