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Is 51 too old to change career?

40 replies

jmh740 · 25/05/2026 18:54

Ive been a TA since 2014. 18 months ago I applied for a job at my school that was temp for 12 month possibly becoming permanent. After 12 months they extended it 6 more months to 31st August and said they would let me know if it was being made a permanent role by end of May.
Friday I was told it wasn't cost effective and I would go back to being a TA.
It's a 6k wage drop I know I've only been doing it 18 months but I'm used to the extra money.
DH had to medically retire 4 years ago. Only has a really small pension and PIP.

I'm so worried about money I've seen a job as a trainee education mental health practitioner. Its 26k for the first year training and working. It sounds really good but I believe its really competitive no guarantee of a job after the training.

Its 20 years since I did my degree not sure if I can study at that level. I'm a carer for dh and Dad. But youngest leaves school in a few weeks so I definitely dont need to be off school holidays any more.

I feel too old for change but have another 16 years to work. I love being a TA but the pay is shocking.

Need some words of wisdom please mumsnetters.

OP posts:
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NorthFacingGardener · 01/07/2026 12:49

Sorry you didn’t get it OP. Hopefully you’ll be in a good position if more opportunities come up and at least you’ll know the interview questions for next time!

jmh740 · 29/06/2026 22:01

Another email thanking me for interviewing was a hard choice due to calibre of applicants I didn't get through to next stage but they would be happy for me to apply for more roles with them in the future.
Gutted as I felt it went really well and I hoped id made it to the next stage. Have emailed and asked for feedback. To which they replied they are really busy and will try to get back to me.

OP posts:
BountifulPantry · 16/06/2026 11:28

jmh740 · 09/06/2026 21:19

Got an email today offering an interview next Wednesday!

Great news! Let us know how it goes x

NorthFacingGardener · 13/06/2026 18:27

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

compactmotif · 10/06/2026 11:50

jmh740 · 09/06/2026 21:19

Got an email today offering an interview next Wednesday!

Fantastic. Good luck!

viking11 · 09/06/2026 22:10

I regurned to college at 55. Best thing I ever did. I enjoyed it more than when i was in my 20's. I wasn't alone either. If you have the opportunity do it! Good luck

blueshoes · 09/06/2026 21:48

And Best of Luck on your interview! It is awesome to secure one. They also spotted your potential.

blueshoes · 09/06/2026 21:46

Sounds like a good fit and segue from your previous one with better potential.

Go for it. The change will energise and revitalise you.

jmh740 · 09/06/2026 21:19

Got an email today offering an interview next Wednesday!

OP posts:
Mischance · 03/06/2026 08:20

Good luck!

solvendie · 02/06/2026 20:34

Absolutely go for it…..it’s not a new career - more like a progression. You have many transferable skills. Good luck

jmh740 · 02/06/2026 20:26

Applied for the role closing date was Sunday feel like I rushed it and wasn't a great application but will have to wait and see.

OP posts:
coolcahuna · 26/05/2026 19:07

I'm 49 and retraining now and I'm not the oldest on the course by far so absolutely it's not too old

LarksAscending · 26/05/2026 18:56

Lots of women in their 50s on my healthcare degree course

jmh740 · 26/05/2026 16:09

BountifulPantry · 25/05/2026 21:25

Ok so teaching then? I’d go for it. It’s only 2 years and you clearly know and like the environment as a TA

Not teaching. Mental health in school role

OP posts:
Thechateau · 26/05/2026 08:20

Sounds like a great opportunity, I'd definitely go for it. You've still a good few working years yet

NorthFacingGardener · 25/05/2026 21:44

Do it! There are NHS targets to expand this workforce, so while they might not guarantee a job, more people will be getting employed each year.

SingtotheCat · 25/05/2026 21:39

A change is as good as a rest. You sound ready for it. Don’t let anyone stop you. Your child has nearly left school. It’s time for you to do what you want to do and feather your own nest. Prioritise yourself, whatever you decide.

BountifulPantry · 25/05/2026 21:25

Ok so teaching then? I’d go for it. It’s only 2 years and you clearly know and like the environment as a TA

jmh740 · 25/05/2026 20:50

BountifulPantry · 25/05/2026 19:46

Honestly it depends what it is. If you have to go back to uni, then do training afterwards then it probably won’t make sense time wise.

How long would you need to retrain for and how much would that cost?

The training is a year mixed uni and some days on the job its 26k trainee salary and rises to 34k when qualified.

OP posts:
ServietteUnion · 25/05/2026 20:30

I'm older than you and about to do something similar. I say go for it!

Shelleyblueeyes · 25/05/2026 20:08

Go for it. Please don't hold yourself back.

I've been stuck in the same job for far too long because I lack the confidence to push myself.

Start working on your application and give it your very best shot.

Good luck x

Ukholidaysaregreat · 25/05/2026 20:02

Do it! Sounds really interesting! TA's are massively underpaid and undervalued. I think because it often falls to women who are looking for work around the kids. Think it is a scandal along the lines of council cleaners (women- crap wage) and council block cleaners (men - better wage) Hope you really enjoy it.

BountifulPantry · 25/05/2026 19:46

Honestly it depends what it is. If you have to go back to uni, then do training afterwards then it probably won’t make sense time wise.

How long would you need to retrain for and how much would that cost?

Mischance · 25/05/2026 19:44

I changed career at 50 .... best thing I ever did!

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