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Original poster

Retraining in your 50’s

46 replies

Josie1968 · 27/12/2023 07:53

Hi all…

Quick question, I’d like to hear any stories about people who have switched careers in their 50’s. I’ve just turned 55 this month, curious to hear from others of a similar age who’ve had a change of direction :)

Thanks xx

OP posts:
MumVUnicorns · 27/12/2023 08:12

What kind of things are you interested in? Will you need to return to study or can you do an apprenticeship with studying sponsored by an employer? There are lots of options out there.

I'm Following as I am 49 and looking to retrain too, I have am debating whether to go back to university to study Psychology to start that career route or to study something that I am really interested in and just have fun studying and see what happens.
I have taken 9 years out of my career to be both a carer and a parent (I have a 6 year old DD) and my partner has just returned to work after long term illness. So it's time for me to re look at what I want to do, I know I don't want to return to my previous career (Social Work)

grafittiartist · 27/12/2023 08:31

Me too, at 49.
Need something different.

EBearhug · 27/12/2023 08:34

I just finished a course at 51. Haven't got a job yet, though.

Iwasdrunkandamenace · 27/12/2023 08:37

I’m a bit younger than you, 43, and retraining as a carpenter. I had a long career break where I had 4 kids and cancer, could t stand the idea of going back into the office.
The school leaving boys in the college and the teachers are somewhat bemused to find a middle aged women sawing stuff badly in full make up (can’t go out without it).

what do you fancy dong?

Unescorted · 27/12/2023 08:38

I have just started a data apprenticeship. I am still in my old job but my employer has put a group of us on the course to train us for changing business needs. I am not going to lie... It is difficult getting back into a learning mindset but it is giving me a zest for my job again.

Turkeyhen · 27/12/2023 08:47

I’m in the same boat, 55 and attempting to return to the workplace after years out being a carer, previously worked in IT and admin. What field are you thinking about going into?

Original poster
Josie1968 · 27/12/2023 08:50

@MumVUnicorns that’s funny I’m a social worker too. My last job was in a CMHT which I loved but I wanted to train as a therapist so I did my High Intensity CBT training so already had a change… I think I’ll stay with that for a while but not sure if it’s for me long term 😂😂 but just not sure if I’m too old to keep changing although I don’t feel old and love learning! I miss some aspects of my old SW role… it would be nice to have a combination of both my roles CBT plus SW. I’m just going to keep an eye out and see what’s around. Most people on my course were younger than me, but there were some in their 40’s and 50’s x

OP posts:
Original poster
Josie1968 · 27/12/2023 08:51

@EBearhug what course did you do?x

OP posts:
Willow12345 · 27/12/2023 08:51

Watching with interest. I'm 53 and fairly disillusioned after teaching for years. Would love to retrain but not sure what my options are.

Original poster
Josie1968 · 27/12/2023 08:53

@Iwasdrunkandamenace aw love this, well done! Sounds great. Good luck with your new career. xx

OP posts:
ancientnames · 27/12/2023 08:53

I think any career change needs to be in something where there is a high demand for staff, and not enough people to fill posts. Because it is harder to get employed in your 50s. The data is crystal clear on this. So bluntly, you need a career where it’s an employees market, not an employers.

Original poster
Josie1968 · 27/12/2023 08:56

@Turkeyhen nothing too different to what I’ve been doing really I guess. I just worry that I’m too old! But I suppose more and more of us will be working well beyond retirement age as cost of living increases etc so maybe not too old after all. What do you fancy doing? :)

OP posts:
Turkeyhen · 27/12/2023 09:24

Josie1968 · 27/12/2023 08:56

@Turkeyhen nothing too different to what I’ve been doing really I guess. I just worry that I’m too old! But I suppose more and more of us will be working well beyond retirement age as cost of living increases etc so maybe not too old after all. What do you fancy doing? :)

I’m looking at Civil Service, apprenticeships, and any returner initiatives to get into an interestingish admin role. I feel I have lots to offer because I’m older and have all that life experience, but who knows if employers will see it that way. I feel public service organisations may be less ageist (my experiences of IT weren’t great in that regard … even in my thirties I was considered weirdly old compared to the preponderance of young men in my field).

At 55 we still have at least 12 years of working life left! If I had my time over again I would have joined the police, but I think 55 really is too old for that.

nosoworried · 27/12/2023 09:32

I am 51 and have been looking for a job for over a year after 8y gap. Was invited for an interview only after I cut bottom half of my CV (with the jobs in 2004-2010). That was a real eye opener!
I wouldn't advise anyone to train in anything new in later life- the age discrimination is real 😭

Soccermumamir · 27/12/2023 09:53

I've just turned 40 and looking for something new and different. Currently work in an office within Education, but been in Education in various roles for the past 14 years and need something new. I wish I knew what that was though 😔

Soccermumamir · 27/12/2023 09:55

Iwasdrunkandamenace · 27/12/2023 08:37

I’m a bit younger than you, 43, and retraining as a carpenter. I had a long career break where I had 4 kids and cancer, could t stand the idea of going back into the office.
The school leaving boys in the college and the teachers are somewhat bemused to find a middle aged women sawing stuff badly in full make up (can’t go out without it).

what do you fancy dong?

I think that is amazing! We need more women in the labour market 🙌🏻🫶

redundantMother · 27/12/2023 10:00

Agree with pp, it’s disheartening to try to find work in your 50s - I wish the government would step in and help here. Age discrimination is rife. I’ve retrained from tech to teaching but was bullied out - told to my face I was old. 🤔

But wish you luck in your endeavours!

HardcoreLadyType · 27/12/2023 10:04

Turkeyhen · 27/12/2023 09:24

I’m looking at Civil Service, apprenticeships, and any returner initiatives to get into an interestingish admin role. I feel I have lots to offer because I’m older and have all that life experience, but who knows if employers will see it that way. I feel public service organisations may be less ageist (my experiences of IT weren’t great in that regard … even in my thirties I was considered weirdly old compared to the preponderance of young men in my field).

At 55 we still have at least 12 years of working life left! If I had my time over again I would have joined the police, but I think 55 really is too old for that.

Show quote history

The police do have a fast track scheme to get into detective work. Someone from my book group did it, after years of being a music teacher, and loves it!

Chasingsquirrels · 27/12/2023 10:15

We have taken on a late-50's apprentice this year, doing professional accountancy qualification.

Not something I'd want to be doing now (I'm 51 & I trained in the 90's) but all credit to her.

MistletoeRegrets · 27/12/2023 10:21

I would also recommend you take a long look at threads on the dedicated MN Mature Study and Retraining board at the link above.

It was set up specifically to address exactly your question, @Josie1968, so you’ll find countless experiences there.

MistletoeRegrets · 27/12/2023 10:25

Do you already have a Masters Degree?

If not, you’re almost certainly eligible for a Government Postgraduate Loan, which might cover your fees.

https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan

Master's Loan

Get a postgraduate master's loan to help fund a full-time or part-time master's degree: find out if you're eligible and how much you can get.

https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan

WaxingGibbon · 27/12/2023 10:25

My cousin is 52 and has decided to retrain to be a teacher

haveyouopenedyourbowelstoday · 27/12/2023 10:31

I'm 54 and qualified as a nurse 3 years ago. I absolutely love it.
Previous existence was mangement.

Original poster
Josie1968 · 27/12/2023 10:46

Oh that’s great thank you @MistletoeRegrets x

OP posts: