Just wanted to see what you guys thought about my situation. I have worked 8 years as an attorney, 6 of which were in a solo practice doing Social Security disability appeals. Last January I closed my practice because I was living in a small town and just didn't have the business.

Anyway, at this point I don't want to practice law anymore (don't want the stress/very hard work and responsibility) but would like to work as a paralegal. It was last January that I closed my practice. For the first six months or so of unemployment I wasn't even looking for a job because I was in a severe bipolar depression. For the past six months I've been looking for a paralegal job only (and my depression has become mild incidentally). I've had 2 interviews and didn't get the job.

My question is, do you think I am having a hard time competing with career paralegals for interviews? Part of me thinks an employer would be glad to have an attorney who's willing to work as a paralegal.

Also, I am 49, which is apparent if an employer or employment agency knows my date of high school graduation, which they often do since they have you fill out applications asking for that info. Not sure if my age is a problem too?