Retraining mid 30's

[Marie84]

So I've recently been thinking of a new career path. When I left school I started an apprenticeship hairdressing, I picked it up really quick and to start off with really enjoyed it but ended up dropping out of college and obviously had to leave the salon. I hated school and went on to hate college! I am currently working in a hotel and although it's been great hours as my children were growing up I'm just fed up of it now - I want a "proper" career. After chatting with my friend who has her own salon she really thinks I should go back and finish it. I wouldn't even know where to start! An apprenticeship wouldn't really be an option now as I couldn't afford to leave my job for peanuts whilst doing it. Can anyone please help? Any advice would be greatly received! I know I'm not too old (36) to be doing it but I guess it's just a bit scary!

[LillyJean1]

Hi Marie... Im not sure im giving advice here but maybe reasurrance that I think it's good to peruse something no matter what age. I have been to uni and for a degree in a career that I've hates and has robbed me of all the hours of life and hours i could have spent with my kid... Felt like a corporate slave. Being too scared to take holidays at times and other times having to use holidays for when my kid was sick. So basically fast forward 12 years and I have another baby (ridiculous age gap I know, right) but while I've been on mat leave I have realised that I am not being robbed of the hours of my life again working so hard for basically no reward. I am going back to college to train as a beauty therapist (massive change in career for me) and im in my 30s too. I am excited about working for myself (eventually) im not naieve I know the graft and hours are hard being self employed but at least I'll be happier and I can create my own schedule.

I hope that gives you a boost you need. What I would say with hairdressing as I find it slightly more ageist than the beauty field so an apprenticeship may be difficult? Could u go back to college and keep some shifts at the hotel? A lot of the courses aren't 5 full days. Mines is going to be 4 full days (not full days like I would have to of worked though).

[Marie84]

Good for you! I just feel like I'm at a point in my life where I want to be doing something I enjoy rather than just having to earning money to pay bills if that makes sense. I'm going to look into it today. I'm not good with change and I am worried about money etc whilst I train but I just feel like it's something I have to do.
Good luck!