52 and ready for a Career change - dare I and to do what?

Question

After 20 years in the caring profession I am tired of all the beauracracy and need a change of career but all I know is about mental illness and a bit about computers (boring) . I need to pay my bills still so need to be paid but as an unskilled (in anything elase) middle aged woman I would appreciate some ideas or advice even.

Answer 1

AT 52 YEARS OLD WHI IS GOONA HIRE YOU?? YOU ARE READY FOR RETIREMENT IN A FEW YEARS, AND IF YOU CHANGE NOW GOOD LUCK AT FINDING SOMETHING ELSE AT YOUR AGE HONS, AT 52 YOU WONT FIND ANYTHING ELSE THEY WANT YOUNGER PEOPLE NOT AT YOUR AGE-- STICK WITH WHAT YOU GOT--- ITS JUST TO RISKY HONS YOU GOT A JOB DONT WALK OUT NOW RETIRE ONN ITT--

Answer 2

It's really rare that a person would be in a situation so bad that it makes any sense to run away from it without some idea of what one would run TO. I recommend making a well thought out plan.

First, go to a bookstore, and look through the self-help section and get an aptitude test. You need to identify with some precision what it is you want to actually do. It's probable that the answer will surprise you, and you'll find it's something you want to do, but haven't dared or felt possible for you.

Second, find some people that are doing that, and get their input on how you get there. They can probably give guidance about training and entry level positions, possibly even know someone. They can help you with your skill assessment for the new career. You may be more prepared than you think, you just have to look at your experience from the point of view of the new field.

Third, consider WHERE you want to do it. You may or may not live where you want to, and may be better off moving to a market more open to entry into the new field.

Fourth, BELIEVE. Life is full of people who changed careers after 20 years in a field and were successful and happy. It's possible, but only if you believe in it and commit to it.

Fifth, pay very close attention to your health. Changing careers is stressful, and if you're not in shape it can be a source of serious problems.

Answer 3

This might seem like a cliche but have you thought about teaching. There is a need for teachers in most areas and as a life experienced person you might be well suited to try this. Whilst you are training you will receive some funding from the government and after you qualify you could be on about £20,000 starting salary (might be higher, I'm not sure)

If you are seeking unskilled work then there is always the classic of supermarket work but this is often badly paid and you might not get the job satisfaction that you seek, but it is easy work.

The best people to see are career development people who can assess your skills and see what careers you might be able to do using your existing skills set. Pop into a job centre and see what they can offer with career development - you might be pleasantly surprised.

Good luck

Answer 4

Well, if you have a hobby or interest how about a job in that field?
Or just start a list of all the things you like doing - have a look round your house. If I came 'round what would I see so that I could say 'This woman has a real passion for...'? Ask yourself if you like to be social, work with other people, travel, hands-on, be creative, be physically active, work outdoors, writing - anything you can think of at all.
You should be able to figure out, in broad terms, what you like and what you do not like doing. You may even fond there is something which is obvious but maybe you hadn't really thought about doing for a living.
I'd say get try getting some life-coaching, experts who deal with people in your situation all the time.
Also, remember that you can go and do anything next and not worry about it being 'right' or 'wrong' just a new experience.

Anyway hope that helps, good luck!

Answer 5

Look, you've got about 34 years on me, but I'm telling you, life is all about going for what you want and living it to the full. Screw the odds and the risks, if you go for what you want and you really believe in yourself then you can make it work.
Why the hell shouldn't you change careers? Doing the same old thing for 20yrs can't be all that thrilling right?
What you could do, is while you're at your current job, start a night course doing something you really enjoy, then when you ARE a skilled middle aged woman, you can have a career in something you love.

Answer 6

Hello, I retired at age 55,(worked in mental health too ,34 yrs).I was glad to retire,but wanted to continue to work. I was also a EMT for a Vol Ambluance corp. So what I did was started to work for a paid Ambulance company.I love it. I not only made a mid life career change but I got into a diff field of work which I felt rewarding.This may or may not work for you but look at your own hobbies or other types of enjoyment and see whats out there for you. Good luck.

Answer 7

Of course you should dare, it's never too late. Go for it.

You would be better off forming your own business. It will be hard to find work at 52. You should get some Career Guidance or go to one of those Life Coaches that are springing up everywhere.

Answer 8

Try www.opportunity4more.com. Be in business for yourself but not by yourself. The website has lots of information about the business and what it has to offer. If you are trainanle and hard working and have the drive and ambition to better your lifestyle, financial freedom and to be a Leader then you need to check this website out! Good Luck! Make sure you visit the "My Business Website" Link on their page. This brings a lot more information for you to explore.

Answer 9

Look at your hobbies and interests. Go back to school and learn a new skill. Don't look at your computer interests as boring, there is lots of opportunity in this field. And have you thought about pursuing your "mental illness" thing in a different way?

Just thinking out loud.

Answer 10

50 +or - is probably the last opportunity to consider a career change.
first of all you should.
there are a number of options one can consider.( which are available in your locality/area ? to find this out you will have to do some field work ).
working as sales person in a large store, working as staff in any educational institute ( elementary /middle level), working in reception office of any hospital are some options.
one has to get out and explore.people are surprised to find out
what all they can do to earn a salary.

Answer 11

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