Anybody changed jobs later in life ?
Discussion
Just thinking about what I could do as I'm bored s
tless of my job. It really doesn't interest me and I find theres no job satisfaction in it at all. I guess you can only last so long being unhappy in your work.
I believe I need to do something that I feel is more constructive and worthwhile to give me any form of satisfaction.
I work in IT (project management stuff), the money is OK'ish and its a safe job (which I guess has been part of the problem for a while). But I.T. bores me stless. If I earn't lots more money I still wouldn't be happy doing it.
I sometimes think I'd like to learn a trade but any apprenticeships seem to require that you are already doing the job - can you not learn a trade at evening classes say ?
Has anybody changed jobs completely ? If so, how did you go about it ? What barriers did you have to overcome ?
tless of my job. It really doesn't interest me and I find theres no job satisfaction in it at all. I guess you can only last so long being unhappy in your work.I believe I need to do something that I feel is more constructive and worthwhile to give me any form of satisfaction.
I work in IT (project management stuff), the money is OK'ish and its a safe job (which I guess has been part of the problem for a while). But I.T. bores me s
tless. If I earn't lots more money I still wouldn't be happy doing it.I sometimes think I'd like to learn a trade but any apprenticeships seem to require that you are already doing the job - can you not learn a trade at evening classes say ?
Has anybody changed jobs completely ? If so, how did you go about it ? What barriers did you have to overcome ?
With regards to learning a trade, my brother is currently learning carpentry and joinery. He's at college 3 days a week, full time, and is doing really well. His whole course lasts three years I think, I believe he's eligible to apply for an apprenticeship during his second year, and if he gets it he'll then be spending the other 2 days on site, putting everything he learns in college in to practise.
The days he is in college are proper full time days, and they include at least 3 hours a day in the workshop. He already has an A-Level in "Resistant Materials" (aka wood working) but he still started on the bottom rung, the only thing it helped with was the early part of the course when they were doing really basic stuff.
They have to do a lot of practise, you cannot move on to the next part of the course until your work is completely up to scratch, he was really annoyed with himself the other day as one of the joints he'd made was 3 millimetres too large and he had to re-do the whole thing before he could move on.
Honestly, listening to him talk about I think it would be impossible to do anything like it in evening classes without it taking six or seven years to complete.
The days he is in college are proper full time days, and they include at least 3 hours a day in the workshop. He already has an A-Level in "Resistant Materials" (aka wood working) but he still started on the bottom rung, the only thing it helped with was the early part of the course when they were doing really basic stuff.
They have to do a lot of practise, you cannot move on to the next part of the course until your work is completely up to scratch, he was really annoyed with himself the other day as one of the joints he'd made was 3 millimetres too large and he had to re-do the whole thing before he could move on.
Honestly, listening to him talk about I think it would be impossible to do anything like it in evening classes without it taking six or seven years to complete.
As others have said, by all means investigate your options, but I suspect that learning a trade will be a very serious undertaking and probably not very feasible.
Why not concentrate on new or current spare time activities. Have you got a shed or garage at home that you could set aside some space for a workshop? You could start doing some woodwork or painting etc. If you enjoy doing this and get good at it you could slowly start to add to your income and once you are "established" that might then become a new career move.
Or just take up a new hobby which you can look forward to at the weekends. Any adrenaline sport you have always fancied doing? Or could you find the spare cash to do a season of hillclimbs/sprints?
I would consider all these things before handing in your notice.
Why not concentrate on new or current spare time activities. Have you got a shed or garage at home that you could set aside some space for a workshop? You could start doing some woodwork or painting etc. If you enjoy doing this and get good at it you could slowly start to add to your income and once you are "established" that might then become a new career move.
Or just take up a new hobby which you can look forward to at the weekends. Any adrenaline sport you have always fancied doing? Or could you find the spare cash to do a season of hillclimbs/sprints?
I would consider all these things before handing in your notice.
Yes,
Changed career a few years ago and now run several completely different ones in parallel. In some respects it was the easiest thing in the world to do, in others it was the hardest - it was hard to step away from a safe and well paid secure job.
I could not have stood still doing the same safe thing for the rest of my life. It was not an acceptable choice and at the end of the day to me IT was just another job, no matter how high up the career ladder or how many different things I did, it was stil a means to and end.
I still do it in part. But now it is completely different. I do the bits I really enjoy and the best thing of all; I get to leave at 5:01 with no meetings, deadlines and other agendas to satisfy.
