Anyone start new career at 40?

amother

OP ↓

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 2:09 pm

Or older?
Like totally new, not segue into something similar.

If you did, what did you go into?
Did you regret it?

Is it worth it to go to school? OR do something that can be learned by a course?
Have ideas what I want to do but not sure the time commintment I can give, and I also don't even know the job prospects so well. It's hard to know how in or out of demand it is if you're not actually in the field.

Just skip the whole thing and stick with my job I despise?

amother

Lemonlime

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 2:12 pm

amother OP wrote:

I know people who did! In a way it's a lot easier to study and do something new at that age because you're more likely to have big helpers at home

amother

Natural

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 2:14 pm

I know many people who did it. I have heard of people even older than 40 and becoming super successful. I switched careers at 30 and it was totally worth it. I think you should do it

amother

Charcoal

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 2:17 pm

I'm in the business field. Been in therapy a couple of years and would love to help others like those who've helped me. I'm in my mid 30's. I'm hoping sometime in the next 5-7 years maybe I could go back to school for social work, and switch into the mental health field... hopefully after I've done a lot more of my own therapy work.

amother

Bellflower

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 2:45 pm

I'm 50 and would love to do this but I don't think I'm capable of studying for another degree/ profession. I simply can't focus that way anymore. I'd love to do something I could learn on the job, but nothing like that seems to pay so it looks like I'm stuck.
I'd also love to hear of something that may be doable for me.

amother

Snapdragon

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 3:09 pm

I'm 30 and I've been wanting to become a reading specialist for years. Same issues as you - not sure of the market, no degree, much less money until I build up...

amother

Pewter

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 3:46 pm

Im 41 and I've been thinking about this. I have no degree. I've been a SAHM for years and now my youngest is in school until 3 and I feel lost.
I have nothing I want to do specifically but I want to do something.

amother

Lightgray

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 4:05 pm

My relative went back to school at 50. Best thing she ever did. It wasn’t easy but she finally feels like she’s making actual money and doing something she loves.

mig100

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 8:49 pm

amother Lime wrote:

I know a man who was in kollel up into his 50 and went to medical school and became a doctor.

Wow
.that's ambitious

Impressive.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 8:59 pm

amother Natural wrote:

I know many people who did it. I have heard of people even older than 40 and becoming super successful. I switched careers at 30 and it was totally worth it. I think you should do it

Wow good for you. I wish I switched at 30. I definitely wanted to then.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 9:01 pm

amother Papaya wrote:

I qualified as a nurse at 39. Another girl in my class was 41.

Thats amazing. So happy for you! But wow that is a lot of schooling! I dont really have the head for such kind of intense school now.

amother

↑ OP

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 9:05 pm

amother Banana wrote:

Yes, me at 42. Best thing I ever did.

So curious what you switched to. Its fine if you dont want to say, but would you share how much schooling/coursework it took? Thats a big concern here. Yes I have helpers bh but running a family and busy household is enough intense. When would I do any homework/projects etc?

GLUE

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 9:06 pm

amother Snapdragon wrote:

I'm 30 and I've been wanting to become a reading specialist for years. Same issues as you - not sure of the market, no degree, much less money until I build up...

My neighbor took a course on how to be a reading specialist, after graduation she started to tutor some kids.
Took a few years before she quit her day job and did this full time.

amother

↑ Banana

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 9:38 pm

amother OP wrote:

I worked only part time while I was in school and I did it slowly. I knew the "one year" speed degree wasn't for me. My husband also offered to help more so I can get the degree.

The coursework was interesting and different than high school, more papers and not such intense tests. I spoke to a few woman who had gone back to school at my age and they all enjoyed the schoolwork, actually.

I don't know if its practical to be in school AND work full time while raising a family, I can't advise on that as I didn't do it.

amother

Lilac

Tue, Nov 26 2024, 11:04 pm

amother Lime wrote:

I know a man who was in kollel up into his 50 and went to medical school and became a doctor.

It's very impressive but I wonder if it makes sense financially? Medical school is long and very expensive.
If he started at 50 he became a Dr at 55/60? Let's say he's healthy enough to work until 80...
It must have been his life long dream!!! Smile