Retraining in your 30s- positive stories please!

[Glassesess]

I’m having a low moment.
Can any of you lovely bunch share your stories of retraining in your thirties, or even later, especially in a healthcare or allied health professional role?
I’ve got the fear I’ve left it too late.

My brother did an arts degree at uni and went back and did a technical/science/vocational degree in his 30s with kids!
My uncle was city/finance and restrained in healthcare in maybe his 40s at earliest.
Of course you can do it, good luck!

I started a healthcare degree at 29. It’s been hard to juggle the subsequent career progression with children etc. With hindsight, it’s important to look beyond the degree to the early years of the job and how compatible it is with your life stage, what sacrifices you might need to make. My husband is proud of what I’ve achieved but I am at times disgruntled with my age and stage. However, I do love my job and if it is really what you want to do and go into it with your eyes open, much better late than never!

Retrained as an OT. Started the course in late 30’s and don’t regret it for a minute. Now earning a great salary in a really flexible, family friendly job.

Retraining to be a pharmacist. I'm 38 this year. Loving it! I don't feel out of place on my course the lecturers and the other students have been amazing!

I worked in marketing and then retrained as a lecturer. Twenty years later I’ve lost my way a bit tbh.

I'm 39 and in my second year of teaching after doing a degree with the OU and then a PGCE.

I have 6 children.

I love it!

I retrained as an OT at 39 and it was great. There were people older than me and lots in their 50s on other courses like nursing and midwifery.

@SnarkyBag

Retrained as an OT. Started the course in late 30’s and don’t regret it for a minute. Now earning a great salary in a really flexible, family friendly job.

I did exactly the same!

I've applied to uni to study for an AHP degree. It will be my second degree and I'm late forties so it's definitely not too late for you!

I have worked as an AHP Assistant for the last couple of years though. Suggest you do this so you really know what you are letting yourself in for.

Yeah I retrained as a nurse in my 30s. 4 year degree course here.

It cost me nothing and that helped enormously.

I didn't have kids at the time (got pregnant in 4th year though, still just powered through).

Best thing I ever did. The job is v hard but the job security is absolutely out of this world. I will always be employable. From a family perspective, that's an absolute gift.

I was a P A then went to uni for first time to do history at 30. Walked straight out of graduation into a job in the heritage sector and have never looked back.

Go for it!

I retrained as an OT too. One of the best things I have ever done

I retrained in my 30's. My parents /siblings thought I was crazy to leave a good job to pay to do a vocational MSc. I finished the masters and have worked for the NHS ever since. Was the best decision I ever made.

This is really inspiring to read. Weirdly, this isn’t the first thread where I’ve heard several OTs say how much they love their job!
I’m looking at Physiotherapy, but my science A-levels were so long ago, I’d need an Access course and then it seems very competitive.

@twinkletoesimnot Amazing! Was it tricky to fit studying around childcare or were they older when you started?
@SozzledSausage I only have care experience in the private sector, but am considering a hospital role atm. I imagine the two are not very alike.

Sorry for jumping on - has anyone retrained and taken a salary job?

I currently work in finance and earn pretty well (way under 6 figures though) but fantasise about doing something more rewarding - has anyone managed that and do you regret it?

I'm 35 and I'm studying for a social work degree. I've had my children though and feel almost certain that I'm "done" with having children. There's positives and negatives to my stage of life and career choices now I think but I'm 100% I've made the right choice for me

OP I very much doubt you’ve left it too late! You’ve got about 30 years of working in you, loads of scope for changing :)

I'd suggest you look at the roles you are interested in AND at pay scales in the early years after qualifying. Nurses start on band 5, some AHP start at band 6 and rapidly progress to band 7 (NHS). Hours of work also vary. This can be a consideration if you are leaving a well paid job and /or have family commitments like mortgages and childcare to
Pay for.

Retrained as a teacher and have friend who did as a nurse. People older than us on course. No problem getting employment afterwards.

I'm 43 and just sat my final Accountancy exam (CIMA). I started in my late 30's. Chuffed to bits with myself actually......never say never OP.

You're absolutely not too old! But the longer you leave it, the older you'll be and maybe one day you will be too old. In other words, just do it. When you're 50 (like me), you'll look back and think 30s was pretty young.

OP...DO NOT let your age put you off doing a course that leads to a career you’ll enjoy

You’ve got another 30 odd years of good working life left!

This is an inspiring thread, thank you all. I'm hoping to retrain once DS starts school next year.

@Twilightstarbright Good luck🙂

These stories/life experiences are so nice to hear. I am 41 and doing a biology degree via the OU (parent carer so needed too much atm to go to brick uni). You can do it OP, you are definitely not too old