I have no kids to worry about, I can come and go as I please so in that respect the choice was far easier than someone with a family and other commitments.
Changed career a few years ago and now run several completely different ones in parallel. In some respects it was the easiest thing in the world to do, in others it was the hardest - it was hard to step away from a safe and well paid secure job.
I could not have stood still doing the same safe thing for the rest of my life. It was not an acceptable choice and at the end of the day to me IT was just another job, no matter how high up the career ladder or how many different things I did, it was stil a means to and end.
I still do it in part. But now it is completely different. I do the bits I really enjoy and the best thing of all; I get to leave at 5:01 with no meetings, deadlines and other agendas to satisfy.
I have no kids to worry about, I can come and go as I please so in that respect the choice was far easier than someone with a family and other commitments.
I did a career change at the grand old age of 27, going from being a picture editor for a very well known picture agency specialising in motor racing, to working in the motor trade. I was concerned the industry I was in was quite limited for long term prospects, and couldn't see where I would be a few years down the line. I was also completely fking knackered, having spent a number of years waking up in hotels and only having a vague idea which country I was in!
I have no regrets about jacking in something I always wanted to do, I've had a much bigger input into the upbringing of my children (being at home definitely helps..), its nice to finish work around the same time everyday, and to be able to ps off home for me tea. Maybe call me easily pleased, but I missed all of this in my previous job.
I would be extremely cautious, however, to do something like you are suggesting in the current economic climate: I would definitely ride out the recession where you are, and do some serious thinking. A lot of blokes would give their left bk to have a steady job with a good income. As other people have suggested, maybe get involved in something new that floats your boat, outside of work, to give you something to enjoy after hours and look forward to if the day is dragging?
king knackered, having spent a number of years waking up in hotels and only having a vague idea which country I was in!I have no regrets about jacking in something I always wanted to do, I've had a much bigger input into the upbringing of my children (being at home definitely helps..), its nice to finish work around the same time everyday, and to be able to p
s off home for me tea. Maybe call me easily pleased, but I missed all of this in my previous job.I would be extremely cautious, however, to do something like you are suggesting in the current economic climate: I would definitely ride out the recession where you are, and do some serious thinking. A lot of blokes would give their left b
k to have a steady job with a good income. As other people have suggested, maybe get involved in something new that floats your boat, outside of work, to give you something to enjoy after hours and look forward to if the day is dragging?80quattro said:
I did a career change at the grand old age of 27, going from being a picture editor for a very well known picture agency specialising in motor racing, to working in the motor trade. I was concerned the industry I was in was quite limited for long term prospects, and couldn't see where I would be a few years down the line. I was also completely fking knackered, having spent a number of years waking up in hotels and only having a vague idea which country I was in!
I have no regrets about jacking in something I always wanted to do, I've had a much bigger input into the upbringing of my children (being at home definitely helps..), its nice to finish work around the same time everyday, and to be able to ps off home for me tea. Maybe call me easily pleased, but I missed all of this in my previous job.
I would be extremely cautious, however, to do something like you are suggesting in the current economic climate: I would definitely ride out the recession where you are, and do some serious thinking. A lot of blokes would give their left bk to have a steady job with a good income. As other people have suggested, maybe get involved in something new that floats your boat, outside of work, to give you something to enjoy after hours and look forward to if the day is dragging?
How did you get a job like picture editor at a young age if you don't mind me asking?king knackered, having spent a number of years waking up in hotels and only having a vague idea which country I was in!I have no regrets about jacking in something I always wanted to do, I've had a much bigger input into the upbringing of my children (being at home definitely helps..), its nice to finish work around the same time everyday, and to be able to p
s off home for me tea. Maybe call me easily pleased, but I missed all of this in my previous job.I would be extremely cautious, however, to do something like you are suggesting in the current economic climate: I would definitely ride out the recession where you are, and do some serious thinking. A lot of blokes would give their left b
k to have a steady job with a good income. As other people have suggested, maybe get involved in something new that floats your boat, outside of work, to give you something to enjoy after hours and look forward to if the day is dragging?I did about three months ago.
I left a very good job in the oil industry, I was working in logistics and did so for over 9 years. I also got very bored and uninterested in the job but then the company I flew with hit the headlines months ago for all the wrong reasons. I started panic attacks just getting into the survival suit, and started to have to medicate just to get back onto a helicopter. That coupled with the fact my parents are in bad health I just realised there is far more to life. So I have gone from a huge wage working on the rigs to a little wage working as a childminder.
