Changing career and retraining in your 40s

[thefourgp]

Can anyone please share their stories of doing this? I’m stuck in my job at the moment (single parent/child care issues) but in a few years both my children will be at high school and I’m thinking of making a change if I can afford it (which I doubt I’ll be able to). I don’t want to work my way up where I currently am but I’m not sure what else to do. I’d be interested to hear from others who changed careers as they got older.

I've not really retrained as such but I have done a TA qualification and gained experience in schools after starting work as a lunchtime supervisor. I now do both roles. Previously worked in admin.

Following. I’m currently a sahm after leaving teaching.

Careershifters is a good organisation to look at

Im mid 40's and just about to leave behind me a 20 year career in retail for a job in the civil service. Its such a big change for me and im really looking forward to it

Civil service is a great option. Loads of jobs and variety, moving around is encouraged and plenty of flexible working options.

I was a teacher. I've been out of the workforce, first as a sahm, then as a disabled person. I'm currently retraining as a counsellor, and hope to work 2-3 days a week. I'm 51!

I worked in hospitality for 18 years as it was flexible and I could work around our children, at 42 I went back to college and got a qualification and I’m now an early years practitioner. I love my job and so glad I made the move.

OP, and everyone else - sorry to shout but THERE IS A WHOLE NEW-ISH BOARD DEDICATED TO MATURE STUDY AND RETRAINING, here:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mature_students

You’re very welcome!

I was 29. Got a starter job somewhere. Told about cips /mcips procurement. Finished my qualifications in my late 30s. It can be done. Also, I found the career guide book called pathfinder really helpful