Almost 40. Should I retrain as a solicitor?

[JustAJ]

I've been a teacher forever but have always regretted quitting the law degree I started years ago (I quit due to mum's illness).

My question is, is it silly for me to retrain as a solicitor now? I'm thinking about doing PGDL then SQE...

Honest opinions please!

Think that it's a great idea. You've many more years at work, why not do something that you want to do? I obtained a professional qualification in my 40s. Best thing that I did work wise.

No, not silly at all. I am a solicitor, and relatively often my firm gives training contracts to older people on their second career. I actually prefer them to the normal 22-24 year old trainees because they have some life experience and aren't terrified of picking up the phone! Not true for all of them of course, but still.

However, I would try to get some work experience first if you can to see if you actually like it. Try to think about what area of law you might enjoy. Family? Probate? Property? Etc. they are all quite different in practice. Do you know any solicitors you could ask? Or perhaps you could approach some local firms. Most will offer some form of unpaid work experience, though it can be difficult to get a place.

Honestly? I’d think v carefully about this given the cost of the courses involved, the length of time it will take you to qualify and the competitiveness of the profession.

If you have a watertight back up, or are just doing it for interest (rather than requiring a job to pay the bills), I’d say ‘maybe’.

Why not?! I'm due to start a nursing degree in September, I'll be 43 and have spent 20+ years working in accounts! It's always been a dream of mine but the time has come where it is now or never! And sod it, Im doing it!! I have 2 x primary aged children so will need to be organised but it's all within reach.

My uncle retrained at a similar age and moved to entirely new industry. He was 72 last week and has just accepted another 3 year contract. So in his second career he will have worked for over 30 years and retraining was absolutely the right decision.

I retrained in my 40s and it was well worth it! As long as you really want it, you have a passion for it, you're going to put it to use, realistically you've got the time and energy to invest into it, then go for it!

I did! Best thing I have ever done. It was hard work but I now have a fulfilling career!