Thinking of re-training & wondered what paths others have taken to pursue 2nd career?

Sambucus_Nigra

Did HNC in Civils and was civil eng for 14 years.
Meanwhile, did degree at uni [6 years - nights] and got a job in training
Got promotion and went into management, and then left for directors jobs in training company [big, big £ contracts].
With funding cuts - got made redundant, started own sideline company and meanwhile, was doing RHS quals.
Now developing veg gardens in schools.

Throughout - I've had about 3 years tops [out of 26 years since school] when I haven't been doing something educational; ONC. HNC, degree, post grad diploma, certs, a levels in photography, cert in gardening, Japanese etc.....I'm a life long learner and it shows, now being in the 3rd career and hopefully it won't stop there!

Mics_chick

SonjaLiK wrote: »

I am not sure though, researching the subject, if it's better to try to find a job and then train or take on a course first and then look for a job. Any thoughts? This is something I've wondered about too?
Also, does anyone know if being foreign would be a dissadvantage?

I don't see why "being foreign" should be a disadvantage Sonja?
It might be a positive advantage if you live in an area where alot of peeps have kids from your background
How long have you lived over here?

SonjaLiK

Mics_chick wrote: »

I don't see why "being foreign" should be a disadvantage Sonja?
It might be a positive advantage if you live in an area where alot of peeps have kids from your background
How long have you lived over here?

I don't know if it should or not, I am just thinking out loud.
No, I am afraid we/I might be the only one (at least as far as I am aware).

I've lived here for just over 7 years.

About the question you quoted; I've done a bit more research and come to the conclusion that it would definitely be better to find a job first and then train while working. It might vary from area to area but in this one it seems there are a few positions available for unqualified assistants and if they hire you, they will put you through training as well. It doesn't seem to be a massive expense anyways, but if you can get a wage/experience while doing the course and the cost of training covered, why not.

nonnatus

I was a pub landlady much of my adult life (which I really enjoyed mostly).
When my children started looking WAY too at home running around a bar, I decided to jump ship and change direction.
At 35 I trained to be a midwife (3 year full time degree) and have been doing the job for 4 years now. I absolutely adore my job and feel very fortunate to have had 2 careers where working has been so pleasurable it barely feels like work!

I hope you find your niche...

x

Mics_chick

nonnatus wrote: »

I was a pub landlady much of my adult life (which I really enjoyed mostly).
When my children started looking WAY too at home running around a bar, I decided to jump ship and change direction.
At 35 I trained to be a midwife (3 year full time degree) and have been doing the job for 4 years now. I absolutely adore my job and feel very fortunate to have had 2 careers where working has been so pleasurable it barely feels like work! <--This is what I would Really REALLY like to happen

I hope you find your niche...

x

I wanted to change my job but the time was never right for various reasons - I just don't ever want to be in that position again
But now I think I wouldn't ever be too scared to take that step

Mics_chick

Bumping this back up to see if anyone else wants to post