Does a huge career change later in life really ever work out?

abernathy · 14 May 2017 at 12:54AM

I'm in my 30's and having been out of work for a while due to redundancy I'm seriously considering a career change to something completely different - my career up until now has been as a private investigator working for a company that was contracted to various larger organisations (including local councils) for various lengths of time, usually dealing with housing/benefit fraud.

Having been out of work for so long, I don't have a particular interest in resuming that career any longer and would love to get into something else - haven't decided exactly what yet but leaning towards healthcare, perhaps as a paramedic, radiographer or dietitian.

In other words, about as far removed from my current career as possible. I have zero experience whatsoever in healthcare.

Changing career would involve going to university for me full time as a mature student, on zero pay (unless I find a part time job), studying alongside people 10-15 years younger than me etc. A complete culture shock from earning a steady salary, living independently and paying my own way etc.

It's a huge gamble to take, and I wouldn't graduate until I'm in my mid-30s.

My concerns really are:

1. I wouldn't fit in, being a 30-something amongst mostly late teens/early 20s people.
2. I might regret my choice.
3. I graduate and struggle to find a job.
4. Financially I'm taking a huge step back and won't be earning anything of note for at least the next 3-4 years, whereas everyone else I know has their own homes, family, good financial position etc.
5. The work I go into isn't hugely financially rewarding even after 3-4 years of hard work and study.
6. That I will struggle to find work due to my age compared to other inexperienced applicants.
7. That socially, I'd really be throwing away some important years in my 30s (missing out on relationships etc) due to study.

Basically, it's a massive decision for me and I'm not sure what the right path is. I just know I don't want to continue the path I am on currently with my old career.

The reason I've posted this thread really, is to ask other forum users whether realistically I could successfully make that jump from one career, to another completely different career in my mid-30s.

Let's say I graduate at 35/36. I'll be 35/36 competing with 21/22 years old for the same jobs, yet employers will expect them to have no/little experience whereas I've been working for nearly 18 years with no relevant experience to the role.

Advice? Thanks.

Hermia · 14 May 2017 at 1:36AM

Changing career in your 30s is not odd at all. I know many people who retrained in their 40s and 50s. Remember many mums have to retrain and start a new career when their kids grow up and they are older than you.

I think you really need to think more about what career really interests you. You could be embarking on a long and expensive course so you need to know you really want to do it. Plus once you have settled on a career you can start checking out professional forums. You may find there are multiple ways to train or people might have tips for universities that are better for mature students.

You might find a uni course has a wide age-range if the course is very career-orientated. IME the more vocational a course the more diverse the students are. But, yes, you do need to be aware that the youngsters will see you as ancient and probably won't be inviting you out drinking. But, I very much doubt you will be the only oldie on the course!

Why are you assuming you won't have a social life or relationships whilst studying?! I did a full-time MA whilst working and still managed to have a social life. I obviously wasn't out every night and it took some planning. Many students juggle studying, jobs and childcare so it can be done.

I think you really do need to think about where your passion lies. For example, I have a friend who is a paramedic and from listening to her stories I don't think you could do that job unless you are passionate about it.

abernathy · 14 May 2017 at 1:45AM

@Hermia

Thanks for the reply. My passion lies with seeking a job that makes a difference and directly affects/helps/supports others, and preferably a role that requires acquiring a skill or level of knowledge/specialism. Healthcare or a healthcare specialism seems to suit both of those needs.

I'm in a good position financially, no debts etc and have no dependants or other responsibilities so now would be a perfect time to pursue something else.

My biggest fear would be in 4-5 years time looking back and thinking "I've just wasted 4-5 years of my life and I'm in no better position to where I was back then" - either financially or socially. I want to settle down, have kids etc but spending 4-5 years at university means I won't be able to do either of those and will in effect be at the bottom of the career ladder in my mid-late thirties.

The other option is to stick with what I've done so far - which in the short term would mean more stability and earnings, but zero job satisfaction.

getmore4less · 14 May 2017 at 7:27AM

If currently not working then get a job in healthcare now while thinking about it, there are lower level jobs in the environment that you could probably get.

Foot in the door.

The NHS struggles to recruit and retain, a number of the positions are a mix of study and on the job training so you are not totally raw going into junior positions, also if you work your vacations you can build up some near relevant experience.

agrinnall · 14 May 2017 at 9:01AM

Anyone who thinks the 30s is 'later in life' need sto take a look at current life expectancy!

robatwork · 14 May 2017 at 9:17AM

You're at the beginning of your life.

People change careers in their 50s.

There's a line between analysing something and over-thinking it. I believe you have wandered across it.

abernathy · 14 May 2017 at 10:23AM

agrinnall wrote: »

Anyone who thinks the 30s is 'later in life' need sto take a look at current life expectancy!

I use the term 'later in life' as most people are generally well on their way in their careers by their 30s. Certainly the vast majority of people I know are settled in. But you're right, I've still got another 30+ years........................

mac.d · 14 May 2017 at 10:31AM

I agree with the sentiment of applying for a job in healthcare. It'll give you some experience of the working environment, help you decide if it really is the career path you want to follow, and there is the potential of studying while already working with the NHS.

It may or may not work out, but there's no point just sticking with what you've been doing if you don't enjoy it. Even more so if you are in a reasonable financial position. So many people are stuck in jobs they hate because their financial/life commitments are too constrictive. You should look upon your situation as an opportunity.

Hermia · 14 May 2017 at 12:30PM

abernathy wrote: »

I use the term 'later in life' as most people are generally well on their way in their careers by their 30s. Certainly the vast majority of people I know are settled in. But you're right, I've still got another 30+ years........................

I wouldn't say that is true for everyone at all. In fact I find the 30s/40s is when a lot of people feel they have come to the end of the road with their career or are being hit by ageism. I know a lot of people in this age group who take a new direction. Plus this is the period when a lot of women become SAHMs and they will often have to retrain when they want to rejoin work. It really isn't unusual. I find the 40s is when the divorces start to hit and that can lead to career changes as well. I don't think as many people are settled into their lives in their 30s as you think!

I agree with everyone else re: getting a job and then looking for training opportunities.

I think you need to get this idea that you won't be able to have relationships or children or any form of social life whilst studying out of your head. I think it is making this whole situation seem more scary to you because you seem to have an all or nothing attitude about it. When I was a mature student there were other mature students who were working multiple jobs, planning weddings, raising kids and doing lots of stuff in their personal lives. There were also people who met their OH at the uni. Remember it can take PhD students YEARS to get their doctorate and I doubt they are all living as hermits during that time. As long as you are organised you can study and do other things. I imagine a private investigator is used to managing their own work load and taking the initiative so you may be better at coping with study than other people.

dawyldthing · 14 May 2017 at 12:32PM

http://www.emas.nhs.uk/join-the-team/ambulance-service-roles/trainee-technician/

I think these train part on the job, part in the classroom so wouldn't take 3 years

clairec79 · 14 May 2017 at 2:03PM

If you are studying a health care focused degree I wouldn't worry too much about the age issue, I was in my late twenties when I went into midwifery, while there were a few in the cohort under twenty, more in early twenties, then I would say the majority of us were late twenties, with a few in thirties and forties

Does a huge career change later in life really ever work out?

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