Change Career in my 30's?

LegacyUser

Hi all,

I have been in the same job since I came out of college and working for my current employer for many years. Have to say the salary is not bad at all, and I would be unlikely to get fired.

A lot of people haven't a job at the moment so I feel really ungrateful for saying this; I haven't been as happy in the past year or 2 in my job. And recently a change of things at work make me feel even more upset. It is so difficult to face a day's work every morning.

Have been thinking of changing career. There are a few things I am quite passionate about. But now I am in my late 30's. Have a big mortgage, and a family to look after. We need both of us working. Can't really afford to retrain for whatever I would really like to pursuit.

Feeling at a loss and very down at the moment. Have anyone had a career change close to 40? Am I being totally stupid, especially given the current climate?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

dr gonzo

Well in regards to your family's well being thats a tough decision that only you can make.

In regards to your job however let me just say that you are in no way being ungrateful to admit you dont love your job, i know theres a lot of people out there who might say things like "suck it up" etc but you have a right to be happy in your day to day life.

Absolutely people change careers in their thirties and fourties, i have more then a few friends in college (Im a mature student myself) who are at that stage of their careers and they couldn't be happier with their choice because they know, for better or worse, that they are following their dream. Of course they may have different situations to your own that allows them to do it, im merely saying dont throw the idea of following a different, more preferable career path out the window merely because you feel youre a little older.

Give it some serious thought, there are always other options. If something comes to mind that you would love to do more then at least aim for that. You say youre not losing your current job any time soon so therefore you can save. i always found that the best remedy for a ****ty situation you're not in an immediate position to change is to focus on your way out.

Apologies for the messy answer, i hope it helps, even a little.

FoxT

- Any way you can talk to your boss & perhaps negotiate a change in role or change in focus of your existing job?
- Even if you know a role change is not on the cards why not have a chat with your boss anyway? Try put it as positively as you can that you'd like a change. It sounds like you are well regarded by your employer. If that is the case they will want to keep you & you could be surprised how accommodating they can be.
- A career change could be possible, especially if you get the chance with your current employer to work in some area that is related in some way to what you would like your new career to be.

Best of luck.

tenchi-fan

Good money, steady job, big mortgage, family to feed and near 40?

Stay put!

Fill your free time with fun activities and maybe arrange for a short-term career break from work. Unless the "career change" is in a similar enough field that you will be able to earn the same or more money I wouldn't take the risk in a job change let alone a career change.

LegacyUser

I've changed jobs for years.

Decided office life wasn't for me.... travelled, set up my own little business and work part time.

It can be done but sometimes it'd be nice to plug into the matrix, especially when times are bad. I was just thinking the other day how great it would be to have a nice cushy well paid job where

Working for oneself can be stressful. You have the freedom of time but sometimes your mental time is consumed with your work.

What has saved me over the last couple of years is my hobby. It keeps life interesting for me and I've made many new friends from it.

Maybe try to find some out of office pursuits that would fill that gap for you.

What are the things in work that have changed that are making you unhappy?

Is it a job you can do during the day and forget about when you leave at night?

colonel1

Crossroad wrote: »

Hi all,

I have been in the same job since I came out of college and working for my current employer for many years. Have to say the salary is not bad at all, and I would be unlikely to get fired.

A lot of people haven't a job at the moment so I feel really ungrateful for saying this; I haven't been as happy in the past year or 2 in my job. And recently a change of things at work make me feel even more upset. It is so difficult to face a day's work every morning.

Have been thinking of changing career. There are a few things I am quite passionate about. But now I am in my late 30's. Have a big mortgage, and a family to look after. We need both of us working. Can't really afford to retrain for whatever I would really like to pursuit.

Feeling at a loss and very down at the moment. Have anyone had a career change close to 40? Am I being totally stupid, especially given the current climate?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

OP would it be possible to study part time at night and that might make funding it easier? That way, you can retrain while retaining your job and paying bills etc. I have recently completed a part time degree and am considering a career change in my 30s, so you are not alone in that respect! Good luck with whatever you decide to do, and remember there is nothing worse than spending your working life doing a job that you hate.

fungun

Career change - if you feel you need it, do it!!!

Take the positives for now - you have a job, good salary etc so take the time to research and plan it properly....then see if you can train at night whilst working during the day.

Also sit with your wife/husband and see what you are willing to give up as a family for you to chase this (i.e. moving to a smaller house may take financial pressure off - is that a price you are willing to pay or not?)

One thing - just dont let fear stop you. The amount of times in my life people have said to me 'oh, you are so lucky to have done.....' or 'oh, you were so lucky to be able to do that'. Drives me mental - I was able to do those things cos I researched them, planned for it properly and then had the balls to go for it.

weatherguy

If you were single and unattached I would say go for it.
But you have responsibilities to your partner, children and paying your mortgage.
However, all is not lost.
Like other posters I would suggest you seek a change in your current job spec and I would also look at what other careers you would like to follow. Speak to people currently working in those other jobs and get a feel for them.
The grass can often be greener and all of that so be careful.
I changed career at 40 but my wife and my baby and I had a small mortgage. It turned out that that particular new career didn't work out.
I am now working part time, earning about €350 nett a week. However, I am very happy in myself, I'm out of the corporate atmosphere I resented so much for so long.
Give yourself 6 months to explore other opportunites, maybe take up a hobby too.
And good luck!!!

adagio

Hey Op..
36 and left job @ the start of the year..
Now in the area I want to work in but starting back on minimum wage (from 40+K), a mortgage,bills, w/out transport..etc.
It's very tough going but I'm back re-invigorated again and enjoy my work; several possibilities have also presented themselves(projects to work on) as a consequence of changing jobs.
The future looks very bright indeed.. but the present is pretty grim.. all about prospective and goals.
However, your situation is different as you have other people relying on you. My journey started w/the Open University 6 years ago..
Check out their prospectus.
Don't spend too much time faffing round... decide what you want to achieve, set yourself goals and go for it.
Try not to spend too much time pondering the main stream conservative view point.. 'you should stay in your job and be grateful.'
But!! Be aware of the possible consequence of your decisions and enjoy your family above all else.
Keeping it lit.