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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think of a new career at 45

37 replies

ArrangeYourFace1 · 04/07/2022 09:47

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?

OP posts:
Original poster
ArrangeYourFace1 · 04/07/2022 11:29

thefirstfortyeight · 04/07/2022 11:10

Did you use the quote button?

Show quote history

Nope! That’s the one!

OP posts:
MrsM32 · 05/07/2022 16:28

Hi! I could have almost written this, stay at home mum for 2 years now, I’m 35, I want a new career but I need qualifications for any that I’m interested in, I’m worried about not finishing studies until I’m a few years older and then starting a new career a bit older than I already am, I want my kids to be proud of me so I also want something a bit more “official” as you say, my last role didn’t require qualifications, just worked my way up over the years

palygold · 05/07/2022 16:36

One of my best friends is considering retraining for a new career from scratch. I thought she was mad, but it sounds quite exciting.

Yanbu

jeaux90 · 05/07/2022 17:06

I am in Tech.

They are very very interested in people who want to rejoin especially within the realms of D&I if you are interested in it still.

Original poster
ArrangeYourFace1 · 07/07/2022 12:50

MrsM32 · 05/07/2022 16:28

Hi! I could have almost written this, stay at home mum for 2 years now, I’m 35, I want a new career but I need qualifications for any that I’m interested in, I’m worried about not finishing studies until I’m a few years older and then starting a new career a bit older than I already am, I want my kids to be proud of me so I also want something a bit more “official” as you say, my last role didn’t require qualifications, just worked my way up over the years

Yes totally this.

I feel I have so much more potential in me and I want my kids to have a fulfilled mum.

I have decided that I’m going to go for it. The words of encouragement on here and hearing other peoples stories have been really helpful.

I’ve found the course i want to do, I just now need to figure out the time to do it.

I haven’t told my husband yet of my plans…I don’t know why but I feel a bit anxious about that bit!

OP posts:
Original poster
ArrangeYourFace1 · 07/07/2022 12:52

palygold · 05/07/2022 16:36

One of my best friends is considering retraining for a new career from scratch. I thought she was mad, but it sounds quite exciting.

Yanbu

there is something quite exciting about it. Very daunting too. Finding a whole new avenue to travel down when you had imagined you’d be on the same track forever is unexpected and very pleasant!

OP posts:
Original poster
ArrangeYourFace1 · 07/07/2022 12:53

jeaux90 · 05/07/2022 17:06

I am in Tech.

They are very very interested in people who want to rejoin especially within the realms of D&I if you are interested in it still.

I did briefly consider it as I did enjoy it. But if I’m going with my heart then it’s elsewhere. I sort of just fell into IT after uni, I didn’t choose it exactly.

OP posts:
DreadlocksMadeMeHappy · 07/07/2022 13:01

My friend has just completed a one year training course at Coventry University and has just got a well paid job as a result. He says it's changed his life.

For those interested, he's a Food Safety Officer, carrying out food inspections for the Local Authority.

2 days a week. One on campus, one online.

link here

He says it's changed his life. I only know so much about it because of how much he talks about it. He's over the moon. Mid 40s too!

Original poster
ArrangeYourFace1 · 07/07/2022 13:45

DreadlocksMadeMeHappy · 07/07/2022 13:01

My friend has just completed a one year training course at Coventry University and has just got a well paid job as a result. He says it's changed his life.

For those interested, he's a Food Safety Officer, carrying out food inspections for the Local Authority.

2 days a week. One on campus, one online.

link here

He says it's changed his life. I only know so much about it because of how much he talks about it. He's over the moon. Mid 40s too!

How fantastic for your friend. It’s so so encouraging to hear stories like this!

OP posts:
Original poster
ArrangeYourFace1 · 07/07/2022 13:49

@DreadlocksMadeMeHappy thank you for the link

OP posts:
FFSparenting · 27/03/2024 16:11

Would you mind sharing what you decided to do? I am in a similar boat and would love to hear how this turned out for you

BartiRum · 27/03/2024 16:23

Definitely go for it! You’l be kicking yourself in five years if you don’t!
I just about to start my new career at 39, anxious but excited too!!
best of luck!

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