To start a new career aged 40 odd?

[Newhorizons123]

So, I hate my job. I deferred uni then just never went. I've had some great jobs and some terrible ones, then been a sahp.

I've applied to uni, and been accepted, to start an accountancy degree I'm September. I've had a change of heart.
Post degree I'll be 40ish with school aged children.

Please tell me what you would do in my situation? What would you study/retrain in?

What would be a good industry to move into? What's a valuable degree to have?

Help!

What's changed your mind with accountancy? That would be my first question to answer, I would have said that was a great plan.

Teaching I know most people say avoid but it could be a good one?

Do you need to earn a high amount? Career money or just get a job or role?

@Newhorizons123 it may be that you’re not aware MN has an entire board dedicated to

Mature Study and Retraining.

Take a look!

@dreamonlucid I'm not sure, always wanted to do accountancy, just worried it will be one of the sectors AI takes over in the near future?

@Any1Else

I was aware, thank you!

@Any1Else wasn't** aware 🤣

Go for it! Why wouldn’t you? The world is really changing and it’s never too late anymore.

I'm creative industry so everyone is fearful of AI in some way of other, but we've managed with other threats and changes over the years to retain a lucrative industry. Someone has to still make decisions in most industries.

A degree teaches you more than just the subject alone.. so even if the AI takes some roles, you'd be well placed to work across any business.

I'm currently part way through retraining in a completely different field mid 40s - it's hard going with work and study and being single mom to 3 but hoping it will be worth it. Go for it!

None of the accountants I know have a degree in accounting, it could be a waste of 3 years depending on what qualification it gives you. Many firms will offer a training contract so you can work/study till qualified. There are various routes to various qualifications: ACCA, ACA, CiMA, CiPFA. Have a google and see if they appeal.

Done it. Doing the career change job. On the whole like it but have also realised I just don’t like working 😂 however my new job has plenty of opportunities in health, social care, housing private and public sector locally if I want them so at least I can move when I get bored/ fed up.

in my previous role - was a professional one etc- I was done tbh- few alternative roles- they needed lots of travel so weren’t family friendly.

I also feel like I’m doing some good with this role and working with people tbh.

Only downside thing I think about is the money/ career- I’ve literally had to start again and because I worked in unqualified roles before doing the degree I’ve probably set myself back 8 or so years money/ prospects wise. but I was truly fed up.

ps studying as a mature student with children is great.

good luck whatever you choose x