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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you changed career, what did you go from and move into?

25 replies

SilverHairedCat · 30/09/2018 17:32

Looking for inspiration please! I needs ideas!!

AIBU (probably) to ask, if you've changed career or significantly changed your job role, what you used to do and what you do now?

Could you elaborate, if you want to of course, on whether you had to retrain and / or take a huge paycut to do it?

OP posts:
happyclapper · 30/09/2018 21:10

Nurse
Trainee pub/restaurant manager
Nurse
Medical Sales Rep
Aesthetic Laser Therapist
Childminder
Clinical Trainer
Product Specialist Europe and Middle East
Most obviously medical based apart from a couple and some involved huge pay drops, usually when DC were young. Always open to change and new opportunities though and generally not afraid to take a risk which has sometimes lead to stressful situations.

NorthernFlowerHouse · 01/10/2018 00:13

I know you're looking for those who've done it already but currently civil service (international, security based management role) working towards getting into medical school.

If i get in I'll have to take a substantial pay cut for several years.

Aintnothingbutaheartache · 01/10/2018 00:16

I won’t tell you my career change, or one that impressed me hugely as they are a bit outing.
I would say though that the world is you oyster, you can do and be anything you want.
Go for it

EBearhug · 01/10/2018 00:17

From libraries to IT.

LifeofClimb · 01/10/2018 00:24

Customer service to Marketing

I did secondments and further studying and a lot of job applications to get my foot in the door. Worth it though. Marketing is much more lucrative long term.

bevelino · 01/10/2018 00:28

Nurse to solicitor.

SheGotBetteDavisEyes · 01/10/2018 00:32

My careers are a bit outing when combined with my other posts, but I went from a very high flying, stressful, city-type career to being self employed at something I absolutely love to do in my 40's.

I didn't retrain as I had the skills I needed, although I did join a couple of professional bodies for a bit of gravitas Grin. My salary is less, but flexible - I could earn more if I did more work, but I'm happy with the hours I do right now.

What I learned is what a pp said; the world can really be your oyster. No dream is too big. Don't be afraid to follow what you really want to do. It's incredibly rewarding to make positive, sweeping changes to your life.

GeneandFred · 01/10/2018 00:38

From professional dancer to a new career in digital marketing, specialising in social media management in an SEO company.

Im self taught.

Holidaycountdown · 01/10/2018 00:38

Catering and event manager, just started a 3 year Sports therapy degree 😬

Will be a pay drop initially but I’ll supplement my income with something part time while I work on building my own business.

ilovesooty · 01/10/2018 00:47

Teacher to third sector employee. Took a massive pay cut but still there years after and very, very happy. Also retrained as a counsellor and am self employed too.

schoty77 · 01/10/2018 01:15

Teacher to Screenwriter. Teaching was never something I planned on doing long term, it was to pay the bills until I could move into the career I wanted to be in. Don't miss it at all!

RumerGodden · 01/10/2018 03:01

Banker to ESL teacher

Tisahardlife · 01/10/2018 03:15

Watching with interest as I'm hoping for a career change and have no idea where to start in identifying where next and how to get there.

I'm public sector and need to get out to protect my own MH.

Jessiemay88 · 01/10/2018 03:44

Worked in financial advice
Career change to profesional surfer
Definite pay drop, much happier and healthier however.

Nightwatch999 · 01/10/2018 04:05

What's with I won't tell because it's a bit outing posts?Hmm

twoheaped · 01/10/2018 04:13

Education to
IT - huge pay increase to
Education - massive pay drop to
Owning my own business - only just started but will be bringing in enough to finish working in education by the end of next year (hopefully).

MissusGeneHunt · 01/10/2018 05:43

@Tisahardlife.... In exactly the same position... Work in the public sector which is crumbling around our ears, but need to seek similar flexible role before I implode...MH really suffering at the moment due to work related issues.

Good to hear so many positive 'you can do it' stories. Smile

Blobbyweeble · 01/10/2018 06:20

Credit Controller to a paramedic in my 40s. 10 years ago I would never have believed it possible but here I am.

PoodleJ · 01/10/2018 06:29

Scientist to shop owner to science teacher.
All different but happy to have the stability of a regular wage and pension from teaching. Also 12 weeks holiday per year is great for fitting in with kids.

SweetSummerchild · 01/10/2018 06:48

Process engineer to science teacher.

I was lucky enough to retrain in 2003 when the PGCE didn’t incur any tuition fees, there was a bursary, golden hello and the repayment of teachers’ loans scheme.

Original poster
SilverHairedCat · 01/10/2018 08:01

@Tisahardlife that's essentially where I am now.

Hospitality trades (kitchen roles, waitress, bar work)
Security
Police
Health and safety investigation

OP posts:
Gorganzolabrie · 01/10/2018 08:12

Civil servant
Systems analyst/programmer
Social worker
Psychotherapist

BasilFaulty · 01/10/2018 11:30

Actor to police officer, best decision I ever made.

SheGotBetteDavisEyes · 01/10/2018 11:40

What's with I won't tell because it's a bit outing posts?

Just exactly what I said? My careers are a bit outing when combined with my other posts

My career path is a reasonably unusual one and combined with my other many posts would possibly make me identifiable to a few regulars on MN who I know in rl.

Not sure what's so Hmm about that?

tinytemper66 · 01/10/2018 11:57

I began training as a nurse but then had my first son. Then stayed home for five years then became an Occupational Therapy Assistant in a local hospital. When my second son was born I didn't know what to do and eventually decided to go to college and university. I trained to be a teacher and that is now 18 years later.

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