AIBU to think of a new career at 45

[ArrangeYourFace1]

Has anyone successfully done something like this?

I had a career before kids, but gave it up to stay at home with the DC.

I’m now getting concerned that in a couple of years I’m going to have a lot more free time, a very active brain and nothing to do with it.

I don’t want to go back to my previous career (I wouldn’t be able to drop back into it anyway, I’d need to retrain).

I don’t want to spend many years training but I also want to do something that needs qualifications…something ‘official’ if that makes sense. I’ve always been very interested in psychology.

So has anyone had a complete change midlife? If so, what did you do? How long did it take you to get to where you wanted and was it worth it?

Exactly the same position as you and considering a potential new career. I’m finding the thought of actually doing it very daunting.

When you say official what do you mean? Social worker? Teacher?

You’ve got 20 years of working so not at all. But I would have a serious look at how much additional study you would need on top of a degree to practice psychology

Look into qualifying as a Probation Officer via the PQIP qualification.

I qualified as a social worker two years ago aged 56. So glad I did. Used to be a journalist.

Definitely do it. You will be employed until you are 68. You don't want 20 years in a profession you dislike.

Go for it. I retrained for a new career in a completely different field when I was 48. I've never regretted it.

Me too exactly.

I'm exactly the same position right now . Just got divorced kids getting older. I'm a carer for my dd who has very severe needs but that won't be forever as she will need assisted living when old enough . So I'm trying to use my time at home the next couple of years to retrain.

I suppose I mean professional. It’s an ego thing I think. I find myself worrying about what my DC are going to say about me not having a career (and also for my own fulfilment).

Interesting! I would be interested in this. Never considered it before.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. Good to hear that others have done similar!

Do you already have a degree ? Could that give you an entry to something else with shorter training ?

There’s no such thing as a “job for life” anymore and research shows that people have an average of 7 jobs during their working life. Now that people are no longer forced to retire at a set age, I would say go for it.
You didn’t say exactly what job you’re interested in, but if you already have a degree, a one year post-grad qualification in another field could give you specific qualifications for that field.
At a much older age than you, I retrained for a new career. Can tell us what job you are interested in?

I'd say go for it op. But I would add that I would get on and do it now. I found the onset of the menopause has had a massive effect on my ability to retain new information and my energy levels has reduced a lot. I know everyone is different but at 45 I had so much more energy and enthusiasm than I had at 50.

What were you before?

I went into an entirely new career in my late 40s, started at the bottom, did loads of CPD and worked my way up.

Definitely do it.
I switched careers at age 42 and haven't looked back. Am seriously considering doing it again at age 50.
The upside to the fact that we're working longer is that a lot of the stigma around older workers is now disappearing so its far less relevant what age you are now.
It would help if you can use your existing skills as a launchpad for this new career.

I do, but I don’t know whether it would help me…perhaps.

I used to be in IT, doing reasonably well.

But it was getting into the realms of people management which I hate, I loved to be part of a team working on something technical. Hate management.

I’d love to work with people in some way, counselling or something similar.

Very good point, thank you for this

I feel like I’m an excellent project manager with 3 DC 😬

not sure how much a future employer would appreciate that?!

how did people find learning again?

I am worried I don’t have the stamina to sit down and learn and take exams. I was never brilliant at it

Sorry I was pressing the reply button but it doesn’t look like I’ve replied to anyone! Not sure what I did wrong.

You can get project management qualms like PRINCE
You may also be interested in mental health nursing - you can train via a degree or degree apprenticeship ( you may need to be working in an assistant or similar role first though).

Did you use the quote button?