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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Completely new career at 40 ?

34 replies

Threebutterflies · 24/05/2022 20:04

Hi
I have just turned 40 . I’ve never had a full time job only part time bar work and some factory work. I can’t do any job that involves lifting now as I have a bad back . Would it be possible to completely start from scratch at 40 and train for a new job ? I’m thinking one or two years training/college.
aibu - I’m to old now
ainbu - I’m not to old
any suggestions of jobs that involves no lifting / manual labour appreciated 👌

OP posts:
gotthis · 24/05/2022 20:13

I think it sounds perfectly possible. What sort of things do you enjoy doing? If you like figures then book keeping or accountancy may be an option?

quietnightmare · 24/05/2022 20:20

You are only 40. 40 is the new 20. Have a look for courses online and see what you think you might like and then apply

XenoBitch · 24/05/2022 20:23

No advice here, but I am in the same situation. Early 40s, and have not worked for over a decade. The job I had was dead end with no transferable skills (and was so long ago so irrelevant now anyway). I am pretty much as useful as a school leaver with bad exam results.

CornishPorsche · 24/05/2022 20:24

Can you use a computer? Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc would be a great place to start.

laalaaland · 24/05/2022 20:24

I'm 41 and am just coming to the end of a one year training course. Go for it.

Original poster
Threebutterflies · 24/05/2022 20:28

@gotthis
hi unfortunately I’m not very good with maths . I did do a maths course to try and learn but failed miserably ☹️

OP posts:
Original poster
Threebutterflies · 24/05/2022 20:29

@laalaaland
can I ask what course it was ? Did you have to pay for it or did you get funding ?

OP posts:
Original poster
Threebutterflies · 24/05/2022 20:32

Im Ok with computers but would need to update my skills . I’m sure word etc have changed a lot since I last used them . I’m not even sure what companies would hire a 40 year old with no skills when there’s so many youngsters needing jobs now .

OP posts:
Original poster
Threebutterflies · 24/05/2022 20:35

@XenoBitch
scary isn’t it . All I’ve ever done is be a single mum and like I said the bar work and factory job . I don’t even know we’re to start tbh ! I used to just walk in a pub , ask for a job and get one ! Now even the application process is mind boggling to me ☹️

OP posts:
Despinetta · 24/05/2022 20:43

If you’ve been doing bar work for 20 years you must have top notch customer service skills. Factory work also shows that you're reliable, can follow safety procedures, have attention to details, can work in a team etc.

Would you like to work with the public? What sort of location? What interests do you have?

parietal · 24/05/2022 20:49

Call centre work is always an option to pay the bills. Similarly shop floor work and that has the potential to move up into supervisor / manager roles too.

the question is - what do you want to train in? There are probably types of care / nursing / childcare roles that don't involve lifting and handling.

NellesVilla · 24/05/2022 20:51

Not too late old, OP. Go for it. What interests you? Do you have any hobbies/interests/passions that could act as a starting point or inspiration?

Fwiw, I have been in a similar position- ex teacher who had some mental health issues and needed to make a change in mid-30s. During the pandemic I worked in care, which led to an admin job in care industry. Terrible, dreadful pay bit I see it as a temporary thing, a bridge if you like that bought me time before my next move.

Now my confidence is coming back, I’m hoping to apply to be a speech and language therapist next year.

Mumofcats5 · 24/05/2022 20:53

I'd say it's not too late. Could you look into apprenticeships? Get paid whilst learning something? There will be something surely that will tickle your fancy!

Cornishmumofone · 24/05/2022 20:54

Look for an apprenticeship: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

WonderWomansBoobs · 24/05/2022 20:59

I'm 40 and starting an OU course in October (busy doing an access course now as I've not studied since school 24 years ago!) It's a 6 year course but you can complete it quicker if you want to. No idea where I'm going with it, it's just an interest of mine (science) and hoping opportunities arise along the line. If not then that's fine too. I've proved to myself I can do it.

I'm applying for student finance for the course, while working and getting UCs too.

XenoBitch · 24/05/2022 21:39

Cornishmumofone · 24/05/2022 20:54

Look for an apprenticeship: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Out of interest, I had a look at what was in my area. The only one I could apply for realistically, was a step down from GCSE level for serving tea.

Original poster
Threebutterflies · 24/05/2022 21:53

Thanks I had no idea people my age could do apprenticeships? Thought it was for ages 16-24. I’ll have a look through and see if there’s anything I can apply for. I asked about care work but the job centre said it would involve lifting but I can look futher into that as well . I’ve been out of work for a while now due to my back and some mental health problems . I enjoyed doing bar work, I like serving customers .

OP posts:
Ohhelpicantthinkofaname · 24/05/2022 21:59

I’m 37 and half way through a degree apprenticeship. Going back to study has been an interesting experience, especially as I never did very much studying when I was younger!! But it’s all going well.

at 40 you’d be about middle of the age range on my course. Certainly not too old at all. So go for it. I’m sure there’ll be something out there that inspires you.

Despinetta · 24/05/2022 21:59

How about beauty therapist, if you enjoy working with the public? You can do a qualification and once you’ve got some experience it’s possible to work for yourself.

Mossstitch · 24/05/2022 22:41

Of course you not too old, I did access to health course at college, as I didn't have A levels, at 42 (with 3 kids but course was in school hours), then went to uni to do NHS degree, didn't qualify til 46 but you still have at least 20 years to work after that. You just have to decide what you are interested in then one step at a time to get there. Good luck💐

Happyhibiscus · 24/05/2022 22:52

If you wanted to improve your IT skills then take a look at the ECDL courses. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to do it for free- check your local authority learning department or ask at your local library.

You’re definitely not too old to learn something new.

gotthis · 24/05/2022 23:07

There are various career quizzes on the internet. Not sure if helpful, but may give you some inspiration.

JaceLancs · 24/05/2022 23:09

I’m over 50 and considering training to be a driving instructor!

Talkingtopigeons · 24/05/2022 23:22

Appreciate it depends on what you're interested in, but family support work (eg who work with families a level before social workers get involved, or a more specialist role in child protection) often start without formal qualifications and based on personal experience as a parent.

CherrySocks · 24/05/2022 23:35

As you like working with customers, you could work in a shop (that doesn't sell heavy things) - bakery? Or something you are interested in. You could volunteer in a charity shop to get some recent experience.

Some places have return to work schemes - see this website womenreturners.com/skills-updating/free-online-courses-to-support-rtw/