Anyone retrained in their forties and found a new career?

[Wecanbeheroes26]

I had an accident some months back which has meant I'm unlikely to ever return to my previous professional, well paid career. I've come to terms with this.

My question is for others who may have retrained or started an entirely new career. How was it? What did you do? I'm in my mid 40's, so too young to retire, but I'm also petrified because people, intentionally or not, are ageist. So tell me some positive stories of new starts.

OP I am effectively retraining at 55. I work for the same company but they paid for me to do some internationally recognised qualifications even though they weren’t required.

I have now moved into the field that I’m qualified in, despite little official experience (as in I would not have been able to get a job doing this anywhere else.

I ADORE what I do and it’s my passion - so there is hope!

@LiviaDrusillaAugusta what do you do?!

Not myself, but my BIL was a builder/joiner and trained to become a residential building surveyor, he was around 38 at the time and did it via a chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship, he was able to do this as he had received an inheritance from his grandparents (so the loss of earnings was covered)

I work as a nurse and it’s quiet the norm for people to train at different stages in their life, my original class had ages from 18 to 50.

If you can financially afford to train in something new or are able to start at the bottom of the ladder, then go for it.

I didn’t retrain as such but chose a particular industry that wasn’t the one I was in, at 42. It comes with training and exams but I didn’t take time off to study. My industry is hybrid, has been for 25 years, can go weeks without an office visit. What are you thinking of doing?

I am in a computer related role (coding/ setting up workflows etc) now - it never sounds very exciting to people but I love it

I pivoted from software engineering into cyber security in my 50’s via a masters in cyber

I wouldn't recommend it due to the likely impact of AI but lots of solicitors come to the profession later in life. The prior work experience is often very valuable in the right practice area.

That sounds really interesting.

They do but as you say AI is going to make things more challenging unless they work for one of those pathetically old fashioned firms.

I really love it. Far more than software engineering.

@Wecanbeheroes26 it looks as if you’re not aware of the Mature Study and Retraining board? Entirely dedicated to your current question. It’s here:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/mature_students

I did my PGDE 15 years ago and at least 3 people in my cohort of 15/16 were at least 40 and as far as I know, have flourishing teaching careers. Could that he an option?

Thanks. I'm severely lacking in confidence. I have no idea yet, what I'll do, but I have to do something! I'm scared of starting at the bottom again.