diff --git a/code/modules/jobs/job_exp.dm b/code/modules/jobs/job_exp.dm
index 4b7b1752409..f99bf650715 100644
--- a/code/modules/jobs/job_exp.dm
+++ b/code/modules/jobs/job_exp.dm
@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ GLOBAL_PROTECT(exp_to_update)
 		return 0
 	if(!CONFIG_GET(flag/use_exp_tracking))
 		return 0
+	if(!SSdbcore.Connect())
+		return 0
 	if(!exp_requirements || !exp_type)
 		return 0
 	if(!job_is_xp_locked(src.title))
diff --git a/code/modules/jobs/job_types/_job.dm b/code/modules/jobs/job_types/_job.dm
index 87373bacb0d..16f8148dd5f 100644
--- a/code/modules/jobs/job_types/_job.dm
+++ b/code/modules/jobs/job_types/_job.dm
@@ -139,8 +139,8 @@
 		return 0
 	if(!CONFIG_GET(flag/use_age_restriction_for_jobs))
 		return 0
-	if(!isnum(C.player_age))
-		return 0 //This is only a number if the db connection is established, otherwise it is text: "Requires database", meaning these restrictions cannot be enforced
+	if(!SSdbcore.Connect())
+		return 0 //Without a database connection we can't get a player's age so we'll assume they're old enough for all jobs
 	if(!isnum(minimal_player_age))
 		return 0