WWYD - Looking for change of career

I'm 32, and felt exactly the same as you a few years back.

I took a few college courses, year long ones, in the evenings. Nothing heavy, web design, jewellery making, pottery etc.

Maybe you could do one of these, or an academic version, until you find something you enjoy? Then you can pursue it further. That way you get a little taster of different careers before heading down one path.

You are never too old, I'm now coming to the end of my college course and I'm 37.
I have enjoyed it, I'm thinking about going back for another 2 years from september.

Grab the bull by the horns, life is too short.?

You are never too old! I felt much like you did a few years ago, was working in admin/secretarial type work, and although I liked it well enough couldn't see me doing it forever. So I went to college for night classes, got an Access to HE qualification, and started a full time degree, at age 24. The people on my Access course were all ages, in fact I was one of the youngest! They all felt the same, that they wanted a career change.

I'm now in the final year of a psychology degree, and I LOVE it. I'm hoping to carry on with some postgrad qualifications after I graduate. I didn't know what I wanted to do after I finished uni so I just chose a subject I was really interested in.

As for careers advice, it can be a bit sparse for mature students. I had a look on prospects.ac.uk to see what types of jobs were around, and qualifications you need to do them. But basically I just went to college and did a course that interested me, and went from there! Good luck!

27 is not too old to change career. I did it at 28 and Mr Nora did it at 37.

I don't think many people stay in the same line of work all their life any more. Have a look at what your local college is offering or see a careers advisor. They should help you to pin point your strengths and what sort of work would be good for you.

You're not too old at all, but I think it would be extreme folly for you to give up paid employment to drift into a course not really knowing what you want to study or do. Have you seen a career adviser? It's worth thinking about your strengths and skills and how these could be applied to a job or career that you are attracted to.

You are too old at all. I'm planning to possibly change career in a few years time if what I'm doing now does not work out. I have some experience in what the field would be like so am fairly sure it's what I want but won't be changing now as a) can't afford to train and b) don't have the confidence to go into it now but hope after a few years in my job I will have ?

Have you looked into local evening classes? Your local college might ahve a career's advisor who would be happy to help - though my careers advisors at school were useless ?

? to you all for the replies. I'll definitely look into my local college and see what's on offer.

LouM - I wouldn't give up my job at the minute, even though I'd love to! ?. Unfortunately I used to do the job I really thought I wanted to (Chef) and that my career advisor at school said I'd be suited to etc etc. I just couldn't take the long hours, smelly clothes and temperamental Head Chefs!

HOpefully I'll find something cos at the minute I can see my job far enough. Hate going to bed and thinking 'God' and hate waking up in the morning and struggling to get out of bed!!

I second LouM's sugegstion- although you have more than enough time which to requalify and change careers (My mum was 40 when she graduated and became a teacher) you need to decide what you want to do before quitting your current job. Change isn't necessarily good you need to change to the right thing.

quote:Originally posted by Cherry_Bakewell
? to you all for the replies. I'll definitely look into my local college and see what's on offer.

LouM - I wouldn't give up my job at the minute, even though I'd love to! ?. Unfortunately I used to do the job I really thought I wanted to (Chef) and that my career advisor at school said I'd be suited to etc etc. I just couldn't take the long hours, smelly clothes and temperamental Head Chefs!

HOpefully I'll find something cos at the minute I can see my job far enough. Hate going to bed and thinking 'God' and hate waking up in the morning and struggling to get out of bed!!

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Is it the particular job you hate at the moment or the career?

I'm an Exec PA and a few years ago ended up in job that had me typing nearly a full day - not using my skills at all.

I moved jobs and have been much happier since then. Could it be that rather than a lock, stock career change?

I agree with alison76.

The great thing about being a Secretary or a PA is that your skills are transferable into so many different areas. Maybe you should look at the type of industry or company you are interested in?

Perhaps Law would be more interesting than Fiannce or maybe working for a charity would allow ou to get more enjoyment from your work!

My mother is 50, and qualifies as a teacher next month, so she'd tell you that no way are you too old ?

Check out what evening courses your local college does - mine does all sorts from academic to frivolous ?

You are never too old Cherry Bakewell. I worked in London for nearly 10 years in a fairly high powered job, then left at the age of 29 to train to be a midwife. I got a bit of stick from the "Old School City Boys" about not being tough enough to make it in the city, but can honestly say it is the best thing I've ever done.

I'm now half way through my course, have delivered a number of babies myself and love spending time out in the community or on the postnatal ward just being with the women. There honestly has not been a single moment that I've regretted my decision, despite the long hours, no money, stressful exam times.....

You spend so much of your life at work that you really must do something that you enjoy. Good luck ?