Past it at 49?

[Redrose7]

Hiya I'm new to Mumsnet, so be gentle. I'm a mother to 2 older children in their 20's, out if a 12 year relationship and going through the Menopause after having a Hysterectomy.
I'm at the stage of my life where my kids are doing their own thing and I don't actually know where I'm heading. I've a job where I make just over the national wage, staying in my dad's old place since he died and I'm just wondering what's out there. I feel like I'm just starting out in life for the very first time. I should be settled at my age, but I'm the opposite. Since my breakup with the man I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with, I know who I am, I just don't know where I'm heading. I lived for my kids and don't know anything else really, I went through a lot with my ex husband and he left us when they were 11 and 8. I'm proud of both of them and they are very good to me.
I was thinking about becoming an Au Pair, I love children and have loads of Nieces and Nephews. Is there a thing as being an Au Pair at 49. Yes I get hot flushes, but I'm Young at heart and don't let the hot flushes stop me living. Why should all the Au Pairs be young, we've been through things that only experience can teach. Anyone out there that can relate to me x

You know your health and fitness best. I'm sure lots of people would like to have a 49 year old au pair!

That sounds like a great idea

I think it sounds like its time for you to really step into your own.
You sound like you are ready for it. Well done. I am the same age and I feel similar. I really feel like it's time for me to start living the life i want to and I know a lot of my friends feel the same. Its time to focus on you.
Having an au pair that isn't 17 and needing looked after a bit is something that would be really useful for lots of people i think.
My only thought was that au pairs often live in with the family to keep costs down and get paid basically pocket money. (Not all au pairs i understand)
Would training as a childminder work instead? We have 2 older childminders in the village and I know their experience is so appreciated and valued.
You could set up your home as a workplace then you keep the security of your home (if thats something that appeals).
Good luck with whatever path you choose to take yourself.
World's your oyster and all that.

Go for it!!

Re direction I always think imagine being 99 and looking back at your life and what kind of life you wanted to have had. For me that's having friends, family, being active in the community, healthy, exploring creative interests and travel. It sure as hell isn't working hard although that gets you some of the above. Age is increasingly irrelevant and mindset, lifelong learning matters much more though society attitudes are slower to change. Being an au pair sounds really fulfilling, interesting and with lots of opportunities.

Years ago my friend got a a lady who had grown up children to look after her baby while she went back to work.
She looked after the child in its home and was an arrangement that worked really well.
My dil is 49 . Has three children aged 21, 16 and 10 and Is lovely with babies. I think she’d be perfect for doing that kind of job but has no child care qualifications.

Would anyone employ someone like that in their home.