Marketing Executive Becomes Food Delivery Rider Amid Job Search Struggles

Camila Valim, a 46-year-old mother of two, has transitioned from a high-flying career in marketing to working as an UberEats delivery rider. Valim, who previously worked as Head of Marketing for major brands and collaborated with celebrities and television shows like Big Brother, stated that she has applied for hundreds of jobs over the past ten months without success.

Valim, originally from Brazil and now residing in The Netherlands, experienced burnout in 2018 after a 16-year tenure at a single company. Following a break, she pursued creating her personal brand on social media, focusing on home organization, but a divorce in 2021 necessitated a stable income. She re-entered the corporate world, working in brand and marketing consultancy roles, but her most recent contract ended last year, prompting her current job search.

She identified age as a significant barrier in her job applications, noting that a recruiter informed her the market is exceptionally challenging for senior candidates. Valim also pointed to the increasing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace as a potential factor influencing companies' perceived needs and contributing to age-related rejections. She expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in hiring decisions, stating, "It's difficult to know what's happening behind the scenes when you're rejected, because employers don't seem to explain their decision anymore."

After seven months of unsuccessful job hunting, Valim began delivering food to make ends meet. She has also put her home up for sale to reduce financial pressure. While she finds satisfaction in the physical activity and the quick turnaround of earnings, she acknowledged that the income from food delivery does not replace her previous salary. "The low points are that it doesn't come anywhere near to replacing the income I need. So it helps – but it's not a solution," she said.

Valim has resumed posting on her social media, sharing candid experiences about her current situation. She hopes to return to a senior corporate role, particularly for the sake of her children, aged nine and 12. Her experience has led her to connect with others facing similar challenges, including single mothers and men who have lost senior positions. "We're shown plenty of comeback stories; but always after the person has made it. The messy in-between part always gets edited out. I'm interested in showing this middle while I'm still in it," she commented on her decision to share her journey openly.