Do I regret it...........
Not one little bit. Yes there are times I miss the wage and I do miss the laugh I had on the rig but as many will tell you there is more to life than money. I now get to be at home full time, get to look after the folks when they need it and now have a 10 second walk to my work.
I left a very good job in the oil industry, I was working in logistics and did so for over 9 years. I also got very bored and uninterested in the job but then the company I flew with hit the headlines months ago for all the wrong reasons. I started panic attacks just getting into the survival suit, and started to have to medicate just to get back onto a helicopter. That coupled with the fact my parents are in bad health I just realised there is far more to life. So I have gone from a huge wage working on the rigs to a little wage working as a childminder.
Do I regret it...........
Not one little bit. Yes there are times I miss the wage and I do miss the laugh I had on the rig but as many will tell you there is more to life than money. I now get to be at home full time, get to look after the folks when they need it and now have a 10 second walk to my work.
I was a mechanic/auto electrician/doing some form of motor trade from leaving college at 18 until I was 33.
At 33 I trained in beauty therapy and opened my own nail/tanning/beauty salon.
At 37 I'm still self-employed working in many areas from chauffeuring, PA work for a professional family to contracting to the family property business.
If you want to change, just get on with it. I can't see what's stopping you other than yourself.
At 33 I trained in beauty therapy and opened my own nail/tanning/beauty salon.
At 37 I'm still self-employed working in many areas from chauffeuring, PA work for a professional family to contracting to the family property business.
If you want to change, just get on with it. I can't see what's stopping you other than yourself.
Pentoman said:
80quattro said:
I did a career change at the grand old age of 27, going from being a picture editor for a very well known picture agency specialising in motor racing, to working in the motor trade. I was concerned the industry I was in was quite limited for long term prospects, and couldn't see where I would be a few years down the line. I was also completely fking knackered, having spent a number of years waking up in hotels and only having a vague idea which country I was in!
I have no regrets about jacking in something I always wanted to do, I've had a much bigger input into the upbringing of my children (being at home definitely helps..), its nice to finish work around the same time everyday, and to be able to ps off home for me tea. Maybe call me easily pleased, but I missed all of this in my previous job.
I would be extremely cautious, however, to do something like you are suggesting in the current economic climate: I would definitely ride out the recession where you are, and do some serious thinking. A lot of blokes would give their left bk to have a steady job with a good income. As other people have suggested, maybe get involved in something new that floats your boat, outside of work, to give you something to enjoy after hours and look forward to if the day is dragging?
How did you get a job like picture editor at a young age if you don't mind me asking?king knackered, having spent a number of years waking up in hotels and only having a vague idea which country I was in!I have no regrets about jacking in something I always wanted to do, I've had a much bigger input into the upbringing of my children (being at home definitely helps..), its nice to finish work around the same time everyday, and to be able to p
s off home for me tea. Maybe call me easily pleased, but I missed all of this in my previous job.I would be extremely cautious, however, to do something like you are suggesting in the current economic climate: I would definitely ride out the recession where you are, and do some serious thinking. A lot of blokes would give their left b
k to have a steady job with a good income. As other people have suggested, maybe get involved in something new that floats your boat, outside of work, to give you something to enjoy after hours and look forward to if the day is dragging?I did it a few years ago, but I changed from an industry with low wages and low job security (though both have improved since) where you need more and more paper qualifications to get anywhere to somewhere with average wages and high job security, where on the job experience counts more.
The new line of work is a lot more fun. TO be honest I wish I'd found it earlier and hadn't pissed about for more than a decade trying to be an academic.
The new line of work is a lot more fun. TO be honest I wish I'd found it earlier and hadn't pissed about for more than a decade trying to be an academic.
Edited by oldbanger on Sunday 8th November 20:47
musclecarmad said:
Try doing more in the evenings and weekends such as adventure trips, even going to the cinema etc midweek to break things up a bit outside of work.
Could well be part of the problem. Could probably find something to do in my spare time that would give some of the satisfaction that I seek. Best to start there I guess before any big decisons are made.Later in life is a bit vague.
Your profile says Civil Servant, so you will have a part pension that will be "stored" for you
By changing jobs, Im guessing you mean a change of occupation too.
I did it at 33, I am currently a lot more than that.
