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Original poster

What can you retrain to do in your mid40s that will support a family fairly quickly?

118 replies

orchidsonabudget · 21/07/2021 20:42

That really
Dh is unemployed and I am just wondering if there is another stone that we haven't unturned

OP posts:
PermanentTemporary · 21/07/2021 20:46

How much do you need - level that's minimum to survive? How old is your dh?

Teaching or nursing spring to mind, both extremely tough. There are a variety of routes to both.

Iggly · 21/07/2021 20:47

What was his previous career? And are you working?

WimpoleHat · 21/07/2021 20:47

Honestly, it depends what your previous experience is and what qualifications you have. I know someone who was a GP, stopped when she had her kids and then got a very good job with a pharmaceutical company some years later. Similarly, a friend with a stellar career in the City who went into financial training. But all of that requires a CV behind you. I also know someone who did teacher training after a career in IT, but again, he has a degree. It’s hard to advise in general terms.

PermanentTemporary · 21/07/2021 20:48

Nursing page including nursing apprenticeships
here

Watto1 · 21/07/2021 20:50

Apparently the nation is crying out for HGV drivers. I’m seriously considering it myself.

PermanentTemporary · 21/07/2021 20:52

Rdnas start on about 18k I think and build up to nhs band 5 starting salary on qualification

Howshouldibehave · 21/07/2021 20:53

Is this for you?

What are your previous jobs/qualifications?

PermanentTemporary · 21/07/2021 20:54

Self employment obviously tough but in the short term what about gardening or a joint business with another person who can garden?? Im tearing my hair out trying to find someone who will do some garden work, costs per hour have spiralled and I'm OK with paying more but can't get anyone!

GiantToadstool · 21/07/2021 20:55

Social work? Trades?

womaninatightspot · 21/07/2021 20:56

@Watto1

Apparently the nation is crying out for HGV drivers. I’m seriously considering it myself.
A lot of HGV drivers only make 10-11 quid an hour which is pretty rubbish
howsicklyarsekissy · 21/07/2021 20:57

What area are you I have some ideas for you

haggistramp · 21/07/2021 20:59

Do you have a degree? Pg in surveying. Jobs starting at £25/35k for 2years training then from £40-80k once chartered. Shortage of surveyors as well.

Original poster
orchidsonabudget · 21/07/2021 21:01

We are in Home Counties
He used to work in city but has no post graduate qualifications and his network has not been able to come up
With anything for him.
Oddly his parents are convinced he should be a teacher. I
I think a newly trained teacher salary we would struggle on long term.
Not sure he is cut out for nursing.

I am currently working part time, self employed business and am retraining myself to Increase my income which won't kick in until next July
We have 4 kids and childcare for full time is crippling.

OP posts:
Original poster
orchidsonabudget · 21/07/2021 21:01

@haggistramp

Do you have a degree? Pg in surveying. Jobs starting at £25/35k for 2years training then from £40-80k once chartered. Shortage of surveyors as well.
That's worth looking into thanks Haggis
OP posts:
PermanentTemporary · 21/07/2021 21:02

Got to ask it... if he's unemployed why are you paying anything for childcare...? Or presumably you mean once he's working

Howshouldibehave · 21/07/2021 21:02

I think a newly trained teacher salary we would struggle on long term

What a strange thing to say. You wouldn’t be on a newly trained teacher salary long term.

Musication · 21/07/2021 21:04

Teaching wouldn't leave him on a newly qualified salary for the long term. It goes up quite quickly through the main scale.

BramblyHedge · 21/07/2021 21:04

Lecturer in whatever he used to work in? Higher education administration/planning?

Wombat64 · 21/07/2021 21:05

@haggistramp

Do you have a degree? Pg in surveying. Jobs starting at £25/35k for 2years training then from £40-80k once chartered. Shortage of surveyors as well.
I retrained in surveying, was told by a senior RICS person that no-one would employ a woman in their 30s. No-one did. Hope it's changed but I wouldn't rely on getting a train place. All the older people struggled...
PermanentTemporary · 21/07/2021 21:05

I wouldn't think it strange that his parents think of teaching- it's a decently paid career with a lot of demand if you can teach the right subjects. But it's hard, my Lord.

Original poster
orchidsonabudget · 21/07/2021 21:06

@PermanentTemporary

Got to ask it... if he's unemployed why are you paying anything for childcare...? Or presumably you mean once he's working
I mean once he is working.
OP posts:
Wombat64 · 21/07/2021 21:06

Bloody good courses tho & interesting jobs.

What about estate agency? Get a feel for the property industry? Project management?

Original poster
orchidsonabudget · 21/07/2021 21:07

@Musication

Teaching wouldn't leave him on a newly qualified salary for the long term. It goes up quite quickly through the main scale.
Does it? I always feel like teachers are massively underpaid
OP posts:
Original poster
orchidsonabudget · 21/07/2021 21:09

Thanks for all the replies.
Don't mean to sound so green about it all.
We are now on uc for first time in life. he was a higher rate tax payer before but it is really hard out there.
I just wonder whether there may be something else for him to consider.

OP posts:
Eleoura · 21/07/2021 21:10

Could he stay home or do part time and you increase your hours to full time?

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