Change of Career

[ISpeds00]

Interesting one this

Has anyone on here decided they fancied a career change at 40 or older - going into or learning a trade
Been considering it for a bit now, but it's taking the leap when your comfy in a job

Always been interested in learning more - electrician, plumber etc instead of an office job
Wouldnt even know where to start

[bfcjg]

Construction is a tough old game and despite what is said you really do need to do a full apprenticeship of 3 plus years. If I was ever to have had changed careers I'd have moved towards electronics/ IT.
I know one guy who went from a facilities job to electronic engineering but he went to night school which encouraged a major local employer to take him on and he hasn't looked back.
If you do decide to have a change good luck.

[Hipper]

Depends of course on your financial and family situation.

If it's just about learning more could you not do that in your office setting?

If it's about working for yourself or on your own there is also gardening or groundsmanship (sportsfield maintenance) - I did this. Not especially well paid but satisfying, both physically and mentally and lots to learn.

Barring that, working in an office is a comfortable setting compared to working out doors. Plumbers and electricians for example might get work on messy building sites as well as in existing, warmer, homes.

Night school whilst keeping your existing job would clearly be the way. You would soon find out if the subject was for you. Obviously you should talk to electricians, plumbers etc. to see what they say on the matter. I'm sure there are also online guides to the trades.

[Rick_Muller]

It would be tough to do. Also steer clear of online training firms like Affinity Construction Training, or any of that group of trainers. They hook you up with £7800 credit agreement with Caledonian Consumer Finance and then don’t actually give you any training of worth. It’s all a big con IMO. You’re left with the debt and nothing to show for it

[HB Claret]

At the ripe old age of 45 back in 2007 I gave up my accountancy job which I’d been in since leaving school to become a self employed foreign student organiser. Best move I ever made as it was a totally different life style - full on 24/7 for maybe 8 months of the year and then 4 months of free time. New job was varied - including hosting German teachers, taking groups in guided tours through Whitstable and also a bit of accountancy for a student hotel in Hastings. Never felt like work and my only regret was not doing it sooner. I’ve even published a book about some of the experiences that we encountered which is available through Amazon - book us called “Thank you for the Fahrt” if anyone is interested in a bit of Christmas reading !

[MrTechno]

Interesting one this

Has anyone on here decided they fancied a career change at 40 or older - going into or learning a trade
Been considering it for a bit now, but it's taking the leap when your comfy in a job

Always been interested in learning more - electrician, plumber etc instead of an office job
Wouldnt even know where to start

Go for it mate. Ask yourself what’s the worse case senario if it goes wrong and can you live with that? Eg if it didn’t go well could you always get a job that is similar to the one you’re doing now or pays similar? Chances are that, that’s a yes. I’m 42, just under 3 years ago I went part time doing my teaching job to work 2 days as a designer, took a pay cut to do it, worried about it a lot. Yesterday, after nearly 3 great years I left that job to set up on my own as a freelancer. It’s scary and every jump I’ve done I thought I’d be out of pocket, but touch wood so far it’s worked out. Maybe ask your current employer if you can reduce your hours while you do this and phase out a bit of that till you get set up? You can only ask, they can only say no. Most people you work with want you to do well and it’s suprising how helpful people can be with this. Good luck with it all, hope it works out for you. I’ve been really lucky with having some amazing people help me out with all this, hope you find people like this also

[MrTechno]

At the ripe old age of 45 back in 2007 I gave up my accountancy job which I’d been in since leaving school to become a self employed foreign student organiser. Best move I ever made as it was a totally different life style - full on 24/7 for maybe 8 months of the year and then 4 months of free time. New job was varied - including hosting German teachers, taking groups in guided tours through Whitstable and also a bit of accountancy for a student hotel in Hastings. Never felt like work and my only regret was not doing it sooner. I’ve even published a book about some of the experiences that we encountered which is available through Amazon - book us called “Thank you for the Fahrt” if anyone is interested in a bit of Christmas reading !

