46 years old and need a new career

starrystarry

Rob_Morris wrote: »

My qualifications are not great, I have a HNC in Business and Finance which I got through part-time study, a GNVQ Advanced in Business and Finance again through part-time study and a couple of O levels in English Language and Economics. I reckon I could drop to around £16k p/a and get by, currently I earn £22k p/a.

£22k doesn't seem much for the job you're currently doing. No wonder you want out. I wouldn't do that job, with all the stress/conflict involved, for £22k. Good luck with finding something that will make you happier.

DKLS

Rob_Morris wrote: »

I need to change my job/career (I think anyway). My current role involves going out to businesses, looking for mistakes in their payroll and then issuing tax liabilities, penalties & interest. As you might imagine we are about as popular as a fart in a spacesuit when we arrive for these visits. I intensely dislike the whole process of punishing these businesses for what are often genuine mistakes.

Is it feasible that there is a business opportunity from what you currently do and offer tax consultancy and payroll consultancy services.


You would be a lot more popular if you can save companies money.

Rob1878

Thanks for all the replies, I feel obliged to try and reply to everyone.

I have approached occupational health with no avail, spoken many times to my line manager who is very unsympathetic (for example when my partner miscarried halfway through her pregnancy in February 2013 my manager insisted I phone in every day and reminded me every time of the work that I was missing and at my back to work meeting told me that having children wasn't the be all and and end all, how he knew couples who didn't have children and they had great lives and other inappropriate comments).

The pension is obviously a factor, even though civil service pensions are not as generous as the media would have you believe. The terms and conditions are better than most but they too are being squeezed.

I am already registered with the civil service jobs website. Like I said I'm time barred from moving until November 2014. I hate this feeling of being trapped, if that doesn't sound too dramatic

makeyourdaddyproud

Since you are used to working with numbers, is it possible to skill up to an actuary or accountant?

Tuono

It's never too late if you're determined enough.

I'm 45 and I'll be opening a new business in March this year. It's took 9 months of planning, worry and very hard work to get at the stage where I'm ready to go.

For me it was all about being in control of mine and my family's future. My former job was enjoyable and mentally rewarding to a certain extent, but no matter how much input I put into someone else's business, it wasn't me reaping the rewards. It was like p***ing yourself in a black suit. I got a nice warm feeling, but nobody noticed.

It took me several years to realise, that I was working hard, but not working smart. Why should I bust a gut and use my knowledge and experience to make someone who knows very little about the job, a wedge of cash?

Whilst I may not be able to offer any real guidance to what you can do and achieve, I can tell you this.

With the right mindset, determination and support from your family, you can achieve anything. Take your skills and use them to your own advantage. Nobody can stop you, but yourself. Age is just a number.

Best wishes and luck to you squire. You've already took the 1st step. :T

Alpha58

Rob_Morris wrote: »

...my manager insisted I phone in every day and reminded me every time of the work that I was missing and at my back to work meeting told me that having children wasn't the be all and and end all, how he knew couples who didn't have children and they had great lives and other inappropriate comments...

Outrageous. Not surprising from experience in the Civil Service but still outrageous.

Have PM'd you.

Suarez

What about a Business Finance Consultant?

50Twuncle

Rob_Morris wrote: »

I have worked for my employer (HM Revenue & Customs - please don't hate me!) for 25 years. I am now 46. In November 2012 I changed roles and almost straight away knew I had made a mistake. I have tried to give it time but after 8 months my moods were so low that I was crying at work and ended up seeing my GP and was recommended counselling (which hasn't really helped).

I need to change my job/career (I think anyway). My current role involves going out to businesses, looking for mistakes in their payroll and then issuing tax liabilities, penalties & interest. As you might imagine we are about as popular as a fart in a spacesuit when we arrive for these visits. I intensely dislike the whole process of punishing these businesses for what are often genuine mistakes.

Without being too idealistic I would prefer to do something in a more caring or educational role, maybe work for a charity (like Shelter or the Prince's Trust perhaps). A lot of the jobs I think I would enjoy or apply for require additional qualifications which would mean studying (which I am OK with) but I need to be earning as well.

Just wondered if anyone out there has any practical advice about changing careers or any success stories from people in similar situations. I know there is no magic wand for this kind of thing, thanks for reading and appreciate any input.

Sorry to have to ask this - but why did you leave public service ?
Were you "edged out" or was it just a decision that you took on your own ?
If it was not your decision (health grounds) - I would push for medical retirement - your pension WILL be deferred !!


This will then give you a lump sum and annual pension of approx. £7k index linked for life - and leave you free to look elsewhere for employment.

Rob1878

Thanks for all the replies, I am still ruminating (a specialty of mine!) as to the best course of action but for now I am still applying for other jobs.

Rob1878

50Twuncle wrote: »

Sorry to have to ask this - but why did you leave public service ?
Were you "edged out" or was it just a decision that you took on your own ?
If it was not your decision (health grounds) - I would push for medical retirement - your pension WILL be deferred !!


This will then give you a lump sum and annual pension of approx. £7k index linked for life - and leave you free to look elsewhere for employment.

Sorry I didn't make myself clear, I still work for HMRC, I changed roles and offices into something very different.