Discussions

So I have to vent here and maybe someone can help me out or at least explain it to me.  
 
Here is my vent:  
 
I am in my late(very late 30's) impulsively quit my old job due to personnel reasons. I have tons of experience in lots of fields(clerical, hospitality and even retail) and Im getting called for lots of interviews and have been making it down to the final 2 or 3 which one would say is great but Im not getting the positions because I dont have the certificates to back up my experience. I have more than one potential employer tell me the only reason that I have not gotten the job is because I don't have the certificates.  
 
Since when does experience not count??? Whats the big deal about a certificate?  
 
Can someone please explain this to me?