I've worked in the same industry since University (agricultural retail) - my degree is in Psychology.
I started in a shop as a temp maternity cover while I was doing my degree, but I was good at it, so my contract was made permanent and I stayed after finishing my degree and eventually became Store Manager.
However, after my first child I split up from his dad and had to move store and go part time to balance childcare which meant a demotion. This didn't bother me as my priorities had changed.
My employer went in to administration in 2018 and I was fortunately headhunted by another company as the ship was going down so to speak. Its a much smaller family owned business. Thankfully very flexible which is great with the kids. Due to covid I've moved in with my parents. This has allowed me to go full time and I was promoted earlier this year (before going full time) and am greatly valued as I work hard and now work in their other business as well as the one I am officially employed by.
I'm 33 and while my pay is good for a 'retail' role, I feel like as I'm good at my current job, I could be good at something else too that pays better? Also, I don't actually like being customer facing and am enjoying far more all of the `behind the scenes' work I also do. Living back with my parents allows me more time to put in to a job as they do the school run for me, so I feel like it's now or I have to wait until the kids are independent.
My question to you is.... Did you change career path later on in life? What made you change? How did you go about it?