If you changed careers in middle age....

[Miriam101]

... how did you know you were done with your first? Where did you find the courage from to jump into something new? And- crucially- was it the right thing to do, or do you now think you're destined to forever see the greener grass??

I'd be interested in hearing people's experience s also, I'm 53 and would love to do something else but feel maybe age is against me retraining etc

I had a total career change in my early 40s and never regretted it. I then changed again this year and my age starts with a 5 now! It’s very indirectly linked to my second career and certainly not regretting it.

@chocolateisavegetable how did you make your decision, if you don't mind me asking? I feel like I may have hit a wall with my current career, but I've put so much into it over the years, have reached a relatively senior level and have a salary to match. In a way a lot of my identity is tied up with it. In my 20s and 30s it was intoxicating and a lot of fun. Now I just feel like I've run out of steam. There is something else which has been bobbing around in the back of my head for a long time, on and off, but it would require at least three years of training and then a professional life that would almost certainly be much less lucrative (but perhaps a lot more fulfilling??) It's also not just about me but my family, of course. But I've just turned 40 and have at least another 25 years ahead of me.... is this really how I want to feel for the rest of my life? Hmmmm. A conundrum.

My first career just wasn’t suiting family life or my mental health any more. It was a step down in terms of salary but I was lucky that DH was doing well. There were some physical elements to it which was part of the reason for the most recent change, as well as new job offering a LOT more flexibility

I changed career at 40. I now work longer hours for less money, but the job is more fulfilling. My previous career was perfect in my 20s/early 30s, but involved a lot of travel and evening entertaining. Not compatible with family life.
My second career was always something I liked the idea of, but I'm glad I didn't do it in my 20s (less glamorous, lower paid etc).
The catalyst for me was when I went back to full time work once my children were a bit older (I worked part time for 7ish years after they were born). I realised I didn't want the old lifestyle 5 days a week any more.

Following as I gave up my job (Special Ed) in August and have no idea what to do next... just know I'm too young (55) to retire but want to do something part time (as I'm doing granny care) and DIFFERENT!
The part time is the difficult bit for me as I'd happily have a shot at totally retraining otherwise!

I'm currently in the process of planning a late life career change. I know it's time because of where I am in terms of personal finance. I finally can do what I want instead of what pays best.