Love this, great story. Genuinely believe you can’t regret trying stuff like this but you will regret not doing.

[jollyjack]

Plenty of opportunities to study the right field part-time/evenings up to an entry level (QAA level 2/3 qualification). Maybe do an Access to HE diploma (2 years part-time) to get on a graduate course such as paramedicine where you lean on the job.

I've done 40-odd years in the Navy and the resettlement package was good but the overwhelming sense was that a change of course might seem daunting but think back 5 years, how quick has that gone and what could you have achieved by now if you'd gone then?

Where would you like to be in 5 years?

[IrkthePurists]

Had a complete career change at 40 (not into a trade) into something I had a real passion for.

Could not recommend it more.

[CaptJohn]

I started out in the Merchant Navy and ended up managing oil terminals. It was a gradual change but did involve lots of training. It sounds like you want a complete about turn which would be difficult from my perspective as you'd be starting at the bottom again. I found it very tricky to deal with management who were quite frankly incompetent and it took a lot of restraint on my part to keep my mouth shut when they couldn't make obvious decisions.

[MrTopTier]

I have been in this position.

Change of career at 38 went back to Uni got a degree, qualified and then decided that I didn’t like that career choice.

So did another year doing something else that I enjoyed doing and never looked back.

Best bit of advice I was given was you will still be 42 whether you complete a degree or not.

I was in a fortunate position that I could afford the first couple of years, however we did struggle after that. So bear that in mind and good luck.

[ArmchairDetective]

As MrTopTier and JollyJack have stated, the time will pass regardless of whether you make the change. I recently completed a three year training course where I had to commit to stay/live where I am. Albeit this wasn't a completely new area of work, rather something I'd been working towards for a while. But having to commit three years to something and feeling like I was sacrificing any other ideas/plans was something I had to come to terms with. But I'm glad I did it.

I do also think MrTechno's point is an important one, what's the worst case scenario and are you in a position to live with it? If not, is there a way of pivoting to use your current position/skills to take on something new?

Wish you all the best regardless of your decision. Not sure the right answer is always clear initially in your position!

[steve_f]

I had a complete career change at age 38, went from working for BT was (the post office) as an accommodation engineer. Maintaining the heating air conditioning and lifts which I had done since leaving school. My brother was a retail jeweller, he taught me the fine art of repairing jewellery. Went into business with him, bought my own retail premises, and ran it for 24 years, finally selling the business at the age of 61 and retiring. All I can say is go for it, you never know what you can do till you’ve tried it.

[karatekid]

I completely changed my career at 40. I went from factory work to working in the care sector. I now work at various hospitals in Lancashire and would never go back to the four walls and mundane existence I had before. I spend my working days in the outside world meeting and helping lovely people and their families. It was a risk leaving a skilled job with decent pay but fortunately for me it paid off.

[ClaretOfMancunia]

Yes. Slightly younger but I made a career change at 36. Gave up a directorship at a well known business to retrain as a network engineer. Was seeking a better work life balance, less politics and something that stimulated me mentally. Got my networking CCNA qualification a few months ago, now a network engineer at the very same company!

Quite a few people tried to talk me out of it, but it's the best thing I ever did to be honest.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

After 12 years in logistics job, I fancied a change, so I started studying for a law degree in my own time. It is seriously hard work at times, giving up my free time to instead sit at the laptop and understand some very detailed subjects, but I do enjoy the challenge.

Incidentally, whilst studying I also took a different job and I am really enjoying that, so I may end up not using the degree for a career in law, but I will have no regrets, as I have alway wanted to earn a degree.

You never know what is round the corner, so my advice is, if you can tolerate the associated risks and you want to do it, then do it. Hope whatever you decide works out.

[ChrisG]

I worked in insurance for 13 years, then decided to go to uni when I was 32 to study quantity surveying. Was difficult financially for a while, but reaping the rewards now in terms of job satisfaction

[IanMcL]

If the desire is there and the confidence within, then do it.

