Should I use a career development agency to steer my path?

I’m out of work and at a crossroads, so am wondering if going to one would help find my next job

A reader needs help with the next steps of their career. Photograph: OJO Images/Rex Features

Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights.

I recently lost my job as a senior manager in manufacturing. I have vast experience in facilities management but it is 10 years out of date. Now that I am nearer 50 I feel I am a jack of all trades and master of none.

I have considered retraining but can’t afford not to work. I’ve also considered being self-employed but that frightens me more.

My question is this: are career development agencies worth the money and what will they actually do to help?

Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.