Who has gone through a mid-life career change?

[Laura]

I know this has been discussed to some extent before, but I thought I would throw it out there again.

I recently re-took the CO bar after being out of practice for about 6 years. The same frustrations that existed are occurring again, and I know I really need to make a career change. I have some ideas in mind that would only require a year or so of education.

My question is not really about what career to choose, but to ask whether you felt like changing careers mid-life was the right decision. A little background: I will be 45 in August. DD is starting her freshman year in college and DS will be a sophomore in HS. I would like to be able to ease into the new career so that the time DS is in college (or at least a sophomore), I can make the change. Any advice, experiences, opinions, would be great.

[tbb113]

Laura -
I'm in the process of doing a mid-life career change right now. I was a programmer/analyst since 1980 and have disliked the career since probably 1985 but stayed with it for the money and security it was providing. The security left about 5 years ago and after one layoff after another and watching jobs be put overseas and only seeing contract positions being offered (project based) I decided I couldn't do it any longer.

I have a close friend that is mentoring me on becoming a geriatric care manager and I am taking the necessary classes to register with the state as a Conservator of Person.

My sons will be a freshman in college and a HS sophmore in the fall. I've been a single parent for the last 12 years. Financially it is a HUGE hit. I'm working part-time at Target to get benefits and to help stretch the money. I had to swallow all of my pride and ask my father for a substantial gift (max the law allowed without it being counted as income.) But it is SOOO worth not hating what I do. My mood is so much better (even if I'm exhausted since I'm working 7 days a week). My kids are seeing that you can change your career and make yourself happy. The money will follow once I become a Conservator and have cases.....

Tyra
(who will be 48 in September)

[Laura]

Tyra, Thank you for your response. It seems like you and I have led parallel lives to some extent, and I have thought of you in this process knowing that you were making a change. The one advantage that I have now is that I am essentially a contract attorney with the firm that I currently work with; thus, I think I can still make money while training for something else. I am intrigued by the work you are going to be doing and may look into that (although it is nothing I have considered in the past).

[kim21]

Hi Laura,

I changed careers, mid-life and after a long tenure in health care administration. I enjoyed a progressive and wonderful career in both primary care and specialty medicine practices; however, it was time for a change. At that time, I was fortunate enough to be in a work setting with people who supported my career change, as I completed further education.

As a family, we worked together during the shift in my schedule and esp with the temporary drop in my income. When our youngest daughter started college, I then returned to school once again, and am completing a PhD. We have all survived and are better for it :). I am 46.

Tyra references a mentor, and I have found that relational supports have been most helpful in making the transition, too. Become the woman you are meant to be...best wishes, Kim

[vbak]

Laura, my transition was from a SAHM to working in a bank, and then a college freshman when I was 41. DD1 was a soph. in college, DD2 was a Sr. in HS, and DS was a Fr in HS. It was one of the best things I ever did. DH and I have talked about it recently and can't believe how many years it's been already. At one time there were 3 of us in college full time; the girls were away at school, and I was at Purdue's extension campus.



Vicky

[wallycat]

I think it depends on what you plan to go into and how determined you are to work.

I worked at GE for 13 years, but it wasn't a "career" really.
When I went back to school for my RD, I was 39 when I graduated while the other graduates were in their mid 20s. Granted, there are two fully accredited colleges/universities for dietetic study in my area, but virtually any job that came out was offered to the 20-somethings. I never thought I'd face age discrimination at 39 :eek: :eek: .
I was able to find a small writing job (nutrition column), do some cooking classes, private consults, etc...
I then went back for my master's in library and info science. My preference was medical librarian to use both degrees more or less....and found that getting jobs as a librarian (public library and such) was easier, though not easy.
I guess most people assume a librarian should look like an old lady :mad: :eek: :p ;)

Good luck with meeting your goals!!!

[southjerseymom]

Laura, I can sympathize with you. I'm 39 and seriously considering going into another field. I graduated with a Marketing degree and then went back for my elementary certification. Taught for 5 yrs before becoming a SAHM. Returned to the "wonderful world of education" as a sub in my district, hoping to get my foot in the door. How disillusioned I was! Despite my excellent references and respect I've earned from the other teachers, the administrators want young blood. It's sickening - the games and politics involved. The teachers and I don't fully understand it. But that's a whole other thread! As much as I'd love to teach, it is very competitive and if I don't have a shot in my district, who the heck is going to hire me from another? I'm beginning to believe it is not my destiny and that my purpose is elsewhere. In any case, I am contemplating my options. My DH is very supportive. I don't necessarily have to go back full-time. I'm just not sure where to begin. I feel as though I'm at a crossroad and I'm frozen, not sure where to go. I'll post another thread, because I could really use some mentoring. Didn't mean to turn it on me. I say let your heart lead. Everything else will follow.

[melis_d]

I don't have experience but am thinking about making such a change myself. I've been working in the business world, first as a consultant and now doing human asset management. I like some of the work, but don't necessarily feel rewarded by it so am thinking about transitioning to either nursing or higher education administration. My family is moving (from Boston to Ann Arbor, MI) and so this is a good time to be making switch -- but I am terrified of the loss of income, learning something totally new, starting again, etc. I'll be interested to hear what others have to say about making such a transition.

Melissa

[boisewinesnob]

Laura,
I've been trying to decide what I want to be for the past 7 years!!! In 2000 I left a job I loved when DH's job took us from Seattle to Boise. I used that time in Boise to go back to school and finish my degree. Then last year we moved again and I've been really thinking about what I want to do. It is much harder when you are not 25 anymore! I've thought about starting my own business and I still might do that.
I'm probably not helping you any :o but just wanted to let you know that I'm in a similar place. I know several other people who have kids going to college and I think it makes you rethink your own goals and how you'll spend your time.

[Leslie Ferguson]

No words of wisdom here. I'm in the same boat more or less. After 22+ years of service to the US in the Navy I'm starting preparations for my second (real) career in August. I'll leave the life of security I've known my whole life (dad was a career Naval Officer) and starting school at Virginia Theological Seminary in preparation for the Episcopal priesthood. The only thing I have going for me that you don't is I don't have 2 kids - just LW and I. No good information but I'm staying in touch with this thread if for no other reason than to get ideas from others who've made the move or commiserate with those of us who are.

May peace be with you all as you transition,

Les
(45 in December)