I left BT after almost 30 years, giving up qn extremely well paid, senior managerial role, company car, perks etc.

So aged 45.5 I became self employed.

My skillset was very good and varied, so I had no thought of failure (my wife did say....we won't lose the house, will we?")

I got a book from the library about simple accounting and went on a free 1/2 day VAT course from Customs and Excise.

That's the mechanical bits. Not the business.

My intwrest was Scottish history and music. My wife and daughter were in a pipe band.

So .y motivation was to give them and others the opportunity to experience new adventures, too.

I created a show called The Scottish Tattoo and wrote scripts covering Scottish history, from the Scottish perspective. First show Royal Albert Hall. Then lots of towns and cities in England and then Scotland.

We lived well, paid the mortgage and enjoyed the experiences. Broke even at the end of it all, however, breaking even is fine when you are self employed!

Stopped when daughter went into Arny music and wife got cancer.

By then, my BT pension had kicked in.

All the while, I was also a local councillor, for my community. That brings its own satisfaction, when you can help.

Good luck.

[IanMcL]

On a different note, a friend was a small farmer. The developer landowner reduced the farm to 30 acres, when his dad died. Then stole his barns! He became a handyman and also helped in his wife's catering business.

Then one day, he met an older guy, who was a plumber. He offered to teach my friend. He is now a very good plumber!

[BigGaz]

I'm pushing 40 now and I have two kids and a lot of outgoings. I enjoy my job in fits and starts but what I've learned about myself over my lifetime is that I cannot abide forced corporate speak and interactions, rampant meeting culture and being sat behind a desk all day.

The problem I've got is that my finances and lifestyle are in step with the wage I get which is admittedly decent. I would love to work outdoors, for myself, but I cannot think of a role that would enable that without needing extensive retraining or would allow me to have a wage in the same ballpark at the ground level.

It looks like sacrificing my desires, certainly until I'm much later into my career is what is in store for me. I would do anything to make sure my children get a good start and there's no qualms or upset on my part to provide that, it's noble in and of itself but we always want more dont we, it's human nature. Anyone else feel like that?

[dougcollins]

On a different note, a friend was a small farmer.

About 5 foot two?

[IanMcL]

About 5 foot two?

Looked bigger in his tractor!

[Bosscat]

Interesting one this

Has anyone on here decided they fancied a career change at 40 or older - going into or learning a trade
Been considering it for a bit now, but it's taking the leap when your comfy in a job

Always been interested in learning more - electrician, plumber etc instead of an office job
Wouldnt even know where to start

I did it at 45 ... became a Locksmith after buying a Franchise ... best thing I ever did ... being my own boss meant the only idiot I had to answer to was myself.

Retired at 58 after selling the business

[IanMcL]

I did it at 45 ... became a Locksmith.

Bo...Jangles

[JR1882]

I'm pushing 40 now and I have two kids and a lot of outgoings. I enjoy my job in fits and starts but what I've learned about myself over my lifetime is that I cannot abide forced corporate speak and interactions, rampant meeting culture and being sat behind a desk all day.

The problem I've got is that my finances and lifestyle are in step with the wage I get which is admittedly decent. I would love to work outdoors, for myself, but I cannot think of a role that would enable that without needing extensive retraining or would allow me to have a wage in the same ballpark at the ground level.

It looks like sacrificing my desires, certainly until I'm much later into my career is what is in store for me. I would do anything to make sure my children get a good start and there's no qualms or upset on my part to provide that, it's noble in and of itself but we always want more dont we, it's human nature. Anyone else feel like that?

Pretty much in the same boat here - despite taking a good wage & a fair whack of responsibility, I struggle to think of anything else I could apply myself to

[ArmchairDetective]

I'm pushing 40 now and I have two kids and a lot of outgoings. I enjoy my job in fits and starts but what I've learned about myself over my lifetime is that I cannot abide forced corporate speak and interactions, rampant meeting culture and being sat behind a desk all day.

