Who here has changed careers later in life?

Question

How young were you when you did? What gave you the courage to do so? Did you have doubts? I'm 37 without a college degree, and I really hate my job. I'm really burned out on customer service, I'm to the point of to tell everyone one of the people I help, "Kiss my @ss, and I don't care who you snitch to!" Sorry, but it's very early Monday morning and I have to go back to a job which I really loathe. Did anyone here change careers without a college degree? What did you do? How did you do it? I feel like I'm too old to change careers, but for my own mental health, I have to find other employment.

Answer 1

I worked as a journalist until I was 24, then went to college (I always knew that I would), Did two undergraduate degrees in 3 years. Obtained a Ph.D. in physics and went to medical school for an M.D. afterward. I've split my career working as a physicist or physician depending on what interested me at a particular time... and I still enjoy writing.

The changes were motivated by confidence in my abilities, and a strong desire to following my own interests. My creed has been not to "work" at anything I wouldn't do for free.

You need to pay the bills, but beyond that find what you are passionate about and go for it.

Aloha

Answer 2

I'm 34 and in the process of changing careers. I need something less demanding but that will give me relatively satisfactory income. I must say, though, I have a university degree and post graduate so I suppose that may give me more options. HOwever, the changes I am considering do not need me to have the qualifications I have. I am considering setting up a business at present.

I wish you all the best.

Answer 3

I was in nursing in my 20's, raised kids in my 30's, went into real estate at 37 which I still am doing but more on a semi-retired level as I am now the broker and have others working for me. Real estate was very good to me but I worked my ---off for 17 years. You do not need a college degree to get into real estate. It is not easy but the courses are quick and you can be licensed quickly. You can complete the courses and get your license within 3 months. I have looked at selling real estate as more of a lifestyle than a job. I have enjoyed it immensely and it has given me the freedom to travel the world, to be flexible with my time so I could spend time with the kids, albeit connected to the cellphone, and to be able to give back generously to help the less fortunate.

Answer 4

Age doesn't matter. What do you like to do? Think of something you do when the time seems to fly by quickly--then you'll know what interests you. Next, find jobs that relate to your interests.

In order to sustain a career (work in a particular field--not just a particular job), you must invest yourself in life-long education--it doesn't have to be in a degree-granting program, but you'll need specific knowledge. Learning comes naturally when you're interested in the topic--and often leads to other interests you didn't know you had.

Start investigating other options today--you'll feel better.

Good luck!

Answer 5

You are never too old to make a choice to be happy in your job. Whether that means choosing a new job, or changing your approach to your present one, matters less, than the fact that you spend a lot of time on the work you do, and it is reasonable to want to enjoy the work.

I network with career change artists, and I am one myself. In fact if you would like to join us, we have a YahooGroup for discussing what might be next in our careers at: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/HFCN-CareerTransformationTalk/
It has live networking a links library of hints on how to get what's next figured out!

Finally an inspirational story of a mom with no degree who got her degree well past 40 , and at the time most of her peers are retiring, is living her dream job..

Wishing you success!

Dawn

Answer 6

Whether you are young or old, you're untitled to good mental health...you must believe in yourself. Go and do something you like...you deserve it...it's about time...you're 37 you're still young...no i'm not joking!

Answer 7

I have. It's pretty scary. Wanna chat [e-mail]

Answer 8

pick me