To start from scratch in my 30's?

[Copperpans]

Looking to hear from those who completely changed course career-wise in their 30's (or later).

I'm 34 and can't bear the thought of spending the remaining 40 years of my life in my current line of work.

I'm thinking of leaving and retraining in a field that has always interested me, either via a second Hons degree or at masters level.

Have I left it too late? Should I presume I'll be at a huge disadvantage compared to to other colleagues of a similar age who have 10 years+ of experience in the field already?

Will I be viewed poorly by potential employers or seen as someone who just never knew what she wanted to do?

Has anyone ever made such a drastic change and later regretted it, or found themselves still in very junior positions in their 40's/50's thanks to the late start in their new career?

Is it worth it for the sake of doing something that really, genuinely interests you?

I changed careers aged 32. I was underchallenged and did not want the progression route of the old career. Skills that are my strengths were not the main part of my old career. It is worth doing for a career that you feel fired up and good about.

I went down the experience route as I already had a Masters. It is not too late especially if you make your Masters research is relevant to your chosen path.

I avoided putting my age on job applications and I think a lot of people thought I was late 20s. I did have to start at a lower grade than I would have liked as my experience was not proven but progression is quick as you know what you want. The first job I agonised over how to explain why I changed from the last role. No one asks now but the simple answer is wanting a new challenge and knowing where my strengths lie and passion for the field.

I'm 40 and in a senior management position. I've actually had to go slower than other people would have liked me to as I want time to build soft leadership skills. I see the stress that comes with the higher positions.

The only thing I would say is about children, I have not had any mainly as other unrelated things happened health wise. It is not too late but I perhaps wish I had prioritised that sooner.

It is absolutey worth doing, you have a good 20+ years of working ahead of you.

I would also say think carefully about the work/life balance of what you are going into as these things become more important as you get older and the longevity of the career (in terms of demand for it), I found it quite draining mentally to learn so much new and for that reason I would only want to change career once probably. The mental input is positive though so don't let that put you off :)

I changed career at 34. I dont regret it but I was very lucky to work for a huge organisation which meant I could stay with the same company and retain a similar salary in a completely different field.

I have a mortgage and kids so literally could not afford a drop in income. If you have neither of these things or money isn't a worry do it. You have 30+ years to work in your new field, plenty of time to progress.

I used lockdown to change careers from something I grew to hate to something I love. I'm 35. In fairness I'm still in the same field (law) just doing something different (I left private practice and went in-house and started lecturing at university which is something I always wanted to do). I couldn't be happier. Do it! Life is too short to spend the rest of your life doing something you hate. I'm sure you have transferrable skills that you can use in a new career.

There is a woman in my company I really admire. She’s very senior (department Director in a business strategy type role) and is an absolute pleasure to watch at work. She’s eloquent and bright and really captures the attention of those she’s speaking to. Professionally, she is excellent.

I’d say she’s probably late 40s and I learned this week that she’s only been in the business for about 12-15 years and started in a really junior role. Before that she was in the health profession (think qualified nurse or similar). She decided in her early 30s to chuck it in and she’s made an incredible career for herself. She’s certainly not doing less well than others who have been in her field for twice as long.

If you have the passion in the new area then go for it. What have you got to lose?

Good luck OP.

The way I look at it is that you've got a lot of years left before retirement so do something you'll enjoy. I'm 30 and in the process of retraining. I'd only worked in field one for 10 years and have another (atleast) 35 years left of work so I should be doing something I want to do

I changed careers at 35. I didn't retrain but I took a junior position and a significant pay cut. I worked hard, developed my skills and got promoted in less than 3 years.

Sometimes on the job experience is valued more than qualifications. Also make sure that there are progression opportunities if you're going to be starting at the bottom.

I'll be one of those graduates who is looking for a career I love as opposed to one that pays well and I hate. After working the last 20 in retail I want to quit. I probably won't make much more than I am now, but I will love what I do as opposed to counting the minutes until my shift is over.
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My DH retrained at 28 and qualified two years later before a training year, so three years in all. Totally worth it- he loves it and is far happier and earning a lot more.

I supported him financially while he did it, and he got scholarships from the professional institution affiliated to the profession.

Totally fine to retain but work out what you’ll live on, is it in a vocational area like law or dentistry where there will be jobs to go to, and will it hold back other plans like marriage or children?