Retraining in your 40's

[Happyinheels]

Just looking for inspiration! Have you retrained in your 40's to completely change the direction of your life? I am a single mum to 2 teens, qualified teacher but thinking I'd like to do something else but no idea what.

Please share your stories, what you used to do, why you decided to do something else, what you did and how that worked out

I’m currently retraining from a hairdresser to be a paralegal, enjoying my course and thinking of going the whole hog through uni and being a solicitor.

Ps
I had a pastime job in banking at one point for many years and my ex constantly put me down saying I can’t go to college and to support him further his career as he was the main breadwinner. We split up and I wish I’d done this years ago. I’m early 40s

I know someone exactly in your position OP (single mumnto two teens, qualified teacher) who is currently retraining to be a midwife. Does that tempt you?

@Everytimeiseeher that sounds so interesting! What kind of qualification is it that you are doing? What made you choose to do it? Go you! You must be incredibly proud! Screw your ex!!!

@zod1ac19 I have a few friends who are midwives. It sounds like an amazing job. Unfortunately I don't have any family support at all so I think I would struggle with shift work.

I just knew it would be another teacher...

Despite so many skills it seems so hard to jump into something else doesnt it.

Im tempted by Ed psych. But 3 years commuting and full time put me off.

Swimming, yes it really does!

I thought of Ed psych or a play therapist... it would be so tricky giving up a job and managing financially whilst retraining.

Trained as a counsellor in my 40s (I’m now 52). Really hard work and a completely different experience from uni’ in my 20s, but so far very much worth it. If there is something you want to do, go for it!

My friend has no family support but her youngest DC is 15 and eldest a few years older so they can now be left while she does her shifts. She did wait until they’d got to this age though because of that.

Yes, started in a grad training position in the civil service

I am doing an NC in legal services and just applied for the hnc, after that I would qualify for uni. The only thing is though I’d qualify as a solicitor at 52 so might be too old.