Is late 40s too late to have a 5 year plan?

[YaWeeShit]

As with a lot of people, Covid has got me thinking about life choices etc. However, due to being a full time carer for my disabled adult DD, my choices are somewhat limited I feel.

I am pondering the possibility of a five year plan, where I can return to some sort of paid employment (caring responsibilities still present but less if I can build up to having some help with that!). I will be 52 though.

I am a qualified social worker but haven’t worked since DD was young - nearly 20 years ago, as caring needs took over. I don’t want to go back to social work. Trouble is, I have no idea what I could do

I’m more than happy to retrain from home from during the next few years, and quite fancy a civil service type job - I’ve had some excellent service from there myself and am keen to pay it back iyswim, but I don’t have any kind of experience in that area.

Alternatively I was looking at accountancy courses - but realistically would that lead to employment in my 50’s?

I think the thought of returning to the work force after so long is scaring the life out of me, but once DD moves into supported living I would like to work.

Looking for advice and opinions I guess

Go for it!

I don't think age should be a reason not to try. Have you looked at OU or your local uni to see if there are any courses you could do from home now?

I have a friend who volunteers for citizens advice, there is a fair bit of training but then just a day a week and they employ paid workers too so that is a future option for her. Presumably your experience dealing with disability support agencies can be turned into useful info on your cv?

I am in a similar situation so very interested to see how you get on

Never too late for a plan!

You'll have lots of experience for civil service jobs, even if it's from a long time ago. We have new entrants of all ages and this means we get to benefit from a huge range of life experiences and skills. If you looked for a finance type job you'd probably get some formal training paid for too.

I think a good path might be to start some voluntary work as soon as you're able - that always looks good on a CV when you're returning to the workplace whatever it is, because it says to employers "I want to work, I will put in the effort".

Of course it's not too late, a lot of employers value 'mature' employees. I returned to work in my mid 50s after a 12 year break, my DH has just been offered a fab new job (even during Covid!) at 60.

Be positive and good luck.

I could have written your post word for word! I'm following with interest as I'd love to get back into meaningful employment.

Your not too old. I’m sure you have plenary of skills and you will be able to quickly brush up on skills.
It’s great your thinking about getting into employment. I work with many people who are 60+ and many of them choose to work not really for the finicial aspect of things. It keeps the mind active and I think some of them don’t know what they would do if they didn’t.

Thank you! It’s really inspired me to look into things a bit more . I have completed an OAU degree over the past 6 years, and would love to study more but I’m not sure re funding for postgraduate courses - I’m currently on UC.

Volunteer work is a good shout as well - one of my social worker placements was on the CAB and I keep myself very up to do with welfare rights so I think that may be good to revisit.

Thanks again, and good luck to others in a similar position :)