Retraining - what did you do?

[mya83]

just wanted to hear your stories really if you have switched careers and retrained/qualified In something else?

I'm 35 and my job is ok, I like it some of the time but it's incredibly stressful and thankless and I just don't know if it's what I want to do forever. I've been qualified a couple of years in my current job but lately I keep thinking I'd like to be able to work for myself and also earn much more money than my current profession allows.
I'm still toying with ideas but I'm thinking maybe retrain in beauty therapy? Or semi permanent cosmetics? Basically something which involves a skill and that I can work for myself with.

I know 35 isn't old but I guess I always thought I'd be settled in my career by now not looking to start all over again.

Have you switched career directions? Mind sharing your stories? I've got a cuppa coffee and settled down for a good read and Sunday morning chat with you all! :)

[mya83]

Yellowdahlia I think if you have such a passion for gardening go for it! As the old saying goes- make a career doing something you love and you'll never work a day in your life :)
Plus for most gardening is a chore so I think there's definitely money to be made.

For me I'm thinking if I train in something now on the side, there will hopefully come a point where I can seamlessly transfer from one career to the other without too much financial disruption. But I'm a chronic over thinker - what if it doesn't work out, what if nothing becomes of it etc etc

Arghhh to be 18 again and know what I know now!

[TruJay]

I'm currently in the process of retraining and loving it. Previously I have worked in retail and hospitality and then was a stay at home mum for 5 years. I have always loved working with children and have always hoped to become a teacher but had written myself off due to being too old to go to uni. When I mentioned this to others, they fell about laughing as I'm 27 and said people go to uni in their 30s and 40s so just get on with it!
I retook my GCSEs to begin with and got great grades, am currently completing an access course which is brilliant and have just sent off my UCAS application for university! I am so excited.
I say go for it OP, I am so motivated to qualify and succeed. It is such an enjoyable time for me at the moment, it can be difficult juggling everything especially since my husband has chosen to retrain at the same time!! Luckily his course is during the evening and weekends!

[yellowDahlia]

mya83 thanks for the encouragement! I know exactly what you mean about being an overthinker. My last post would have been at least twice as long if I had included ALL my thoughts and fears on this subject!

But I think if you try something new in the way you're describing - training on the side, a gradual changeover, then you'll always have your original work to fall back on. Better to try and take the chance than regret never giving it a go? I do fear that I'll get to retirement and think 'well what was the point of all that?!'

But There's the live to work/work to live thing too - if you don't love what you do, but it pays the bills and allows you to indulge your passions, spend time with your family etc outside of work, then that can make your job worthwhile too.

See, I'm overthinking again...the debate continues!

[Lifeisontheup2]

I worked in accounts for years and retrained as a paramedic in my late 40s. I've been qualified a couple of years now and I love it.

[user1468539146]

trujay
I started teacher training at age 39!