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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is 51 too old to change career?

30 replies

jmh740 · 25/05/2026 18:54

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.

OP posts:
jmh740 · 26/05/2026 16:09

BountifulPantry · 25/05/2026 21:25

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

Not teaching. Mental health in school role

OP posts:
LarksAscending · 26/05/2026 18:56

Lots of women in their 50s on my healthcare degree course

coolcahuna · 26/05/2026 19:07

I'm 49 and retraining now and I'm not the oldest on the course by far so absolutely it's not too old

jmh740 · Yesterday 20:26

Applied for the role closing date was Sunday feel like I rushed it and wasn't a great application but will have to wait and see.

OP posts:
solvendie · Yesterday 20:34

Absolutely go for it…..it’s not a new career - more like a progression. You have many transferable skills. Good luck

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