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

aife

You could try volunteering with the St John's ambulance Brigade , to get some idea of if being a paramedic would be a good fit

Murphybear

I left a job I hated when I was 38. I went on a 1 year course to get some more qualifications and got a job as an administrator in a charity. It was the best thing I ever did.

Leo2020

I have just been accepted on a BA Top Up course. I will be 34 when I start the course and it lasts one year. I already have a HND so, assuming I pass the course, I will have a degree at the end of it. I'm doing this so I can do a PGCE later on. Don't fancy doing the PGCE until my kids are older, 2 and 5 the moment. Wouldn't surprise me if I was in my late 30s/early 40s time I do the PGCE.

I have already seen several of my future class. All early 20s, I suspect I will be the only mature student. Not really bothered though as in life you always have to get on with people older or younger then yourself.

I just want to get the degree because its the first step and without it I can't be a teacher. I know it will be hard as I have a family but I think I can manage.

LannieDuck

I think a fair number of people switch to careers in healthcare later in life. You may not be the only 'older' person going through the study programs. It wasn't quite the same field as you're considering, but the 'older' people on my MSc tended to use their time better than the younger students because they approached studying like a 9-5 job. They had other priorities (families etc), and they couldn't afford to mess around.

Also, i would expect your previous career experience to help you progress in your new career. Obv you'll still need to learn the skills etc, and work your way up the ladder just as everyone else, but I think employers might like your career history - you may have a more mature and considered approach to things, experience dealing with difficult people, the ability to quickly weigh up evidence and reach useful conclusions etc.

Fireflyaway

Mid 30's is not old. You probably have another 25- 30 years left in the workplace and why should that not be spent doing something you enjoy?
I think there are huge advantages to being a mature student - even more so in a health profession. Life experience and the analytical thinking from your previous job would be really handy. There are some valuable attributes that only come with age. Yes you would start off in a junior role but might find you progress at a faster rate after that than your younger counterparts.
Even full time courses allow time to work on the side.
As for fitting in - so what?! There will be other mature students but you have different priorities. The youngsters might be partying but you will be working. Don't let that put you off its only temporary anyway.
I just wish I knew what I wanted to do because I fancy starting over and going to uni.
I'd say go for it. Any sacrifices are temporary and you don't want to live with regrets.