To ask for inspirational tales of post-40 career changes?

[Sprucegoose]

Just that really. I have only worked sporadically over the past few years due to having and looking after DCs, but don’t like the work that I do (freelance analyst, energy industry). I would love to do something different but wonder if I’m too old. Have any of you have been able to successfully change career post-40? If so, what did you do before and what do you do now?

[Greekgoddess]

YANBU

You have bags of time!
Think about what you can do and where your talents lie.

I had several books published ( non fiction) and started writing freelance including articles for national broadsheets, several decades after my parents told me not to waste time being a writer! I was in teaching before that for over 20 years.

[Sprucegoose]

That's good to hear! The general consensus among my family and friends is that it's a bit silly to be trying to find what I'm passionate about at this age! Thanks for reassuring me somewhat!

[LegoLady95]

Sorry I don't have an inspiring story but this has been on my mind lately too. I've always worked, going PT after DC1 7 years ago. Final DC3 is now 2 and I'm considering career options for when all 3 are at school. I would love to teach but don't have a degree (3 good A levels). Considering standing as a parent govenor just to do something different.

[CalicoBlue]

I have not had a career change, but I do have some friends who have changed in their 40's. New careers have included training to be a midwife and going into teaching. Also there are lots of women who have started their own businesses.

Look at what your transferable skills are, what would you like to do, find the common ground and see where you go from there.

Good luck.

[theeternalstudent]

I'm a career changer. Don't want to say what but it has involved going back to uni to earn a new qualification. It has been a hugely rewarding experience. Uni's have changed so much, they are no longer the domain of the young and very mature students are seen as an asset. Certainly in my field having some life experience behind you is a huge bonus. I'm now at the end of my training with an MA and have had no problem in finding a job. In fact I've been in the lovely position of actually choosing between posts.

Go for it, think of what you really want to do and then find a way to make it work! Good luck.

[ilovesooty]

I was a career changer in my 40s. I moved from teaching to criminal justice and also retrained as a counsellor.

[Daydreamersea]

Ignore your family and friends, loads of people have a career change around 40 because you have matured and have a better understanding of your interests and capabilities.
You will have been in and out of work the last 20 ish years and you have pretty much the same amount of working years ahead of you so make it worthwhile and do what it is you want to do.