I need to get my shit together don’t I re the future?

[MustTryHarderMaybe]

Been predominantly a SAHM for the past decade (loved it) but have helped with DH’s family business and have done a fair bit of project volunteering too, around the children, whilst helping the in-laws who have now passed on.
I’m absolutely done with having any more babies, and it’s dawned on me what the hell am I going to do when the youngest starts preschool in 2 years? I’ll be 40 then and having read so many threads on here warning women as SAHM’s I find myself perhaps in that exact position?
But what do I do now to help me get a decent job then? I’d love to earn at least £30k as that was what I was on 10 years ago before DC. I don’t have a pension either but DH pays my NI as I get a smallish wage to do admin etc for the business. Do I need a pension? Is it too late? I do have a very modest flat I let out which I always thought would be my pension but that’s required work over the years so has a little mortgage that the rent covers.
I’ve experience in property, charity trustee, setting up/running a business, school governor, banking, and helping in childcare settings. The only qualifications I have are some Alevels, childminder certificate, first aid, and did some banking exams to sell basic investments and mortgages years ago so it’s all probably out of date. I’d love to get a degree but is there any point for me?
Wise ones, please help as I’m so lost! I’ve screwed up a bit haven’t I?

A few years ago I worked with a career coach (just a few sessions w tasks set in between, so didn't cost a lot) who helped me to decide which lines of work were a good and realistic match for my skills. Helped me see where to start the search.

I wouldn't spend the time getting a degree, but some shorter term study might help - depending on the industry you want to join.

Hate to say it, but you need to get yourself some security just in case your marriage doesn't end up how you want - you don't want to be so reliant on your partner now your kids are getting older. He may eventually resent it, and having your own lives/independence makes you both more attractive to each other as time goes on (just my take on it but i've seen this play out badly for me/some of my friends)

Do I need a pension?

Yes! Of course you do! And no it’s obviously not too late, at nearly 40 you have 25+ years left for working and paying into one so don’t panic about that. Can you get more involved in the business for now to help bump up your CV when it’s time? You sound like you’ve done lots of useful things while being a SAHM so I’m sure you will find something.

As you’ve had experience with small business and money matters, have you considered book keeping and accounting? The training is done in chunks, you can start off as a sole trader while children are small and fit it in around them, then progress up working for larger companies bigger wages. Your experience with running a business would be invaluable to your clients.

I had a couple of final salary pensions before I became a SAHP and started a pension pot two years ago. I am 55. It's not going to be a lot, but my dh has one and I wouldn't change my years at home for anything.

Happiness now will always trump what may happen in the future.

Do you have savings? Can you invest a lump sum into a pension to get you started?

Start as a virtual assistant you can charge £25 an hour and work from home. Having kids in school it does help if you’ve got flexibility.

if not that I agree with the civil service / local government.

Just as an aside, your dh doesn't need to pay NI for you (above and beyond legal obligations obviously) if you claim child benefit, as until your youngest turns 12, claiming child benefit alone contributes to your NI record.

Good luck retuning to work You have not screwed up at all. I was a SAHM for over 20 years and managed to get back into work, admittedly at a base level where once I was a senior manager in a profession, but you are much younger than I was and have time to really plan for your return to work.

40 is young, you can easily do this. I wouldn't bother with a degree. The civil service is a very good idea, you can progress quite easily through the lower grades once you were in and it is reasonably flexible

There are literally 1000s of free courses to do. Start with updating the basics then build on that. I did a MicroMasters from EdX in a related field at 50. Now in dream job. Just start now.

A friend of mine did training to become a scrum master and that has worked really well for her.

Oh wow! Thank you all!
I’ve had experience all things residential and commercial property, from sales to lettings and management. In banking I was a branch manager and then worked in private banking looking after customers but that was a very long time ago and the jobs just aren’t there locally anymore (live fairly rurally).
I volunteered for running a housing charity so know a fair bit about housing/almshouses/charities and I love people stories and to be of help if that makes sense?
We don’t have much if any support with the children hence why I’ve been home which I do love, but yes I certainly feel I’ve been too laid back about things.
I’d say I’m naturally interested in all things business and law related but would like to do something that helps people. Im naturally an organiser and do love a project.
I’ve got my old banking pension, can he pay into that? I’ve ignored it for the last 10 years or so…

I'm older than you and currently doing a degree with the Open University which I love, it's so interesting. They offer degrees in business and law so I'm sure you'll find a course you like. Go for it!

Housing association work seems obvious place to go…

www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record

Don't think that your DH has paid your NI, you need to check yourself !
It will show you per year & if you have paid in full or not

You need 35 years of NI to claim a full state pension

FYI you get National Insurance credits automatically if you claim Child Benefit and your child is under 12.