The problem I've got is that my finances and lifestyle are in step with the wage I get which is admittedly decent. I would love to work outdoors, for myself, but I cannot think of a role that would enable that without needing extensive retraining or would allow me to have a wage in the same ballpark at the ground level.

It looks like sacrificing my desires, certainly until I'm much later into my career is what is in store for me. I would do anything to make sure my children get a good start and there's no qualms or upset on my part to provide that, it's noble in and of itself but we always want more dont we, it's human nature. Anyone else feel like that?

Me and my partner are both in our 30's. She recently changed career and took a bit of a paycut. Between us we can make it work and thankfully we didn't overspend when we bought our house. We also don't have kids which is of course one less thing to think about. She thinks it's worth it to get on the right ladder rather than trying to climb the wrong one.

On the flip side a job is, at the end of the day, just that. The way I see it is that you work so you can spend the rest of your time doing things you enjoy. If you're unable to make the change, the outdoorsy stuff can always be saved to enjoy in your spare time

[ISpeds00]

I'm pushing 40 now and I have two kids and a lot of outgoings. I enjoy my job in fits and starts but what I've learned about myself over my lifetime is that I cannot abide forced corporate speak and interactions, rampant meeting culture and being sat behind a desk all day.

The problem I've got is that my finances and lifestyle are in step with the wage I get which is admittedly decent. I would love to work outdoors, for myself, but I cannot think of a role that would enable that without needing extensive retraining or would allow me to have a wage in the same ballpark at the ground level.

It looks like sacrificing my desires, certainly until I'm much later into my career is what is in store for me. I would do anything to make sure my children get a good start and there's no qualms or upset on my part to provide that, it's noble in and of itself but we always want more dont we, it's human nature. Anyone else feel like that?

This is exactly me now - quite flexible full time job, well paid - and thinking is it worth now changing career, to potentially spend years learning something new that may not pay as much

[IanMcL]

I'm pushing 40 now and I have two kids and a lot of outgoings. I enjoy my job in fits and starts but what I've learned about myself over my lifetime is that I cannot abide forced corporate speak and interactions, rampant meeting culture and being sat behind a desk all day.

The problem I've got is that my finances and lifestyle are in step with the wage I get which is admittedly decent. I would love to work outdoors, for myself, but I cannot think of a role that would enable that without needing extensive retraining or would allow me to have a wage in the same ballpark at the ground level.

It looks like sacrificing my desires, certainly until I'm much later into my career is what is in store for me. I would do anything to make sure my children get a good start and there's no qualms or upset on my part to provide that, it's noble in and of itself but we always want more dont we, it's human nature. Anyone else feel like that?

Only you know best.

Something to ponder...

You can reclaim paid tax when you make an accounting loss. (You will need tools/admin equipment/training vehicle etc)

When your children want to go to university, they will need a loan and fees paid up front...
Accommodation/living costs require payment. Loan larger if 'profit' low/zero/loss.

Are university fees based on parents' income?
Tuition fee loan

This will cover the cost of their university degree. Student Finance will pay upfront tuition costs and pay them directly to your child's university each academic year. Tuition fees are not means tested, meaning the amount awarded for tuition fees is not dependent on how much you earn as a parent.

[Shappie]

Good thread this and one of particular interest to me.

I worked as a manager / Accountant / for a civil engineering firm for 20 years until two years ago.

Jacked it in following a fallout with the boss and didn’t know what I wanted to do

After about 6 weeks of pondering I got offered a weeks work helping my lads boss out fitting solar panels on a job.

Now, two years later, I’m halfway through my college course as an adult learner studying to be an electrician and never looked back.

Hopefully, I will be qualified in the next 18 months

Good luck to anyone who has the courage to make a change and not staying in a job they are unhappy in. Even if it means you might be worse off financially for a while

[BigGaz]

Only you know best.

Something to ponder...

