Career change: Nursing to Hairdressing

[Hubblebubble1]

Hi
Anyone done this? At 41?
Got accepted on an SVQ2 course at local college. Hubby supportive and I can work part time around study. But I’m worried I’m too old and that I’d be giving up a career (one that’s not making me happy) and job security.

Any advice / similar situations??
Thanks 😊

No practical advice but go for it! What an amazing chance to change the direction of your life and you’ll always find work as a hairdresser.
Best of luck to you x

You are not too old. You will probably be working for another 25 years.

Go for it you wont regret doing it if you are unhappy in you current career.

Go for it, if you still work then you can keep your PIN and hairdressers are always really needed in healthcare, with chemo or patients with hair loss, carehomes, social, homeless and mental health settings.

I’ve taught vocational courses to adults (not hairdressing, but similar) and always had loads of career changers aged 40+. Many from medical professions too!

The only downside I can see is losing pension contributions.

41 is still very young and you have years of working life ahead of you so do what makes you happy and don't let thoughts of your pension stop you because that's just a soul destroying reason to get up in the mornings

Thank you everyone for your comments.
I’m still deciding wether to keep my pin and work bank around the course or drop to hcsw bank. Due for revalidation this year too so lots to think about. But underlying feeling is I want to leave nursing completely as it’s not making me happy, never really did. Feel I need to do something for me. The worry now is “what if I’m a rubbish hairdresser”! I’m self sabotaging and have terrible imposter syndrome 🤦🏻‍♀️But when I think about starting it and trying it I get quite excited and not felt like that in a looooooong time.

Hi, I’m both! I went to hairdressing college as a mature student at 40 ( 61 now) I did about 12 years self employed hairdressing. Then it started to take its toll on my old bones. I love hairdressing for the right clients, like patients some are arseholes.
I then decided to go back to nursing, but to a job I wanted , pension, sick pay and paid AL all seemed very attractive once again.
The NHS is a difficult place to be, but it’s good to know you don’t have to put up with the crap as you will always be able to make a living.
During the last few years I’ve drifted between the two, I can only really be on my feet for around 3 mornings a week now , whereas the right job in healthcare I can manage more!
I would go for it ! I love the being your own boss!

@Furcoatandnoknickerz it’s lovely to read that it’s possible! I feel more inspired now thank you !

Hi,

Im 30, currently NHS nurse. Ive just quit my job, always wanted to do hairdressing but when I was at school was always advised that the money wouldnt be great and no real career aspects. I guess hairdressing/beauty has always been an itch ive wanted to scratch. After some googling and stumbling accross your post on here, I just wondered if you made a decision on what you wanted to do - and I guess what youre doing now? I hope youre happy either way :) xx