Changing jobs in your 50's

[chimichangaz]

Sorry - long post!

Bit of background. I'm 56, been a single mum for the last 10 years (now 20yo ds living with me). I've always worked hard, had loads of ambition, and done quite well for myself. Current salary is £52k, I have a private pension with a decent amount in it, plus a local govt pension with a transfer value of £50k, and paying into USS scheme currently. Left a corporate job by taking VR in 2014 to get a job in a specific sector which I succeeded in, but ended up being burnt out by it and now back with previous employer (who I took VR with). They are a good employer, very large, but I'm not enjoying my role. My workload is unsustainable and my line manager is reluctant to do anything about it. I've had a horrendous 6 months with a family member diagnosed with cancer and passing away shortly after, and had a lot of upheaval at home too with renovations.

My ideal plan would be to have a few weeks off, then have a part time job so I can balance work and life, with the potential in a year to draw some money (tax free) from private pension to pay off my mortgage (currently £74k).

Thing is, I'm worried that I won't find another job (especially part time) in a few months when the time comes. I have quite a wide ranging skill set, but I don't really want a senior level role, as I feel I have worked so hard for years (40 now!) and I want to do my job and just go home, rather than have the hassle and stress of my current job.

I used to be really confident about my ability to find another job, but it's like I've had the stuffing knocked out of me, and I'm feeling worried that my age will be a barrier - even though I know it absolutely shouldn't be - legally, and from the pov that I have a lot to offer.

So my question is - is it really difficult to find a job in your 50's? Especially if you've left a role and then taken time out.

It can be harder yes, but it really depends on your industry. Can you get some specific career advice - it sounds like you’d benefit from that so you have a clear plan rather than jumping onto the dark.

I've worked in various industries but lately in education. There's a possibility of career advice being given at work in the new year as we are facing a restructure.

What I'm wondering, from those in their fifties who've recently changed jobs (say senior professional type role), are there jobs out there? Are employers recruiting from this age group?

What do you do in education? £52k doesn't sound senior
Education roles are quickly shrinking

Fairly senior role in education admin - ok, not Director level but a decent salary nonetheless.

What do you mean by shrinking? I think the education sector will always be there in different forms. Jobs will change, that's inevitable.

@HolidayTime2021 ''£52k doesn't sound senior''

The average salary in the UK is £25,971...

Is there any scope to go part-time in your current role? The sector that you are in (I recognise the pension scheme as I used to work in the same sector, I don't miss the restructures ) pays quite well compared to other companies IME.

I have come across people recently who have changed jobs after working in a particular sector for decades, so it can be done but they don't earn anywhere near the same salary - they are doing fewer hours at a much lower hourly rate than before - so that would be worth bearing in mind as well when you are balancing the number of hours you want to work with the salary you'll get/income from the pension.

Have you seen any part-time roles that might fit your requirements, you've got time to start looking and if your current employer is offering any career advice then that would be a bonus worth taking up if you get the chance

[quote ElectraBlue]@HolidayTime2021 ''£52k doesn't sound senior''

The average salary in the UK is £25,971...[/quote]
Senior management in education is £110k plus

The average salary has no bearing on the comment

I've tried to career change aged 50 and have absolutely crashed and burned. Been applying - and spending hours and hours on ridiculously long application forms - and just not even getting interviews. It's taken a year (adjusted for Covid) to realise this is down to ageism. Plus good part time jobs are rarer than hens' teeth in the first place!

I'd tread carefully and try to build out from the job you already have rather than trying to have a bit of time out then try to find a role.

Agree with PP, too risky to leave without another role lined up. Age discrimination is rife. I have left jobs in my 20s, 30s and 40s for various reasons, and each time it's been harder to get back into the workplace, no way would I leave a job in my 50s with the hope of ever being employed again! Awful to say that but I think it's true.

If this is a university you work I think there would be other part-time opportunities within the organisation? Perhaps being part of the restructure could do you a favour and open up some other opportunities at a lower level/reduced hours.

Can you take unpaid leave for study or something?

Can you ask to reduce hours?

Some good suggestions here about building out from my current role, taking unpaid leave and going part time where I am. Particularly glad to hear some real world feedback about what it's actually like changing jobs in your 50's and as I suspected, it's not easy!!

I think for me the crux is having the time to recover from the last few months, and then looking at any opportunities in the new year, particularly to go part time.

Completely agree the best way to get a decent part time job is to start with my current employer.

Thanks all for the input.

I honestly don't think there is so much ageism in the public sector. I'm the same age as you, have been offered any work I've applied for in the last few years and age has not seemed to be an issue on either side. I do earn lower than you though. I think I read / heard somewhere that, in applications, more mature people shouldn't focus on qualities that people attribute to age - eg, experience, common-sense, but on those that people attribute to youth - eg energy and creativity. I found that interesting.

That is interesting @Marinarich

I don't think I need to earn as much as I have been - the trade off for me is time, and less stress.

I think I could have energy again (just need a bit of a recharge) and am definitely creative.

Good to hear an alternative perspective.