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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask for inspiring stories from people who’ve changed their lives?

33 replies

DIYdiv · 19/07/2026 09:08

Late 40s and I feel like for the past few years, every day is the same old routine.

Been working in the same industry forever. I’m no good at it, and am exhausted by the huge anxiety I get when face to face with clients, expected to be an “expert” in what I do etc.

Don’t earn as much as I could and money is definitely not everything but I envy my peers who go on lots of lovely trips/holidays/treat their families/buy lovely clothes all the time. We have one holiday a year we cat barely afford.

My kids are brilliant but my marriage feels more like a co-parenting situation.

I cringe to say it but I dream of being an actor - although I have absolutely zero experience. It’s something I wish I’d pursued at school. To wake up every day to do a job I love, relishing the challenges because I felt I could rise to them and getting a sense of achievement would be amazing. And to earn decent money for it, a bonus. Right now, I feel I hide in my work.

So please inspire me with tales of taking the plunge to make a huge change.

And please, just kindness on this thread - I want to be uplifted!

OP posts:
Larrythecatforpm · 19/07/2026 10:03

I’d say becoming a actor as a career with no experience at your age is very unrealistic. That said you could join local theatre groups just for a hobby and see how it goes or set up your own drama production after taking lessons. It’s not to late in that respect but you need to take the bull by the horns and do it now.

Newyeargymwanker · 19/07/2026 09:58

I did a 180 at 41. Bout of breast cancer and peri-menopause knocked my head out of shape. I needed a push to change my life.
so I retrained as a carpenter (took three years and many rejections), am divorcing my husband, about to move cities with four children for a fresh start. Have a wonderfully supportive bf. Started lifting heavy and have abs for the first time in my life (although my arse has left the party. )

Im 46 this year and excited for the future.

so it is possible, but hard work, to change it.

Original poster
DIYdiv · 19/07/2026 09:51

Thanks all.

I know acting is a completely unstable career. And despite what I said about wanting to earn more money, I really would prefer to do something I love.

Also, I’ve been freelance for many years - I’m on a long term contract not but there was a time when I did lots of short term ones and went from job to job -I know lots of people really fear that sort of unpredictability but I loved it! I loved the spontaneity of not knowing where the next job was coming from. I do accept, however, that I might not have enjoyed it so much if we didn’t have my husband’s salary to fall back on.

But, yes, as a PP said, it could be something I do as a hobby, it doesn’t have to be a job.

OP posts:
Stompythedinosaur · 19/07/2026 09:34

I advice is to remember that your job doesn't have to be whether you find meaning in your life.

You can absolutely pursue acting because you love it, or because it makes you feel fulfilled, without holding on to the idea it has to be your career.

Bulbsbulbsbulbs · 19/07/2026 09:24

Being an actor is hard, full of disappointments and can be soul destroying. You have to have a very thick skin because constant rejection is absolutely brutal. But when you are working it is absolutely wonderful, just as you say.

If you really want to give it a go take some lessons. Start with a local adults class if you can find one- some youth theatres have an adult class. Then maybe look at an access course, there are a couple in London. If you really want to do it a 3 year drama school course is advisable. Yes, some actors haven't been to drama school but it gives the best chance of success.

Ironically I was an actor and changed my life around by giving up. The relief of not having to constantly chase work was immense. I moved 250 miles away and started a holiday business. I miss the applause and using my brain though!

ThePeppyOpalScroller · 19/07/2026 09:20

Someone I know worked in the Civil Service for decades. Not very high up, middle manager. When she was 48 her husband left and she got divorced. At 50, once her daughter had left Uni, she sold her house and bought a pokey little one bed flat. She used the rest of the money from her house sale to pay for flying training, and is now a first officer flying all across Europe. She can't park her car properly, but apparently can fly a passenger plane . . .

Hottrotters · 19/07/2026 09:18

If you are serious about acting then take an evening class or join a local theatre group. I do not think it’s a serious career path even if you have talent. I know quite a few young people who did acting degrees but have had to give up and do something else because there is simply not enough work.

If there any way you can use your existing skill to do something else? Are you a lawyer or other professional? There must be other jobs out there?

Passaggressfedup · 19/07/2026 09:12

My advice is that anyone can make a radical change, but it needs to be a well planned one. Don't expect it to happen in a few weeks or months. It needs to be approached as an investment in your future and therefore we'll prepared.