I'm 50 years old, divorced (because of his gambling debts), only got 5K savings (after paying of loans he took out in my name), don't own my own property, was desperate to have kids but it just didn't happen and I work in a managerial role that pays 45K. I climbed the career ladder because of pressure from my relatives. I'm the only one in the family to have gone to uni but they made me out to be a failure after my degree because I was only in an entry level job that didn't need a degree. The problem is management jobs and climbing the career ladder just isn't me. It has caused me immense stress over the years because I'm molding myself to suit other folk's expectations. I'm a snuggle bunny. I paint pictures in the clouds, bake biscuits, make stuffed toys, got names for the birds and wild animals that live by me and I'd love to learn flower arranging and how to make jam. I've always wanted to work with babies and very young children. I want to leave my job and train as a nanny but I know that this sector is low paid and open to exploitation. Please tell me, have any of you left a secure job to start over again at age 50+ with little in the way of a financial safety net? I would love to hear your experiences.