Wanting a complete career change? Too old?

[justyg1970]

I have worked in care all my adult life, community support, people with disabilities, adult care. I loved it. Then last year Nov 2020 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have had both breast removed and finished chemo and radio now. My consultant said , well done you can go back to your life. Except I don't want to.
I have always wanted to work and help animals. Rescue, adoption, any animal in need. I have talked this over with my partner and he has said " no way, you are too old to retrain and have a good salary"
I'm 50 years old. Is it ridiculous to want to retrain with animals? He said it's full of young people and I will not get a look in. I have 17 years of working life, I would like it to be with caring for and looking after animals, surely it's not just for young people? I would love any advice, thanks x

Not ridiculous at all. You only get one life.

You've got 17 more years before state pension. Of course you can retrain.

Thank you. I have 17 more working life to give and I would like it to matter and something that I'm passionate about. He says we can't afford me to retrain and the lack of my income whilst I do. I have looked into it and it would be two years minimum. Then I would be qualified and experienced. I don't know what to think.

Congratulations on your recovery. Everything you’ve been through has obviously made you look at life with different eyes, understandably so.
Do what you want to do, go for it.
My DH has been happily in the same job for 30 years and has absolutely no concept of the world of work today. I ask him advice re employment but it’s hopeless as he would rather I stayed at home!

Thank you. Yes it has made me realise some big stuff! I was blindsided by my diagnosis, I was healthy, happy, no obvious symptoms. An abnormal blood test showed signs of increased markers for cancer. No lump, no obvious symptoms. I now have a completely different outlook on life. My partner has had his job 25 years, complains every day but is a slave to the £50 k salary. We have two grown up kids, no big mortgage but he still thinks my £12 k is essential. I have worked it out and it obviously isn't. Which leads me to think he just doesn't want me to retrain, have a different outlook/ path in life. He was always so comfortable with me being the caregiver/ second income one. I'm going to look into, now, right this second courses for me. I'm so fed up being second, not important. I want the rest of my life to matter and for ME that is helping animals. Why can't he see that?

Animal work is highly competitive - though it's also a growing industry in the private sector. Eg grooming and walking and boarding. All have complications but not insurmountable. Most of the retraining for these can be completed around a job. Most are very physical jobs which may have an impact in your choices. Many also require set up costs to get your started as self employed but you could also work for someone else.

If you wanted to do behaviour work then a part time degree using a student loan - that way you can work at the same time? There is more to it than that, eg I think you need to do observed hours to qualify for the progressional bodies but all possible.

I’ve retrained at 52 in HR. Never too late!

Thank you, I just want to clarify I would like to concentrate on animal rescue/ rehab. I know it's competitive and niche but it's not impossible surely? I volunteer with my local cat rescue and RSPCA dogs home.

No! It's definately not impossible - but easier if you go in knowing the challenges you'll need to tackle . That said, I don't who am I am to be telling you about life's challenges - sounds like you've already tackled your fair share dealing with cancer and during a pandemic.

Good luck! I definately echo the sentiments that you are right to put a priority on your happiness and doing something you'll really enjoy.

Your husband doesn’t sound very supportive :( do you feel you might be better able to follow this path without his negativity dogging you? Not saying LTB... but maybe ignore the grumpy sod.

Yes, I'm definitely ignoring the grumpy sod! He hates change, always has done. I feel like he feels a bit threatened that me retraining will change me. But I'm already changed with the breast cancer. I don't want to leave him or set out on a massive new life change. I just want to do a job that I've always wanted to do but, babies, money , marriage didn't sit with it. He has a real problem with me " getting above myself" as he has settled into a high paying job but feels I am pandering to myself, not realizing that I need this change. Honestly, I feel he is a bit jealous in a way? Like she might get to do something that I can't. But nothing is further from the truth. I've told him I am one hundred per cent fine with downsizing, living within our means and both of us doing something we love rather than " having to" it's absolutely doable, kids have flown the nest almost, we don't need a big house. When I say this though he says " what would I do" and I do understand this. He doesn't want the status quo to change.