8 years in the chemical industry – stuck, lost

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I returned from military service at the end of 2003, and in 2004 I joined a newly established chemical company where I have worked ever since, without changing jobs. I started as a chemical operator; from 2004 to December 2006, I was responsible for DCS operations. From 2007 to July 2009, I served as a team leader, and since 2009, I have been the workshop supervisor. It seems that the boss isn’t as steady as before; he’s extremely impetuous. He rushes to launch one project after another. The new facilities put into operation in the previous two years have been shut down since last September due to the downturn in the polysilicon industry. Not only are the production costs of the related minor products higher than their selling prices, but those products also can’t be sold ； I entered the real estate sector in 2009; the houses were still under construction, and then I encountered **adjustments in the real estate industry ； This year, preparations are being made to launch some new project that is supposed to be second in the world and first in the country ； A series of investments have affected the normal production operations of the original company: raw materials are only purchased to produce goods when there is a demand for them in the market ； Complaints about procurement: it’s hard to find good raw materials ； Complaints from sales: no products available for sale ； Logistics is urging for the supply to be delivered. . . . I’m feeling anxious; I’m really tired. Companies like this are unsettling, as they could collapse at any moment. I’ve also thought about changing jobs, but who would want someone like me these days? I do have a few years of experience in the chemical industry, but many companies’ job listings state something like this: Education level – junior college or above (I’m sorry; I only have an associate degree). Age – under 28 (Apologies; I was born in 1981). . . A single threshold keeps you outside. Sigh, wandering, lost... . .