New career at 40

[1984Winston]

I had a career before I had kids, a vocational one which for many reasons I don't want to go back to. I've had a job since I went back from maternity leave with my eldest in customer care, low pay, demoralising job but fitted round the kids. I've finished having kids and next year both my kids will be in school, i've also reason to believe my current job will be finishing in January. Where do I start finding a new career? I'm not sure what I want to do and I don't drive which complicates matters. Just feel a bit lost and don't know where to start or what I'm looking for! I only want part time, can I start a new career just being part time? Any advice or personal experience would be welcome. Have always gravitated towards caring roles in the past, I am good at my current job but would love something more fulfilling

At a similar age I wanted out of education. I read books about career changing and did an expensive career-change course. I followed all the advice, threw myself in to process wholeheartedly…

Three years later I’m pretty much going back to education.

This is pretty much because I found it impossible to either retrain or start at the bottom and work my way up again.

I’m 39 and in a similar boat. Reading quite a few threads in the Further Ed/Retraining section here. Also don’t want to go back to education! Sorry to hear it didn’t work out @UZH . I am worried how I’ll manage earning, kids and learning something totally new in evenings say as life feels demanding enough at times. But check out all the threads there.

I feel like my brain has wasted away. I'm not the most confident person but I've always done well at anything I've studied. So annoying that I've facilitated my DHs career yet mine has gone down the pan but it's not really his fault I did want to be around for the kids and I don't regret that. Just hope it's not too late to start again

Of course it's not op, you could have nearly 30 years working life, absolutely go for it.

Just need to decide what I want to do! I was always fixed on one sector but if I'm not going back to that I don't know what else I'm good at

I've retrained for similar reasons and though it took about 5 years, I'm about to start dream job next month. I'm in my early 40s. Go for it, it takes courage but imo worth it

I'm about to start my nursing training at nearly 46! Go for it!

Thank you! Great to hear some of you have gone for it, need to give it some serious thought!

I went back to college at 43 and did an HNC giving me the qualification and confidence to change jobs.

i work in early years now which I’m loving whereas I worked in hospitality for 18 years as it fitted around the children.