Is my life over?

[SadAt50]

Not sure if chat is the best place for this but I could really do with some encouragement and advice please.

I turned 50 this year and it has really hit me hard. Have elderly parents and teenage children which is exhausting at times.
Been married 20 years. Marriage is ok but definitely lost its spark.
Have put on weight and been drinking too much but have now cut back on alcohol a lot.
I really want to concentrate on myself a bit. I have started to eat healthier and exercise more as I know this will make me feel better.
Unfortunately (please don't flame me for this) I gave up work when my eldest was born and haven't worked since.

I really feel that a job would help me with my self esteem and confidence, but I just keep feeling I've left it too late.
I have no great qualifications but did have jobs in banking and sales before the children and was quite successful.
I can't even apply for jobs at the moment as I hate how I look and my confidence is on the floor.

I really want to sort my life out, children will be leaving for uni and I want something for myself. But have I left it too late? I really feel like my life is over and have no joy and just dread the future. Thank you for any advice you can give.

What do you actually like doing?

I also gave up work when I had my children. But when my youngest was six got a job in Asda. Whilst there woke up one morning decided I wanted to work in accounts. So did a couple of days a week in Asda then started aat at my local college. Now approaching 50 myself I have an apprenticeship (!) in a finance dept and studying my level 4 Why not see what courses are available near you. Or maybe (as previously mentioned), an access to uni course. I think getting a job would help your confidence as well.

I'm mid 50s, post menopause and have lost 4 stone this year if that helps. Cutting out sugar made the most difference to my weight, energy level and I've stopped feeling arthritis in my fingers so I suspect the inflammation was sugar related.

This is your time.

It’s not too old

My mother qualified for the first Late forties and landed her first teaching job at 50. She left her education at Alevels when she had me and siblings. Always wanted to do more with her life..

And it’s done a great deal for her confidence to work and I’m soo happy for her.

Life would’ve been so depressing for her if she didn’t