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.

I agree @ThatDamnKrampus so good to read.

I am in my 2nd year of an English Language and Literature degree through the OU and considering teaching.

It's great to see that many have found careers at this stage. I hope that one day I could add my story to a post like this.

AHPs start on Band 5 (not Band 6). You could progress to Band 6 after a couple of years. You do need quite a bit of experience to become a Band 7 as they're generally specialist roles or team leads. Lots of therapists stay at Band 6.

I think promotion prospects are better for nurses but AHPs seem to be happier with their lot.

@Glassesess

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.

Hi again. When I started my degree I only had 5 dc. Number 6 was a 'surprise' of the best variety! I did my degree in 5 years so spread it out a bit. My eldest was 15 when I started it. Youngest born in my 3rd year.

Did my PGCE when she started reception. At this point dh changed jobs ( not entirely intentionally) which now means that he does nearly all school runs. The older dc catch the bus. It's hectic but we manage and long term it will get easier.

I was a very young mum, so I really feel like it's an achievement. Good organisational skills and time management are pluses in the job, and I already had that in spades!

I always think you will rarely regret doing something, but you might regret not trying!

I’m in my early 40s. Worked in academia but I’m considering retraining as a Speech and Language Therapist. My background is linguistics so it would be a 2 year course. I’d love to hear if anyone has done similar? I already have an MA so funding may be tricky

Those with a science background may also want to consider the STP programme for trainee clinical scientists. It's extremely competitive but provides 3 year band 6 posts within the NHS. Some specialities are lab based, but others deliver direct patient care. For instance audiology, cardiac science, genomic counselling, critical care, perfusion science, reconstructive science etc. I think most people are familiar with OT's, physio's etc, but don't realise there are a host of other professionals (non nurse, non doctor) that provide direct patient care.

It’s definitely not too late.

I changed career last year from being an HR manager in the public sector to being an independent career coach. I’m 38 and have never been happier - I feel like I’ve finally found my stride and I love being able to help people every day. And none of my current clients are under 30! I’m actually working with a client who’s completely changing their career and sector at the moment and they are in their late forties. So please don’t be put off making this change if you really want to.

Happy to chat further privately if needed x