Career change from accountancy at nearly 50

[Rool]

Hi,
I have been a qualified accountant for over 20 years. I trained in a large firm in London and then went into various roles in industry after qualifying. Since having my 2 children I set up my own business doing accounts for small businesses. I then merged my business with another firm so I have now got a third share in a small accounting practice. I have never enjoyed accounting. I fell into it as a graduate job and have always thought about changing careers but there has always been a reason not to plus the main thing stopping me was that I couldn't think of what else I would like to do! I have a degree in French which I love but I have never wanted to teach. I think the analytical side of accounting but not the day to day routine and admin which is most of the job or the long hours which I worked when I was in industry! I will be 50 next year and am getting more and more depressed about this being it for me career wise for the next 10-15 years and that I'm just waiting to retire. I'm also thinking I have left it too late! Has anyone changed career from accounting into something else and if so what? Also any thoughts about careers which might suit?
Thanks for reading!

Accountancy practice into accountancy education side, yes I have.

Also look at internal job opportunities at your own membership institute. See if any appeal.

Thank you that is a good idea. What kind of accountancy education so you do?

I left a similar-ish profession, and then some years later moved into a niche sector of the creative arts via a Master’s at a specialist institution. For me there was an element of compulsion rather than careful thought and planning. It certainly hasn’t been an easy transition - my area of work much prefers the young, so valuable opportunities are geared towards them.

You’ve said you love French? As in … literature, philosophy, location, what? How would you want to use the French language in your ideal life?

I had a similar career to you up to a point - trained with Big 4 firm (was Big 6 then), various roles in industry. Hated it from the beginning. Retrained at 35 and am now an academic librarian. Which is an enormous improvement, but not related at all. But the accountancy background does help with budgeting!

@Rool

Mines very specific so not really open to entry. However many of my qualified friends are in associated roles.

If you are ACA/FCA then speak to local sixth form colleges, independent accountancy providers (like Reed, BPP etc plus smaller local ones), maybe even ask at Universities, and search the Institutes website for internal job opportunities and examination marking opportunities.

It doesn't pay as well as a partner in practice (which I was, but I retired early as my other partner was 70 and I didn't fancy being either a sole practitioner or finding a new partner "off the shelf"). However I find it very rewarding.

Could you be a school bursar?

Thanks for all your responses. They are all really useful.

It is good to hear that people do get out of the profession I just need to work out what I actually want to do (which is the same thing which has stopped me from changing for that last 20 years unfortunately).
I think jobs like school bursars would be too much like a Finance job for me. I am debating finding a career coach t really delve into what I'd like to do. I feel like I get bored easily so alot of careers just don't appeal.

Hi @Rool, did you make a change? Feeling pretty similar myself and wondering what else is out there….