Is 51 too old to change career?

[jmh740]

Ive been a TA since 2014. 18 months ago I applied for a job at my school that was temp for 12 month possibly becoming permanent. After 12 months they extended it 6 more months to 31st August and said they would let me know if it was being made a permanent role by end of May.
Friday I was told it wasn't cost effective and I would go back to being a TA.
It's a 6k wage drop I know I've only been doing it 18 months but I'm used to the extra money.
DH had to medically retire 4 years ago. Only has a really small pension and PIP.

I'm so worried about money I've seen a job as a trainee education mental health practitioner. Its 26k for the first year training and working. It sounds really good but I believe its really competitive no guarantee of a job after the training.

Its 20 years since I did my degree not sure if I can study at that level. I'm a carer for dh and Dad. But youngest leaves school in a few weeks so I definitely dont need to be off school holidays any more.

I feel too old for change but have another 16 years to work. I love being a TA but the pay is shocking.

Need some words of wisdom please mumsnetters.

Good luck!

If you think you would enjoy it, then go for it! As you say, plenty of working life still left. Might as well earn more and learn something new whilst doing it.

Go for it! Good luck.

Definitely not too old! Go for it!

It’s an area of employment that needs suitably experienced people and being a TA will have given you so many transferable skills. If you think you will enjoy it then go for it!

When does your DH get his state pension?

You can but the one thing I will say is having worked with mature students I do not see an issue with studying. They tend to be very studious and do well. But circumstances means they cannot or are unwilling to relocate. I relocated when I was in my late twenties, it was easy at that stage of life.

51 isn't too old at all, good luck!

Apply - if you don't apply you definitely won't get it. If you do apply you might.

Good luck! 🤞🍀

It’s never too old to change careers. I changed careers from being a TA to data analyst. At the age of 56.

Go for it!

You have roughly 17 more years to work before state pension

Change jobs

This
16-18 years of working life left, that’s quite a lot when you think of it.

He turned 59 yesterday so 8 years. I couldn't relocate while my dad is still alive. I'm prepared to travel for work im in Lancashire so manchester Liverpool are both options

You don't really have anything to lose by applying?

I've just gone back to my previous profession after a 15 year break via a 'returnship'. I'm older than you (just!) so I say absolutely not too old. Go for it!

(When I did my first degree, there was a lady in her 50s on the course).

If you’re happy enough to commute then go for it.

I changed career at 50 .... best thing I ever did!

Honestly it depends what it is. If you have to go back to uni, then do training afterwards then it probably won’t make sense time wise.

How long would you need to retrain for and how much would that cost?

Do it! Sounds really interesting! TA's are massively underpaid and undervalued. I think because it often falls to women who are looking for work around the kids. Think it is a scandal along the lines of council cleaners (women- crap wage) and council block cleaners (men - better wage) Hope you really enjoy it.

Go for it. Please don't hold yourself back.

I've been stuck in the same job for far too long because I lack the confidence to push myself.

Start working on your application and give it your very best shot.

Good luck x

I'm older than you and about to do something similar. I say go for it!

The training is a year mixed uni and some days on the job its 26k trainee salary and rises to 34k when qualified.

Ok so teaching then? I’d go for it. It’s only 2 years and you clearly know and like the environment as a TA

A change is as good as a rest. You sound ready for it. Don’t let anyone stop you. Your child has nearly left school. It’s time for you to do what you want to do and feather your own nest. Prioritise yourself, whatever you decide.

Do it! There are NHS targets to expand this workforce, so while they might not guarantee a job, more people will be getting employed each year.

Sounds like a great opportunity, I'd definitely go for it. You've still a good few working years yet