mid-life job change. what would you do?

[ncnurseryman]

I sometimes wonder what I would do if I was faced with a mid-life career change for whatever reason. I always hear that starting over is often hard and means starting again at the bottom. Anyone ever done this and what was or would be a good second career if you're in the forties or fifties?

 

[techwrtr2]

I sort of did this a year ago. I got out of the field repair of computer equipment and now work a desk job doing IT for government. While there is crossover of knowledge, there's an awful lot I never touched as a repair man that now I really should know inside and out. It means that one of the people I report to is about 10 years younger than I am. It also means that I'm asking an even younger fellow for help all too regularly.

Glad I made the direction change, old job was a dead end with lots of stress due to contractual deadlines and overly demanding customers. This one has less stress and less demanding customers. Slightly less money though.

Take ways - your decades in the old field may not mean much if your new one is very different. I moved into a variation of the old theme and was able to use my experience as leverage to get a better starting salary than they otherwise might offer. Moving into a position as a draftsman (people I support) would mean my background was useless. You need to expect a lower salary than you had previously. Mine is modestly lower mostly because I pay for my gas now where before my mileage reimbursement covered all fuel purchases. It also covered all car repairs.

Were I in a position where I could no longer do my job for health reasons, I would look to find something that could utilize the knowledge I already have. