Am I deluded at 40 something?

[IslaValargeone]

I am 43 degree less and haven't worked for 15 years, when I did it was in retail.
I have always felt very unfulfilled, and really want to do something new.
Am I deluded though, thinking that I could get a place at uni and then get a job at 47 ish? My dh although ordinarily supportive, has siad that realistically I have had it, and that we can't necessarily invest uni money on 'folly' I have physiotherapy or similar in my head.
Any advice good or bad most welcome.

My mother did a social work degree in her early 50s and did actually work afterwards. You're ONLY 43, so your DH is wrong.

I wonder about this too - am 44 and thinking about a change of career. But I too wonder if anyone will take it seriously; and whether i could afford the 3 or 4 years to get qualifications.

I think it's fine if you're determined, but I suppose you have to be realistic.

When I was considering this, you have to weigh up the investment in fees etc versus how many years you will have working (probably decades in fact now!) but moreover, what are your real chances of employment in your chosen field versus someone at least twenty years younger.

Dp's mum did a degree and qualified as a psychiatric nurse in her mid 40's. Now at sixty she has a fulfilling (and fairly lucrative I think) career.

My mum did teacher training in her 40's.

Affording to requalify is the biggest stumbling block not age, IMO.

Though arn't there such things as career development loans? Directgov site might help with that info.

gramercy that's the thing, a 47 ish year old versus a 21 year old with all those years ahead of them. I'm struggling with being 'realistic' at the moment versus the pull of the last chance saloon feeling that I have.
I did consider teaching, but am told that is so oversubscribed now. I just don't know what careers might be more welcoming for the more 'mature' candidate.

I know 2 people in their 40s who are training as doctors. One has a young family & the other has adult children.

I don't know where I could get a balanced bit of honest advice outside of here. I feel if I go to a careers centre they will give me the politically correct 'of course you can retrain....age discrimination is illegal blah blah blah....'

Funny you should mention that iskra, that is what I would do given my time all over again. Think I'd have a bit of trouble now though.

My sister started training in Occupational Health last year (has now given up for personal reasons), when she was 48.

I don't think there was any suggestion her age might go against her, and, in fact, she was intending to work in geriatrics (hope that's the right term), as this is apparently less popular with younger job applicants, so she reasoned there would be less competition.

She already has a degree, though - but there might be some way in for someone without a degree?

Thread here on training for OT.

I also know someone doing a Occupational Health degree in their 40s plus someone doing Podiatry - also in their 40s. I think you can get some sort of funding these types of degrees.

I think there are lots of careers where you have the advantage over someone younger. For example, I would think most people would prefer to see a counsellor/psychologist who is older than themselves.

Yes, I've got to agree with loads on here.

When I graduated at 21, I was so naive and immature (and I was one of the more 'mature and sensible' ones). I had no idea about economics, politics, anything about the real world really. I bet you'd be better than most younger candidates, with a lot of real life experience behind your belt. Go for it!

These days as well, you are going to be working longer than previous generations to qualify for a pension, so you've got at least 20 years to work.

Have you thought about trying to return to the workplace and combine that with related training? Don't think you are over the hill in your 40s but may be good if your studies don't end up being a drain on the family income. Could always look at Birkbeck if you are in London or the OU, but they won't be any good for physio. Maybe try getting a job as a physio helper and see if you like it.

Physio / OT is a career where I think you'd be unlikely to be discriminated against on the basis of age. If you were to qualify at 47 you'd have a good 20 years of full time work left in you. Doesn't sound like folly to me.

I agree with BUE. A good friend of mine also suggested Occupational Therapy - They are in short supply and the NHS seems to pay for your training. There seems to be no problem about age. I researched it but it just wasn't for me.
I think the problem with teaching is that the employer contributions to pension are much higher when you hit your 50's and depending on your past experiences and accredited learning you may be put quite high up the pay scale. This makes the older person very expensive for the school's budget compared to a young graduate, even though you might be a much better teacher.(this can also be a problem for older returning teachers)

My brother did a basic physio course at the local college (not a degree) one day a week - it wasn't too pricey so that he could decide if it was for him. If you have no qualifications and are a bit worried about going straight to a degree you could look at Access courses in related areas - eg access to nursing etc often these are free if you are unemployed and are a good way to acquire the skills you will need in assignment writing etc

Good luck