To ask if anyone has made a major career change in their 40s?

[KM99]

It's been weighing on my mind for most of 2018.

I've worked in the corporate sector for 20+ years. Paid well and until having my DS (now age 5) I had a lot of job satisfaction and career progression was very important to me.

Now I feel unsatisfied, tired of corporate bs and want to do something that plays more to my people and coaching skills. And honestly, gives more back than just helping companies make money.

Have any of you made a big change in your 40s? How did you go about it? What did you have to sacrifice?

I know I'm very lucky in the job I have as it gives me lots of flexibility as a working parent, good benefits etc. And I've been able to tell myself that since having DS so I don't rock the boat.

But now I feel the daily stress, anxiety and ironically the sometimes boredom of same old politics and situations is dragging me down. I also think if my hearts no longer in it then someone younger and more hungry for it deserves the job.

Talked a lot to my OH about how we could make some life changes such as downsizing so I can make changes (I'm the major earner in the house).

Would love to hear your experiences if you are willing to share.

I’m doing it now at 50! I was a nurse for 26 years, but was slowly getting burnt out. Then I got breast cancer which made me stop and take stock of my life.
I’m now doing an apprenticeship in childcare (who knew you could do an apprenticeship at 50?!) and I’m working in a nursery. It’s hard studying again at my age but I’m so glad I’m doing it.

I used to work in finance in the City, when I was 40 I became a university lecturer. It's great and I am very happy.

In your 40s, likely you'll have 20-25 years left to work, so you need to be happy in your role and retraining at this age is absolutely possible, and rewarding.

I went from 10 years of working freelance back to the workplace at 42, not retraining as such but definitely transferring skills and developing new ones, into a sector I care passionately about, and it's absolutely the best thing I ever did.

Go for it!

I have, twice. Not quite 40, quit corporate job to be self employed. Ran my own business for ten years, employing others and balancing work with demanding family life.
Not quite 50, fewer family responsibilities, wound down business and took a role in not for profit sector. Uses all the skills developed over 30 years in business, very fulfilling, always new challenges. I’ll do that for a few more years then plan to go back to studying.

I used to have a seriously senior role running a media business in the corporate world. For years I loved it, but ultimately I found that it was devouring my life and I wanted some time back. I left with no plans at all. Took a 3 month break and then one day found myself idly looking at my dds’s school website where they were advertising for a maternity cover for the business manager. Put in an application, got the job, and now 5 years later I am on my third school business manager role. Working in schools has many joys but is not without its drawbacks, but I don’t regret the decision for one moment. I have my life back. Seize the day!

Thanks all for the advice and sharing experiences. I'm suffering from some stress and anxiety all related to work at the moment too which isn't helping.

I have a plan to put some small changes and tools in place to make things somewhat easier. But I know deep down I want some kind of change in the long term.

Certainly not about to walk away overnight. Not with a young child, being the main earner etc. But do like the idea of doing something alongside.

My company are also very supportive on personal goals and balance, so I think I shouldn't rule out options like part time or less senior roles to get where I want to be.