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Original poster

Am I past it?

19 replies

fedupandfifty · 14/05/2011 22:34

Help!! I'm desperately in need of help to get back into some sort of a career.
I gave up work as a lecturer when DD was born 9 years ago. I've worked off and on ever since - cleaning, shopwork etc but only to make ends meet whilst DD was young. I'm now finding it really tough to get back in, and I'm wondering whether a change of career would be better.

I have a degree in languages, which I'm qualified to teach in, a Masters' in Business and a variety of work-related qualifications. I have an excellent work record.

Hobbies are piano, singing and doing up houses. I have property, and should be able to make this into a viable business with a bit of work.

I'm getting on a bit - 51 - am I too old to be thinking of something new? I'm doing supply teaching work at the moment but still need to be around for DD as I don't feel she's old enough to be a latchkey kid yet.

OP posts:
tallwivglasses · 15/05/2011 02:23

You sound amazing - in fact I'm thoroughly depressed - I'm your age and don't have half your skills or qualifications!

I 'm qualified to teach - but can't stand it, I do community work which keeps me poor and stressed a lot of the time but kind of fulfilled and generally thinking I'm lucky to enjoy what I do.

Just not very business-minded - but you are - What are your passions?

Original poster
fedupandfifty · 15/05/2011 12:03

I am definitely NOT amazing - I wouldn't have posted this message if I were!!
In fact, I'm really depressed too - I can't stand teaching either - don't really want to go back to it - and I'm not sure if I can stand office politics either, as I was never any good at that.

I'm quite business - minded, though. I enjoy property, and became an accidental landlord ten years ago. I've just bought another - on a buy-to-let mortgage - and once this is let, I wouldn't mind going for yet another while interest rates are still low. I did a business plan a while back but it was based on a very different property market.

My passion at the moment is music. I was sort of toying with the idea of becoming a music teacher, but I'm not sure if I have the credentials. I'd be interested to know what is needed to do this.

tall - thanks for your reply. I think you are lucky to have a job and to enjoy it. Thanks for taking an interest in me.

OP posts:
tallwivglasses · 15/05/2011 23:24

Hi again, fedup.

You sound like you're in an ideal position to try something new - you've got property with the possibility of more, you teach supply (brave!) which can be flexible.

If I were you I'd see what community music things are happening in your area and see if you can do a bit of volunteering/observing/networking. It'd give you an idea of what's about and if there are any gaps need filling (it could be I dunno, anything from children's song-writing parties to an old people's choir!)

You're in a relatively secure position to put some feelers out, experiment and take some risks without worrying where the next mortgage payment's coming from. I'm so envious!

Good luck x

ps. if you ever need an assistant...Wink

Original poster
fedupandfifty · 16/05/2011 11:27

Thanks, tall - I'd never of thought of doing something like that! I'll ask my choir master and piano teacher today if they know of anything that I might be useful for.

Good luck to you too!!

Fedup.

OP posts:
wearenotinkansas · 16/05/2011 21:05

What about a music franchise - if you can afford to invest some money. Something like Monkey Business or Jo Jingles?

Sarichan · 16/05/2011 22:52

Another thing that might help you plan your next move is this book. It's written mainly for people who don't want to continue (for whatever reason) with what they're doing now but can't quite decide what to do next. It's helped a couple of people I know:

www.amazon.co.uk/Finding-Square-Holes-Discover-Perfect/dp/1904424848

Good luck!

Original poster
fedupandfifty · 17/05/2011 10:01

Thanks all. I've thought about a franchise, and will enquire further. I'll try the book too - just what I need by the sound of it.

OP posts:
2madboys · 17/05/2011 10:37

Hi Fedup - I do Phoenix Trading. Not trying to sell it to you, but at our team conference a couple of weeks ago, there was a 62 year old lady who had just joined, recruited several team members and making lots of plans for the future! You're definitely not past it!

Original poster
fedupandfifty · 17/05/2011 16:45

Thanks 2. Never heard of it, but will look it up.

OP posts:
2madboys · 17/05/2011 17:13

Good - just wanted to encourage you really! Not allowed to share my webpage here but let me know if you want some more info. (repeat, wasn't trying to sell you the idea particularly!)

flork1 · 17/05/2011 21:44

how much does phoenix trading realistically make?

2madboys · 17/05/2011 22:05

Hi flork - the profit margin is about 30%, with the average customer order 15 quid (I think that's the official figure!). If I place orders above 150 quid during a month I get an extra 5% back and also 5% on any orders placed by people I have recruited (2 so far). There is higher commission on higher monthly values. When you have a team of 5+ and your team's orders reach a certain level for a couple of months running, you become an Executive Trader and can then earn commission on people your team recruit.
I did it on a very small scale for the first year, but was rather pleased with how my contacts paid off in the run up to last Christmas so I'm trying to do more with it this year. Basically, the more you put in, the more you get out! Email me on [email protected] if you'd like an info pack.

flork1 · 17/05/2011 22:42

that's interesting. how many customers do you get on average per event?

2madboys · 18/05/2011 09:26

TBH, I tend to do most of my sales through catalogues. I haven't done any big events (all day/weekend) as I also work 20 hours a week in another job. I use the events that I do do as a means of making contacts, getting catalogues out, etc. I also recruited someone through a toddler group that I've visited twice. The price of the cards goes down from £1.50 to £1.20 each when people buy 10 or more, so catalogue orders are rarely less than £12. I also have a number of regular customers who stock up with me, and I also do mixed packs for people who don't want to go through the catalogue and pick stuff out.

flork1 · 18/05/2011 10:16

so how much does phoenix trading realistically make?

2madboys · 18/05/2011 10:35

At the moment I'm making enough to help out with family 'extras', treats, and most of my clothes. There are traders making all kinds of money - top trader last year made about £275k commission and there are people doing it on a very small scale. If you had the time and inclination to really go for it and build a team quickly you could do quite well for yourself. Hope that helps!

4madboys · 18/05/2011 10:43

ooh another madboys poster! i have a friend who did the phoenix cards thing, i think if you mix with the right people and have good contacts you can do quite well out of it, they sell lovely stuff :)

and fed up, you sound like you have the skills and drive to do whatever you set your mind to! and def not too old to start something new xx

MovingAndScared · 18/05/2011 13:35

I came across this - nothing to do with me

www.rockchoir.com/music-jobs-careers.html-

2madboys · 19/05/2011 11:47

Hi flork - I have PM'd you.

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