Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Retraining at 46

54 replies

GarlicAndTangerines · 10/03/2024 23:05

Hi all, not sure where to post this (MN please move it if it needs to be somewhere else!?) but I'm a failed academic, long term chronic illness and becoming a mother suddenly created a 10 year gap from when I was last working in my usual field. I think there's no way back now and I'm terrified that I won't be able to work and earn to bring my child up. What the hell can I do at my age? I'm educated to PhD level in my field but I can't see a way back in unless I spend another 3-4 years (or more, who knows!) sitting at home writing (unpaid) for publications to boost my CV. I'm anxious and scared about the future, can I retrain at this age?? I've thought about studying to become a doctor, I mean I'm already a doctor, but a doctor of medicine. I'd be very old before I even graduate from medical school... I just feel like my whole life is ruined. I need a proper job at some point soon. Anyone else been in this situation at my age? Thanks for reading.

OP posts:
spookehtooth · 13/03/2024 18:55

I'm not sure its a terrible thing, to just be straight up and tell people the reason for contacting them along with a little bit of general chit chat or hook for a more casual conversation. I think it can be refreshing. Recruitment agents don't waste time asking straight out if I know anyone else interested, when I reply to reject a role they present to me. They ask in a plain, straightforward way, and if I know anyone not working I forward them the job info. Who doesn't like being helpful, if they can be? If you got on, they're likely to ask what you've been up to anyways too

Mamma53547 · 15/03/2024 20:06

Research positions in civil service or government? I had a admin position in parliament and one of the scientific researchers for the committee of MPs had a degree in history. So I think you only really need good research and writing skills for those types of jobs.

Egghead68 · 15/03/2024 23:40

Revealingall · 11/03/2024 22:55

Thank you, lovely story, maybe there's hope yet.

I sometimes fantasise about something out of "left field" for me...an NHS SLT apprenticeship (hard to come by!), opening a restaurant or shop etc. I don't think I can make any decisions in my current headspace. It could lead to a mistake at a crucial point for pensions etc.

I've noticed I'm playing the lottery a fair bit these days as well. Trying to afford some breathing space!

Show quote history

I think you could get an NHS Therapy assistant post (where you could get some experience of SLT) fairly easily. Low pay though

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Jobs
New posts on this thread. Refresh page