If you've changed careers after 40

[lizziegrace]

I want to hear from you.

Why, how and are you happy you did? I think I'm having my very own mid-life crisis.

[supernova]

1. Go for it!

At the end of life most people reget the things they didn't do, rather than the things they did.

So have at it! :applause:

[lizziegrace]

2. I'm in the "paralyzed with fear" state

Not sure what to do next. I do know I have a child to support and must keep a roof over my head.

[supernova]

3. What is it you want to do?

As opposed to what you're doing now? And how old is the kid?

[freethought]

4. Well, I'm 39 and I'll give you my opinion thus far

About 4 years ago I left the environmental services industry for good. After 12 years, some unbelievable hours, lack of promotion, and in some cases some unpleasant working conditions I had decided that I had enough. Heck, I may even had been a married man if it wasn't for the some the ridiculous hours I had worked for one company-nearly 80 hrs a week, every week at one stage in my career. Working those hours cost me a relationship with some someone that I cared for a great deal.

At the same time, my father, who was in his 70s, had a stroke. Not a severe one, he could still talk, walk and care for himself but still he was not the same. I decided to move in with him and take some time to think on what I wanted to do next.

I enrolled in a state university to study accounting and finance. I have two more semesters left and the prospects are looking quite good. It was a pretty big step. If I had married and maybe fathered a child, such a change would maybe not be impossible but it would be far, far more difficult than it is now. I am still concerned about many things, I will be 40 after graduation and there is a tendency out there with employers to favor younger workers who will work for less. In choosing accounting I believe that the future demand for accountants and CPAs will override any age related issues.

I am optimistic and I am convinced I made the right decision.

[lizziegrace]

9. Good for you!

I'm trying to get as far away from accounting as I can, so this is more than a bit ironic.

:)

[WCGreen]

5. I just keep my options open...

Of course I don't have a kid to support...

[RetroLounge]

6. I am in the midst of attempting it at 45.

Got some potentially good new about the bookstore, but waiting for confirmation before posting it.

RL

[lizziegrace]

10. Fingers crossed for you RL

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

12. Thanks!

Will post an update as soon as I hear anything concrete...

:hi:

RL

[lizziegrace]

7. I'm at work right now

I'll reply in a couple hours. I appreciate the input. :)

[lizziegrace]

8. Finally home from work

Some history...

I went to college on a music scholarship for 2 years. I found out at the end of the second year that I couldn't go any further in the literature because I my embouchure was wrong. I would have to back up and learn to play all over again. I was dating the musician I would end up marrying and decided that one of us had to earn a living, so I went into finance. I hate it. With every fiber of my being, I hate it. When it comes to not doing something just because you have a knack for it, I'm the poster child.

I'd hoped to find a balance by doing work with an organization I respect and admire (read - NON-PROFIT). That may or may not work out. Meanwhile, I have 40 resumes out and am hearing nothing back. My heart's just not into finding yet another job in finance. I volunteer alot to offset the mind-numbing work I do, but since I really don't have a "life", all I do is work and come home to the cats.

My daughter is 19. She just finished her freshman year. I have nothing. No assets, no savings, a 12 year old car that I'm hobbling along, some chronic medical issues (asthma), no insurance, no paid leave, and my credit was shredded before and after my divorce. My ex used my credit cards to finance his "inappropriate relationship." I'm still paying them off but the credit card companies cancelled me years ago. I also have a hefty student loan balance.

I'm not inclined to go back to school again. Can't afford it and don't think I'm up to it just yet.

So, that's it.

[lizziegrace]

11. Kick?? n/t

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

13. I did.

Glad I did; I've never looked back. If you aren't satisfied with your career now, you won't like it any better as time goes on. If there's something else you want to do, do it.

[NV Whino]

14. Yes

Went from burned out graphic designer to a property manager. Happy as a clam... if somewhat less affluent.