Late bloomers - tell me it's not too late

[LateBloomersOfTheWorld]

Any fellow late bloomers out there? I'm having a crisis and feel like it really is too late.

Has anyone found their way in their career in their 40s?

Watching with interest. I'm late 40s and now my kids are almost grown, I'm in a total rut after years of part-time, family friendly jobs which pay a bit but can't really be described as a "career".

I know someone who packed in her job and became a photographer in her late 40’s/early 50’s. It had been a hobby, but she went full time with it. Has been quite successful with it too.

Think we could answer more effectively if we knew a bit more about what you are considering.

I don’t really want to get into the details of specifically what I’m doing. In any case it’s not about that. I’m feeling the fear and hoped for a boost from any MNers who’ve changed career in middle age.

Yes. I didn't get professionally qualified until my 40s. Best thing I ever did, ended up heading a department.

This is brilliant, I’m so impressed. Was it scary at any point?

I feel like I’m on the edge of a huge cliff and don’t know if the wind will catch me if I jump. But staying on the cliff is not an option as I can’t bear the job I’m doing now to pay the bills.

I did! I graduated university at 49 and ended up in my first ever professional role.

I qualified as a midwife 2 months short from my 45th birthday. I got a 1st class degree with 2 young children in tow. I have been a midwife for a few years now. Professionally it's the happiest time in my life. Nursing and midwifery courses don't discriminate on age - they take a lot of mature students.

brava both! What prompted the change? Retraining is so hard. My biggest struggle at the moment is finding the time to do the work that must be done to take the leap.

I developed an interest in midwifery after giving birth, that gave me strong motivation. Do you like reading? Change Your Life Today by Lewis David gives lots of good tips on how to make changes. It is available on Amazon.

I’m not there yet, but on my way. I had a good job, maternity leave, became a sahm. I have studied part time with the OU, volunteered last 2 years and start a TA role next week, first role I went for and with an offer in writing of teacher training on completion of my subject degree next year. I’ll be 44 next year and have 4 young DC. I’ve loved my volunteer roles, dithered over teaching for years, and cannot wait. I know there are plenty of negatives about teaching but I honestly can’t wait.

I started something entirely new at 55. Set it up from scratch. It builds on the media and comms stuff I’ve done before but in a new field (excuse being a bit vague but is a bit niche and so identifiable).

Three years on I am addressing Parliamentary committees and am invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace…

in short, you have loads of time!

Not scary but it was hard work. TBH I was money orientated, that plus I realised that I was just as capable as anyone else. I do think that some women have more self doubt, which is the biggest hurdle. I didn't go to uni, I had children early. It's not where start it's where you finish. It can be done!

What field if you don't mind disclosing. And how was the attitude of recruiters to your age ?