Retraining at nearly 40

[Missushbb]

Has anyone successfully retrained at almost 40? I have a degree but was made redundant over 10 years ago, and have fell in to admin role after that, part time now which suits with the kids but money isn't fantastic and I am bored to tears. I think the boredom is really making me feel quite depressed sometimes. I'd love to retrain in something else, has anyone done this at my age, I'll be 40 next year.

[bluedelphinium]

loads of people do! my mum as a nurse at 41 for one. with retirement age so late, you have nearly 30 years to work. why not invest a few of them in something you will be really interested in?

[bluedelphinium]

oh, and provided I pass the entry exam and get in, I'm hoping to start studying Medicine at 35 (slightly younger but not by much and still seems hugely worth it to me). What are you thinking of doing?

[Ilovesausages]

Definitely go for it.

I’m about to turn 43 and have one year left to go for my retraining.

[BadDucks]

Yep I did and am now 3 years into my new career. The three years to train flew by

[Rainallnight]

I’m 45 and thinking about it, so watching with interest.

[AppleCinnamonSlice]

I’m following this thread as I’m very much in the same boat ! I have a degree in tourism management which was great fun to do and lead me to a fab graduate role but I’ve been a SAHM for 10 years now, I’ve been volunteering in a school as a governor and classroom helper and I’ve been working part time as an exam invigilator but I want to get back into a proper job now. I can’t really go back into tourism due to family situation and I’m stuck for what to do and what to retrain in!

[sassafras123]

Retrained as a nurse at 42, go for it.

[vegansprinkle]

Yes! Am halfway through retaining at 41. So happy

[CuriousaboutSamphire]

I went to uni in my early 30s, taught for a decade or so and the retrained and am now, in my 50s, I am self employed.

[YouStupidBoy]

I retrained completely at 41. There is more working life ahead of me than behind as it stands, so definitely worth it.

[AppleCinnamonSlice]

Can I ask people what they have retrained in?

[sanityisamyth]

I started a new degree last September to retrain as a pharmacist after teaching for 13 years. I'm now 37. I'll be 40 when I graduate again. Can't wait!!

[wheresmymojo]

Yep!

I'm a career change coach that works with women and most of my clients are 35-48.

The key is making sure you know what you want to do.

I'd highly recommend that you google how to figure out your values and find out what yours are.

Then write a list of things you love to do, what you're good at and causes you believe in (can be huge like climate change or much smaller like supporting arts in the UK).

Then take a step back and look at all of this to see what it's telling you!

[Missushbb]

Thanks where'smymojo I will try that.
I'm not sure what I'd like to do. Something with more earning power and something useful! Curious as to what kind of retraining people did too.

[Missushbb]

@YouStupidBoy

I retrained completely at 41. There is more working life ahead of me than behind as it stands, so definitely worth it.

What did you retrain to do?

[Livedandlearned]

I've just retrained as a Nurse Associate and I'm 41. It's a choice I wish I had made years ago.

[Yellow1793]

To all those who have retrained as nurses- please tell me what’s good about it? I’ve done 20 years in the NHS (not a nurse), and I’d PAY my DC NOT to do nursing. It’s the worst job in the NHS. Lowest glass ceiling, worst shifts, no breaks, rushed off their feet, ever increasing responsibility with no additional pay and working for an organisation that throws you under a bus if you ever make a mistake —when you’ve worked 13 hrs with no break—. And the pay is utterly shit. I only ever see nurses on MNwho like their jobs. All the ones I know IRL wish they’d done something else or have given up —because you don’t even earn enough to pay for childcare—. Tell me what’s good about it?

[Fearofawelshplanet]

I would love to retrain, I am 43 with an Open honours early childhood studies/social psychology degree. It is weak though, 2.2 cos I had twins in the 2and year. I am a level 3 STF ta now. I love it but would also like to transfer my skills to a better paid full time job. Anyone have any ideas? Good luck OP, sounds like lots of positive encouragement in here, thank you for starting the thread I clearly need

[SilverOtter]

Go for it! I started medical school last year at the age of 40

[YouStupidBoy]

Missushbb I cannot really explain much I am afraid; it is public sector and fairly niche but suits me very well. I was a nurse, this is unrelated entirely but still focussed on public protection.

The only downside is that, like most jobs in the public sector, the pay doesn't blow me away compared to private!!

[Hooleywhipper]

I started my degree at age 44, I had never officially trained previous to this in anything. Scary and fulfilling for me OP .

[RLGGG]

Thank you so much for starting this thread! Its lovely to hear others experiences. I'd love to retrain, have had a very fulfilling career through my 20s and early 30s but have another area I would love to retrain in. We've just started our family so all being well will be late 30s when I start training. Have a good role model, my mum retrained In her late 30s and has a long and distinguished career in the medical sector 😊

[Poundpup]

I started retraining a couple of years ago and would highly recommend it. You still have a 20+ year career ahead of you. Top tip really take time to decide what you would like to do, you can try volunteering 1 day week or talking to someone who will tell you the realities of the role. Warts and all.

[Glitterskull]

I spent 6 years doing an OU law degree and in a couple of weeks start in a new job in a graduate trainee role. I'm 41! Never too late

[GrumpyHoonMain]

As you are an experienced admin then training to analysis (python, sql, tableau etc) would be the logical step. You can then build up your portfolio via Upwork before applying for proper contracts.