You can reclaim paid tax when you make an accounting loss. (You will need tools/admin equipment/training vehicle etc)

When your children want to go to university, they will need a loan and fees paid up front...
Accommodation/living costs require payment. Loan larger if 'profit' low/zero/loss.

Are university fees based on parents' income?
Tuition fee loan

This will cover the cost of their university degree. Student Finance will pay upfront tuition costs and pay them directly to your child's university each academic year. Tuition fees are not means tested, meaning the amount awarded for tuition fees is not dependent on how much you earn as a parent.

Thanks for this Ian, that's really helpful knowledge. I am aware of a lot of cute little financial 'tricks' you can play and I know some play the system very well - is it an accountant that I'd need that could wise me up with these sorts of things?

I got as far as registering myself as a sole trader in lockdown as I was doing a roaring trade flogging inflatable jacuzzis and cement on Amazon but Instead of building up some capital to try and give myself a headstart I didn't have the foresight and just saw it as a temporary 'side hustle'.

I Did It more out of boredom and spent it on home improvements and perhaps even more foolishly, an engagement ring

It's definitely left me wanting more though.

[ISpeds00]

Good thread this and one of particular interest to me.

I worked as a manager / Accountant / for a civil engineering firm for 20 years until two years ago.

Jacked it in following a fallout with the boss and didn’t know what I wanted to do

After about 6 weeks of pondering I got offered a weeks work helping my lads boss out fitting solar panels on a job.

Now, two years later, I’m halfway through my college course as an adult learner studying to be an electrician and never looked back.

Hopefully, I will be qualified in the next 18 months

Good luck to anyone who has the courage to make a change and not staying in a job they are unhappy in. Even if it means you might be worse off financially for a while

HI Shappie
Great response - i've been looking at this exact trade myself
I take it you do nights at college? Burnley?
Was looking online trying to guage costings, but it doesnt say

[exilecanada]

Interesting one this

Has anyone on here decided they fancied a career change at 40 or older - going into or learning a trade
Been considering it for a bit now, but it's taking the leap when your comfy in a job

Always been interested in learning more - electrician, plumber etc instead of an office job
Wouldnt even know where to start

I started a new career at age 50, leaving a trade and going into the manufacturing field. After 30 + years as a car mechanic I messed up my wrist which forced me into a career change. For the most part I enjoyed what I did but it’s a tough way to make a living, hard on the ageing body. I went back to school funded by our Workers Compensation Programme, graduated with a diploma as an Electronics Engineering Technician. Hardest three years of my life, I excelled at the practical side of the course but had a hard time with the mathematics side of the curriculum. After graduation I found my way to a multi-national electronics company which build air traffic control radars for commercial and military airports worldwide. Those flying in and out of Heathrow, Manchester, Liverpool and most other major UK airports will be guided by our product. Started off in the Quality Control dept and stayed in that dept, finally found my niche, moved up to final inspection pre delivery of multi-million dollar radar systems. Loved every minute of the 13 years I was there.

[IanMcL]

Thanks for this Ian, that's really helpful knowledge. I am aware of a lot of cute little financial 'tricks' you can play and I know some play the system very well - is it an accountant that I'd need that could wise me up with these sorts of things?

I got as far as registering myself as a sole trader in lockdown as I was doing a roaring trade flogging inflatable jacuzzis and cement on Amazon but Instead of building up some capital to try and give myself a headstart I didn't have the foresight and just saw it as a temporary 'side hustle'.

I Did It more out of boredom and spent it on home improvements and perhaps even more foolishly, an engagement ring

It's definitely left me wanting more though.

Everyone to their own.

In the beginning, I thought...I need an accountant, to relieve me of the burden, while I do my core tasks.

I was bombarded - at the wrong times- with "Can you supply this, that and the other?"

Then I got a call saying...."I think you should be registered for vat".Think?

"I'll do some research". Then another phone call.."Yes you do. You are late. There will be a fine. That'll be £200".
I ask how £200. "Had to read up on it".