Computer system engineer previously, have since lived in a couple of countries and had a couple of businesss. Neither of my businesses give me anything close to what I made before, but I have an ok life style and wouldn't change a thing.
(Income comparison adjusted for inflation of course)
Your profile says Civil Servant, so you will have a part pension that will be "stored" for you
By changing jobs, Im guessing you mean a change of occupation too.
I did it at 33, I am currently a lot more than that.
Computer system engineer previously, have since lived in a couple of countries and had a couple of businesss. Neither of my businesses give me anything close to what I made before, but I have an ok life style and wouldn't change a thing.
(Income comparison adjusted for inflation of course)
I'm 29 and this week started career no.3 (after graduating 6 years ago).
Don't be scared of taking a leap.
So many people get to the end of a boring career, retire and wonder where their life went. If you want to do something, just do it. Regret your mistakes, not your omissions.
There's no grand master plan, and life's what you make it. You were never destined to be an IT man (or anything else).
[keynes]
Long term planning is all well and good but in the long term, we're all dead.
[/keynes]
Don't be scared of taking a leap.
So many people get to the end of a boring career, retire and wonder where their life went. If you want to do something, just do it. Regret your mistakes, not your omissions.
There's no grand master plan, and life's what you make it. You were never destined to be an IT man (or anything else).
[keynes]
Long term planning is all well and good but in the long term, we're all dead.
[/keynes]
I'm currently doing various certificates to go teach English overseas next year! Not necessarily a career change, but definitely a major life change and if all goes well it'll be a job for several years. Currently do an OK job though little job security (or wages for that matter!) and I'm wondering whether living in the UK, saving money and doing the usual day to day stuff is all there is to this life
Edited to add that my dad went through school and art college always wanting to get into design. Worked for until his late 20s as a designer until he switched to something totally different - the fire service! He's now retired and is getting back into what gave him a passion for art and design in the first place - going out with his easel and doing some great work! He doesn't seem to regret changing careers even after all the effort that went into getting the original job
Edited to add that my dad went through school and art college always wanting to get into design. Worked for until his late 20s as a designer until he switched to something totally different - the fire service! He's now retired and is getting back into what gave him a passion for art and design in the first place - going out with his easel and doing some great work! He doesn't seem to regret changing careers even after all the effort that went into getting the original job
Edited by v15ben on Sunday 8th November 22:23
Don't listen to all the people saying to stay put, it's your life so live it in a way that's going to make you happy.
I decided to change jobs last year at the age of 28 after working in car sales and haven't regretted it once since. I am still training for my new career and being honest it has been a bit awkward adjusting to being a student again and has involved an awful lot of hard work way more so than my original engineering degree and I still have about another 6 months to go before it's finished. But I just wasn't happy before and saw no long term future for myself, I didn't ever want to do my bosses job or his bosses job so saw no point in staying in a job which went nowhere.
Do you have any ideas of what you want your new career to be ?
I decided to change jobs last year at the age of 28 after working in car sales and haven't regretted it once since. I am still training for my new career and being honest it has been a bit awkward adjusting to being a student again and has involved an awful lot of hard work way more so than my original engineering degree and I still have about another 6 months to go before it's finished. But I just wasn't happy before and saw no long term future for myself, I didn't ever want to do my bosses job or his bosses job so saw no point in staying in a job which went nowhere.
Do you have any ideas of what you want your new career to be ?
JohnnyHayward said:
Don't listen to all the people saying to stay put, it's your life so live it in a way that's going to make you happy.
I decided to change jobs last year at the age of 28 after working in car sales and haven't regretted it once since. I am still training for my new career and being honest it has been a bit awkward adjusting to being a student again and has involved an awful lot of hard work way more so than my original engineering degree and I still have about another 6 months to go before it's finished. But I just wasn't happy before and saw no long term future for myself, I didn't ever want to do my bosses job or his bosses job so saw no point in staying in a job which went nowhere.
Do you have any ideas of what you want your new career to be ?
How much is the training costing you if you don't mind me asking?I decided to change jobs last year at the age of 28 after working in car sales and haven't regretted it once since. I am still training for my new career and being honest it has been a bit awkward adjusting to being a student again and has involved an awful lot of hard work way more so than my original engineering degree and I still have about another 6 months to go before it's finished. But I just wasn't happy before and saw no long term future for myself, I didn't ever want to do my bosses job or his bosses job so saw no point in staying in a job which went nowhere.
Do you have any ideas of what you want your new career to be ?
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