To retrain at nearly 40

[Username666]

Hi
I'm a primary teacher and almost 40. I am wanting to change careers. Problem is I don't really know what I want to do other than I would like to retrain in something where you study and work at the same time and get paid. I've looked at social work and probation officer. Any other suggestions greatfully received. Thanks

I was in your situation and have just finished retraining as a specialist dyslexic teacher. I have started my own business and tutor 1-1. I am now doing a maters as a dyslexic assessor and plan to do that too once qualified in 2023

I retrained as a veterinary nurse aged 47 and recently qualified aged 50. I worked full time and did the apprenticeship route. I have postgraduate qualifications yet i found the course tough. I love my job but it's ridiculously poorly paid for the level of responsibility i have. I guess the issue with retraining is having to start at entry level pay (my career choice is not best example as its notoriously poorly paid).

Would i do it all again? In a heartbeat

What are your strengths?
What do you enjoy?
What's pushing you from teaching?

Thanks for your replies. Good questions PrincessTuna. It's not that I dislike teaching but its always felt like the 'safe/easy' option for me, having young children and not having to worry about childcare in the holidays, evenings etc. But do I want to do it for the next 25years? No. I just feel as I approach 40 (perhaps a midlife crisis) that I want a new challenge, to learn something new, to do something different. I'm not even sure what my strengths are or what I enjoy anymore. I shall have a good think as kind of just going through the motions at the moment. I think lockdown has caused a lot of people to reaccess

I think Social Work will be a case of our of the frying pan into the fire! How about something in healthcare? Occupational Therapy, Radiographer...you might be entitled to student loans?

I'm 40 and am a 1st Yr Radiography student. The new bursary is worth £8000 to me and is very welcome.

Well the 2 examples you gave would certainly give you the challenge!

I think you are right that lots of people will be reassessing careers now. Especially key workers. In fact if I could retrain I think it would be as a careers advisor. It's so important to show people their options and help them find their "thing" - but it just doesnt seem to be pushed in the UK.

Id love to retain as an OT or ed psych but can't manage full time/away from home.

You could look at your local lea and see what jobs are going. Perhaps something in ed sector that isnt teaching that would be a new challenge

I've started a degree this sept in an allied health profession (won't mention as too outing). 31 when I started but won't qualify for another few years. I've found it tough as I have young children (2 and 4) so I've opted for part time route from sep.Full time funding I get £7K from NHS and £7.5K from student finance and DH has a decent salary so don't think they consider that. I don't regret it one bit, loved feeling like me again and using my brain for something that's not child related!

Ooh do mention! Which one will let you train part time? Cant be that outing if nhs can it?

@Lucaslucas1612

I was in your situation and have just finished retraining as a specialist dyslexic teacher. I have started my own business and tutor 1-1. I am now doing a maters as a dyslexic assessor and plan to do that too once qualified in 2023

Where are you based roughly? I'm looking for a dyslexia tutor for one of my children (I'm in the North West).

I've just turned 37 and I'm starting a 4 year osteopathy degree this September. There's a speciality I want to do at the end, that will take me closer to 5 years.

I thought the NHS had some paid learning positions

Actuarial? The company would usually cover your tuition cost and as a student you would typically work 4 day week, but on full pay (1 day / week is paid study leave). Hours can be long though.

Throwing something completely different into the mix....computer programmer/software engineer? There are definitely paid schemes to get women into tech and long term it's a very lucrative career.

Im an ex ...now about to qualify as a radiographer age 43. Its an excellent course.

Ex teacher

@yoshiblue do you know where I could find out about the schemes?

@citycitycity the availability depends on your location, nearer a major city the better. You're welcome to DM me and I'll have a look for you for some examples.

Teacher training?

She's a primary teacher @Greenmarmalade

@PrincessTuna yes, I meant facilitating teacher training/teacher education.

Sky and British Gas are actively recruiting more women for their field workforce.

Both are offering apprenticeship with guarantee progression with training if you can afford the paycut.

Sky were recruiting for smart home service engineers - on the job training no previous experience required.

If I was considering retraining I'd look at electrician or plumber, then I'd market my services to women only. There's definitely a market for female homeowners sick of some of the antics of some male tradesmen, it's a service that I would definitely pay a premium for. (Yes, I know not ALL male trades are predatory idiots).

Sorry neverhad- I am not near you. Have you checked the PATOSS website?

@Lucaslucas1612

Sorry neverhad- I am not near you. Have you checked the PATOSS website?

No but I will do thank you!