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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is 50 too old??

113 replies

NewRollover · 08/02/2023 13:32

I'm 50 years old - it feels like a big jump from 49 I am suddenly feeling closer to retirement and old age.

I have a chance to jump into a new career opportunity in a job I would have given my right arm for 20 years ago. I don't know if I feel too old and tired.

I'm working full time but this is longer full time and a slightly longer commute. It's more money, more responsibility, more challenge. Senior management in a growing business.

What would you do? AIBU to feel Iike this.

OP posts:
CrkdLttrCrkdLttr · 08/02/2023 13:40

Context … Grin

www.mumsnet.com/talk/mature_students

Choconut · 08/02/2023 13:45

Take your age out of it - do you want the job or not? There is no obligation to take it if you don't want to (I'm assuming) so just say no thanks if that's the case. But don't hold yourself back because of your age! Could you imagine a 50 year old man thinking he was too old for a promotion?

jays · 08/02/2023 13:49

What I would say is this. So many people don’t have a chance. They’re stuck for whatever reason and no matter how much they want a chance, they just don’t have one. You do! You have a chance! That is honestly amazing and exhilarating and what life is all about, please take it! How exciting! X

JudgeJ · 08/02/2023 13:49

I was just on my 50s when I got a big promotion, go for it or in 10 years time, as you approach 60, you'll look back with regret. Good luck.

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 08/02/2023 13:50

I'll be 50 very soon. I'm not too old!Grin

I think answer to this question is whatever you want it to be. What kind of 50 year old do you want to be? One that is excited and energetic and determined to squeeze the most out of life? Or one that is tired and ready to wind down towards retirement?

Neither is "wrong" as such. It's about how you feel and how you want to live your life.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 08/02/2023 13:52

50 is too old is you are a cat but not if you are a Galapagos giant tortoise.

Hope this helps. 😉

NancyPickford · 08/02/2023 13:58

I totally changed career aged 52. Didn't think twice.

CharlotteUnaNatalieThompson · 08/02/2023 14:01

I'm 50 this year and I've never been fitter. Run ultramarathons and have a fulfilling job. Age is just a number

waffleyversatile1 · 08/02/2023 14:03

jays · 08/02/2023 13:49

What I would say is this. So many people don’t have a chance. They’re stuck for whatever reason and no matter how much they want a chance, they just don’t have one. You do! You have a chance! That is honestly amazing and exhilarating and what life is all about, please take it! How exciting! X

I love this take on it!! So positive

Cancersurvivor · 08/02/2023 14:05

Go for it girl. ♥️♥️♥️

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 08/02/2023 14:08

Agree with others age is just a number. It is your life and you need to do what makes you happy regardless of age and if you can afford to do so. My friend has embarked on her fourth career at 50+. She’s happy and fulfilled albeit tired. Me - I’ve jumped off the career wagon and decided to take a job I enjoy with people I get along with for money that enables me to do life. (Autism has played a huge role in this as I can no longer keep up the masking without being totally wiped out). So hobbies etc are my priority. Dh enjoys his long hours job, but has quietly quit from the office politics side.
Three different approaches to work over 50, but we are all happy in our own way with our employment status.

Aquamarine1029 · 08/02/2023 14:09

Go for it, absolutely! If you're feeling not so great, tired, foogy, etc, it is probably peri-menopause. If you're not on HRT already I highly recommend it. It can be a game changer.

KnittedCardi · 08/02/2023 14:10

Assuming you started work in your twenties, you have only worked for 2/3's of your working life. You have another 1/3 to go. Now that could be depressing, but on the other hand, what an amazing way to complete that last 15 years. Go for it.

BadGranny · 08/02/2023 14:11

At the age of 50, I started a new job in a new sector 150 miles away from my previous job, home and friends. It has been a wholly positive experience, and as I approach retirement age, I am so glad I did it. My friends thought I was nuts, but my closest family supported me and they were right to do so.

Astrabees · 08/02/2023 14:14

At 50 I did a bit of voluntary work while I was between jobs in my then profession. I was asked to stay and to take over the department when the manager had a heart attack and left. I fully retrained with social care qualification to masters level after being a law lecturer at an FE college. I found it quite invigorating and very interest g. I have just retired and I’m thinking about going to art college.

Sunriseinwonderland · 08/02/2023 14:17

I did this at 60 and feel I have absolutely zero time for myself or my hobbies. I feel fed up to be honest.

crackofdoom · 08/02/2023 14:18

Could it be the menopause/ peri dragging you down a bit? On a thread I started the other day quite a few women reported feeling better, more energy etc once they'd come through the other side of that.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 08/02/2023 14:20

I'm 52. I got my forever job last year. My 50th birthday (in lockdown) was the impetus. I also wear jeans, doc's, converse, no make up, stay up too late bc and enjoy mountain biking. 50 is not too old for anything, apart from conforming to stereotypes.

SunsetStrip · 08/02/2023 14:21

Nope. I'm older and I'd do it.

weegiemum · 08/02/2023 14:24

I'm 52 and started studying again this academic year to retrain as a counsellor. It's a 2 year course, I won't start working in it till I'm almost 54! But as my retirement age is 67 that's plenty time to work. And I think my life experience will make me better at my job than if I'd done it when much younger. I used to be a secondary teacher.

bloodywhitecat · 08/02/2023 14:24

I'm 60 this year, in my mid 50s I had a complete change of career and lifestyle and I haven't regretted it once. If you really want the change I would say embrace it with both hands, you only get one chance at life.

redskydelight · 08/02/2023 14:25

I'm 50 and I've just changed career.
For me it is the perfect time - my children no longer need so much hands on attention and I can focus on what I want rather than always having to have an eye on checking they are ok.

and the extra money is good for my pension too :)

NeedAHoliday2021 · 08/02/2023 14:28

I think you find the energy and a new job can actually really give you a boost from the drudgery. Go for it. See how it is for a year and by then it’ll be solid enough on your cv to give you options!

Alexandernevermind · 08/02/2023 14:39

You aren't ready for the old pipe and slippers yet!
Do you want the job? If yes then go for it!

Wantanytoastwiththat · 08/02/2023 14:43

I am 50. Age is just a number. If you want the job, go for it. Good luck

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