I paid and said cheerio.
Rang up the vat office and said what had happened. They were great. They agreed over the phone that I was liable. £50 fine. Then they said - "We can give you 1/2 day training for free. That will get you sorted and then we can also answer all your questions, too!"
Sorted. Went to library and got 3cor 4 books on accounting as a small bus. Flucked through until I found one that was straightforward and gave simple examples of how you offset your purchases and also how to do the car etc

Then I had a spreadsheet on my computer (I did it).
Put all receipts in monthly envelopes. Current one by my right leg, as I say at computer. Then input into the spreadsheet when convenient. Followed the headings given by the vat folk. All well.

Unless you are going to be a massive business, it is not difficult. Reading the books (loosely) also gives you some ideas in things you can claim!

[IanMcL]

Just another thought....
Prepare for what you want to do, slowly, whilst working. Courses, reading up etc.

Then strike when the time is right. Perhaps having done some work after your day job.

[quoonbeatz]

I did it at 45 ... became a Locksmith after buying a Franchise ... best thing I ever did ... being my own boss meant the only idiot I had to answer to was myself.

Retired at 58 after selling the business

Who are you? How did you get in here?


I’m a locksmith and… I’m a locksmith.

[Quickenthetempo]

If you're undecided what you would like to change to. Ask a few friends in different trades/jobs if you can give them a hand at weekends to get a feel for the job. If you like it or have them skills.
Do odd jobs at home. If you find changing taps and baths etc.. easy, look at plumbing.

It just cuts your risks down.

[Shappie]

HI Shappie
Great response - i've been looking at this exact trade myself
I take it you do nights at college? Burnley?
Was looking online trying to guage costings, but it doesnt say

I live in Devon mate!


I do one day a week at college. 9am - 7pm. I think the cost is about £1500 for the first year and £3500 for the second year but theseare covered by a bursery so it hasn’t actually cost me anything.

It definitely helps working the other four days with an electrical contracting firm, especially when it comes to gathering evidence for your NVQ.

I would recommend asking around your local area for an electrician who needs an “ Electrician’s mate” and go down the self-employed route.

[Scott Arfield's Swag]

I left an 18 year career (I'm 39 now) in training and development in the retail and restaurant sectors in December 2021.

The pandemic and subsequent furlough period gave me a lot of time to reflect and it was taking away from me more than it was giving. Essentially almost a 24/7 job with emails and calls at any time I might not have been in a store, none of it paid as I was salaried.

I resigned and used my savings to train as a HGV Driver, initially on Class 2 and then moved to the articulated lorries (total cost around £3400). I now work Mon-Fri day shifts and although some of the days can be long (12-13 hours), I'm fairly well compensated for it with a good hourly rate and overtime after 9 hours per day. I have absolutely no regrets about it all and will never go back to the kind of work I once did.

However, just recently I've started thinking about the next stage of my life and ultimately want to reduce the amount hours I work without compensating on pay (don't we all!!!) and I think my next step might be heading towards becoming a driving instructor once my HGV qualification runs out in Jan 2027.

I don't know if any of this is useful to the OP but it definitely can be done. Good luck!

[KateR]

I did, but children were adults, and I also kept a consulting framework available at the beginning for what I had been doing my whole working life, I suppose I changed twice but first time was just resigning and starting to consult, same industry, so not much of a change.

[houseboy]

At nearly 61 I started working in private medical insurance after twenty five years in marketing and advertising. A strange change but it turned out okay.

[Bosscat]

My Stepson did 25 yrs in the Army Medical Corps, his 1st marriage had failed and when he came out he met his 2nd wife a Nurse
and so he went into nursing.

They weren't seeing much of each other on opposite shifts.

He decided to go back to college for 12 months and did a HSE course (Health and Saftey) now he has his own HSE business, although he is currently on a contract working in Taiwan (6 weeks on 4 weeks off Flat and Car inclusive and Business Class Flights) he sees far more of his wife and 3 girls than when he was nursing ...