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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if anyone has retrained in their 40s, and if so, as what?

69 replies

tartytowers · 21/10/2022 19:25

I've never had a career as such; my parents wouldn't let me do A-levels or university and the only thing I was allowed to do was an awful secretarial course at college. I had a few low paid office jobs until I had my eldest at 22. I then was a SAHM for many years and have had in the past few years a few minimum wage shop and reception jobs.

Anyway, I'd really like to retrain to do a career type job. Preferably something that I can do on the job as I really don't want to spend lots on training.

I loved maths at school and wanted to do economics or maths or business and finance as a degree and then work in investment banking or something similar. I know I'm way too old for that though (mid 40s)

Has anyone else retrained in their mid 40s and has anyone got any suggestions for career type jobs where I could train on the job?

Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
EmeraldShamrock1 · 22/10/2022 00:02

@LizzTruss Brilliant. 😅

TottersBlankly · 22/10/2022 01:02

No one’s linked to the actual Mature Study and Retraining board here yet?

Tut! Halloween Grin

www.mumsnet.com/talk/mature_students

Lots to consider there, OP.

girlfriend44 · 22/10/2022 17:48

Following.

Bestcatmum · 22/10/2022 17:53

I trained as an NHS podiatrist in my 40s. Did a degree. Thank God I did because my health failed...I'm 60 now and can do my job in a chair all day. I'm on £50kish now and can work until I'm 75 if I want.
I love the job and as a bonus its 9 to 5 weekends and bank holidays off for all the staff. Its rare to get a 9 to 5 medical job in the NHS. The pension is good too.
I'd recommend it to anyone.

Hankunamatata · 22/10/2022 18:21

Look at bioinformatics

Xtraincome · 22/10/2022 18:37

A great thread! I started one a while ago and am doing my MA in Creative Writing so I can write and/or move into publishing. I am 36.

Have copied the link to this for my DH who is desperately wanting to retrain. Will also flag him to mature students board as well.

He left school at 16 and has been with Royal Mail for 18 years.

Good Luck OP

Lomita277 · 22/10/2022 21:57

I retrained as an accountant (ACCA) and finished the full qualification at 50. Really glad I did as it is a solid qualification and many job opportunities.

RoachTheHorse · 22/10/2022 22:04

Flaunch · 21/10/2022 21:00

I’m in my 40’s and currently in the middle of a Business Analysis apprenticeship. I wouldn’t say this is re-training as I never really trained for anything specific before, but it’s a complete change to what I was doing in my previous work life. I got the opportunity within my existing organisation primarily because I’m extremely nosy and quite bossy 😂

It’s really hard but I'm enjoying it! You’ve got to go for these opportunities when they come up :)

Nosey and bossy sounds like me. And sounds like an interesting course. Tell me more!

JBEM4 · 23/10/2022 00:27

I'm 44 and just started a degree in Forensic Psychology (Open University and part time) to run alongside my full time job (self employed).

To be honest I only registered to help my (waiting to be diagnosed) autistic son as he was doing the same degree until he enrolled on another course in college but its something I'm interested in, I can spare the time and it gives me options as my current career has a shelf life after a certain age.

Life is short. Do it!

NeedSleepNow · 23/10/2022 00:31

I've just started an AAT course at my local college, part time on one of my non working days. It will be a good few years before I get to the level of study I would like to but it should open up a whole new set of jobs for me

Ontobetterthings · 23/10/2022 00:48

Same here. Wasn't allowed to go university by my parents as too expensive. Held me back massively. I was in low paid secretarial roles. I retrained late 30s in auditing. Make a lot of money now.. I did have to pay to take formal qualifications but it was well worth it.

Itsmeme · 23/10/2022 00:59

@Ontobetterthings can you tell me more about how you re trained in auditing? Sounds like something is be interested in

NicolaSixSix · 23/10/2022 01:20

Watching!

LydiaBennetsUglyBonnet · 23/10/2022 01:39

I’m pretty sure there a serious shortage of probation officers - you get paid while training, my friend does it and finds it very rewarding

SNWannabe · 23/10/2022 01:58

I am a nurse- trained and qualified in my mid forties.
What is your dream job @tartytowers ? Start from there and see if there is a real job opportunity there…

mileaminnie · 23/10/2022 02:35

Bestcatmum · 22/10/2022 17:53

I trained as an NHS podiatrist in my 40s. Did a degree. Thank God I did because my health failed...I'm 60 now and can do my job in a chair all day. I'm on £50kish now and can work until I'm 75 if I want.
I love the job and as a bonus its 9 to 5 weekends and bank holidays off for all the staff. Its rare to get a 9 to 5 medical job in the NHS. The pension is good too.
I'd recommend it to anyone.

I'd LOVE to do this.
I've just checked and I'd need an A level in a biological science though... I have A levels in Maths, German and Politics. Bah humbug! I ended up getting a PGCE after my maths degree but teaching is just taking it out of me now I don't think I can last much longer in the classroom

latenightpartyrings · 23/10/2022 03:25

I'm a degree apprentice, getting paid for doing the computing degree I should have done years ago (but chose a different direction).

estoymaquillandome · 23/10/2022 06:43

Well done. Not too late at all. It sounds like accountancy and business would be suitable.

America12 · 23/10/2022 10:38

@mileaminnie it's worth applying. I got into my uni health related course without one of the qualifications they wanted.

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