Older Jobseekers in Switzerland: The Harsh Reality
The Swiss job market presents significant hurdles for older job seekers, as highlighted by Sabine munshi’s experience. Despite holding multiple degrees and fluency in French and English, Munshi, 56, found it nearly impossible to secure a suitable role after returning to Switzerland, a harsh reality for those seeking a career change. Swiss authorities didn’t recognize her US credentials, adding another layer of difficulty. Munshi’s story reveals systemic challenges, forcing her return to the US despite her qualifications and local language skills. News Directory 3 sheds light on these complexities. Learn about the struggles faced by older expat jobseekers. Discover what’s next for job seekers in Switzerland.
Swiss Job Market Forces Expat’s Return to US
Updated June 12, 2025
Sabine Munshi, 56, is returning to the United States after facing critically important hurdles in the Swiss job market. Munshi, who holds multiple degrees in psychology and special education from the U.S., had hoped to find stable employment after moving back to Switzerland.
Munshi, a native of Neuchâtel, spent over 30 years in the U.S. She returned to Switzerland in 2020 after accepting a special education position near Lausanne. The job hinged on Swiss recognition of her U.S. credentials, which the school assured her would not be a problem.
However, COVID-19 related delays pushed the response from Swiss education authorities in Bern to October 2021, by which time the position had been filled. More critically, her submission for equivalency was denied. Authorities required her to earn Swiss degrees, dismissing her U.S. education and decades of experience because her qualifications were not from schengen countries.
Munshi expanded her job search to include roles in cafes, hotels, and large corporations like Nestlé and Philip Morris. Despite fluency in French and English, she struggled to find a role that fit her qualifications. The Swiss job market proved challenging, particularly for older workers seeking a career change.
The Canton of Vaud’s employment office suggested she might have better luck in the Swiss-German region. Despite seeking help from a career coach and contacting disability organizations,most applications went unanswered.
Munshi eventually took a job with a reintegration foundation, but the emotionally draining environment led her to step away and resume her job search. She continued teaching English and accent modification courses, but the income was not lasting.
“Switzerland is my country, but it didn’t welcome me back,” Munshi said.“These four years have deeply shaken my confidence.Ironically, the US — with all its current challenges—is still willing to give people in their 50s and beyond a chance.”
What’s next
Munshi has accepted a job in the U.S. and plans to return, highlighting the difficulties faced by older job seekers in Switzerland.