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Mature study and retraining

Talk to other Mumsnetters who are considering a career change or are mature students.

Original poster

Retraining for a less computer based role

8 replies

MsAnnFrope · 07/10/2025 21:05

I’ve spent 20ish years in a range of research/public engagement jobs and have a social science PhD. At 46 I feel like I will fucking kill myself if I have to spend another 20 years sitting down at a computer writing things.
has anyone retrained into a more practical role - not teaching in a school please, I love teaching adults at university but schools are a no.
I love being outside and love art but have no idea how to turn this into a job! I’m not even bothered about a career, just a job!

OP posts:
Summerhillsquare · 08/10/2025 01:28

No, but I would like to know too. Its the video calls I can't stand any more.

Randomlygeneratedname · 08/10/2025 06:22

MsAnnFrope · 07/10/2025 21:05

I’ve spent 20ish years in a range of research/public engagement jobs and have a social science PhD. At 46 I feel like I will fucking kill myself if I have to spend another 20 years sitting down at a computer writing things.
has anyone retrained into a more practical role - not teaching in a school please, I love teaching adults at university but schools are a no.
I love being outside and love art but have no idea how to turn this into a job! I’m not even bothered about a career, just a job!

This is why I am now training to be a midwife. I loved the relationship building part of my old job but hated that it was all over the phone/email sat at a desk. Honestly the best thing I have ever done, love being on my feet all day and talking to people.

Newyeargymwanker · 08/10/2025 06:38

I retrained at 41 as a carpenter?
pay is probably less than you’d accept though.

Im thinking of picking up additional training at a PT. I’m best when I’m moving.

Most women our age retrain into nursing? I obviously wasn’t clever enough for that - everyone I know who did it really loves it.

PeonyPatch · 08/10/2025 06:52

I was going to suggest nursing.

sashh · 08/10/2025 08:48

Not just nursing but other healthcare roles.

Being outside could you be a dog walker? Other animal care. One of my old uni friends is lucky enough to have a bit of land, friend's daughter has set up a pet sitting service, she has experience with horses which I can imagine is not something every pet sitter has.

Work for the council doing park maintenance?

Work in an outward bound type centre?

If you love art could you work in a gallery?

Original poster
MsAnnFrope · 09/10/2025 16:54

Thanks folks these are worth exploring. @Newyeargymwanker i can manage on less money than I make now. I just feel I have no practical skills!

OP posts:
Darragon · 09/10/2025 16:58

Gardening/garden designer? I’d personally go for being a painter and decorator if I could find a part time training course that was anywhere close to here and that lasts more than a week or two! Bring back evening classes!

EleventyThree · 22/10/2025 18:09

Have you made any progress on this, OP? I feel similarly stuck, so lots of solidarity from me.

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