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Original poster

Did you retrain for a totally new career post kids?

42 replies

paddypants · 01/05/2016 21:42

And if so, in what area? I am 38, last DC will be starting pre school next year and I am looking for inspiration as would no way return to pre kids career. It's daunting to think of starting all over at this stage though. Please give me your inspiring stories to push me into action!

OP posts:

Jubaloo442 · 01/05/2016 21:45

No but it's my intention. Watching with interest....

TreeSparrow · 01/05/2016 21:47

Sorry. Also bookmarking.

Tillyscoutsmum · 01/05/2016 21:48

I was a surveyor pre-dc's and have re-trained as a primary school teacher.

WaitrosePigeon · 01/05/2016 21:49

I was a nanny, now I am a make up artist!

ThornyBird · 01/05/2016 21:51

Yes, was a secondary science teacher, now about to qualify as an AAT Accountant Technician.

I have my own small book keeping business and am teaching computerised book keeping for Adult Education.

sydenhamhiller · 01/05/2016 21:53

Also marking place. I childminded for 3 years between child 2 and 3, but have just (!) been a SAHM for the past 3.5 years.
A friend of mine has 4 kids ages 2-11, and has just started training as a speech therapist. Another has started temping for the NHS.
I am in the process of trying to be 'bank staff' for a pre school: lot less money than childminding, school hours and less impact on my home.

Mamabear1980 · 01/05/2016 22:04

Another interested party and to nose at people's career changes.

Original poster

paddypants · 01/05/2016 22:15

Thanks all. How much was your new career choice influenced by trying to balance home life and work versus doing something that really interested you? And has it worked out? Are you glad with the route you have gone down?

OP posts:

ThornyBird · 01/05/2016 23:04

Yes to work/life balance.

Had to fit in round school and the ever increasing activities of the 4dc. Plus dh works away. So no way I would return to teaching especially with the relentless 'reforms'.

Started off doing the books for dh business and realised enjoyed it and wanted to know more do started part time study - only intended to do a year but it grew.

Was asked to start teaching by one of my tutors because she knew my background. Thoroughly enjoy that - 3 teaching hours per week with small classes and adults who want to learn. Still a lot of paperwork and audit trails but that's part f accountancy too...

Final best bit for me - Dc1 is almost 15 so I have been primarily a SAHM for most of that (did some supply teaching and admin work inbetween DC) so wasn't looking forwards to being told what to do. As I'm working mostly for myself, I work to suit me and so far so good!

Original poster

paddypants · 02/05/2016 07:45

Thornybird, that sounds great. Well done. Very encouraging.

OP posts:

FucksSakeMargaret · 02/05/2016 07:47

I posted exactly this question last week. Didn't get as many replies as this so I'm following (but not hijacking).

Nursenat100 · 02/05/2016 07:47

Me!!!! Worked on legal type roles pre DC and have retrained as a nurse since then

zippyswife · 02/05/2016 08:01

I'm a police officer- had to give up a specialist detective role as wasn't compatible with 3 young dcs. I'm now in a very unfulfilling role and desperate to get out of the police. I was thinking of retraining to do bookkeeping/tax and then working from home. Thorny I don't suppose you have any tips on what courses I should study for this? And how to set up on your own? I have a degree but not in any related field. I did study business as an add on to my degree but that was 20 odd years ago and I can't remember any of the accountancy I studied!

SirNiallDementia · 02/05/2016 08:15

I was working as a customer service manager pre- DC which was quite long hours with lots of travel as it was a global company. Not family friendly at all!

I liked the people management element of the role so did a Masters and got my HR qualifications (CIPD). I now coach other managers in managing their teams as well as providing them with employee relations/ HR/ legal advice. It's dead interesting and I work part time which I LOVE!

So not a complete career change, more picking the child- friendly bit of my old career and working out what my strengths were and moving in that direction!

ItsTimeForANewUserName · 02/05/2016 08:22

Yes. Previously worked in central Government/legal roles pre DC. Now a midwife.

Although there are elements I do love about my job, it's been a huge sacrifice retraining for everyone, DC included. I've missed out on a lot while training and DH essentially became not much more than a single parent for 3-4 years.

It's definitely not family friendly and shifts have a negative impact on making any plans.

With hindsight I wish I'd stayed in my previous role but I party say that because of the way the NHS is right now and having to compromise my values/care as well as impact shift working has on my wellbeing.

GinaBambino · 02/05/2016 08:26

I am! Well I started an OU degree before I got pregnant but by the time DS is in school I'll be a high school teacher (hopefully). I currently work in import/export so very very different!

eatingworms · 02/05/2016 08:27

I am 38 and have just started my CIMA training (Management accountancy). Youngest child is two & I'm really enjoying it. I feel like it's my last chance to make a career for myself that I actually enjoy.

ClearEyesFullHeartsCantLose · 02/05/2016 08:34

Me - kind of.

Pre-DC I worked with kids in various different roles in churches and other organisations. I always thought I would go back to that but had no idea how.

Now, after 11 years as a SAHM and with the final DC now at school I am volunteering at a charity which works with ex-offenders and other people struggling to hold down jobs. I am also getting more involved with mentoring and have some speaking engagements with adults. It's not a job at the minute but I do believe it will eventually lead to something more solid.

I always felt called to ministry within a church or some kind of charity role but to be honest never had the confidence that I could do it and certainly not with adults - kids were the safe option - but in 11 years I have changed and grown a lot and I'm not the same person I was. I finally feel at 35 that I know who I am now and what I should be doing!

Lightbulbon · 02/05/2016 08:39

Yes but I was still in my 20s.

I had to do another ug degree and run up lots of debt.

We had to move out of our bought house and into the private rented sector and had no family holiday for several years- it was a huge financial sacrifice.

It's worth it now. I'm happy. The kids are happy.

Honestly thought he women on my course with kids who were 35+ didn't fare as well in the jobs market after graduating.

WorkingWomanCheerleader · 02/05/2016 13:19

I'm a career coach and my area of expertise is getting women back to work or helping them to change career. I've also done it myself leaving banking after 25 years and now I'm an online travel agent as well as continuing my coaching and mediation business. Much happier!

I actually came on here to ask a question about supporting some of my return-to-workers with guilt issues (work v family) when I saw this. And I don't want to get into trouble for advertising or hijacking!

I'm desperate to connect with more women I can help get back into the workplace but don't know how to find you!

I would really like to offer some free career coaching sessions to help grow my business by word of mouth but don't know if that's allowed on here?

lemonymelanie · 03/05/2016 22:31

I was a media type before DC - wanted to do something more fulfilling and community based so retrained in adult education - an area where maturity can actually feel like an advantage ( I'm late forties)

jclm · 05/05/2016 19:50

I was a university academic for several years before DC. I'm currently considering lots of options, reading career change books and doing some volunteering.

PositiveAttitude · 05/05/2016 20:14

I was a nurse pre DC's. Now accountant. I knew nursing was not going to work for me post DC, but the accounting is really flexible and I am loving it. Pre-DC I would have classed accountancy as the most boring job on the planet for boring people. I am either now that boring person, or my view has changed!! I love it!

zippyswife · 05/05/2016 20:40

positive I'm a police officer thinking about retraining in accounting. I joined the police because I wanted excitement. Now I'd be more than happy with boring (I've had my fill of exciting). Can I ask what steps you took to retrain? Do you work for yourself (as this is ultimately what I want to do)? And how does it pay. Thanks.

Babettescat · 05/05/2016 21:46

No. Rejoining Monday as university lecturer. DS 6.5 months old.

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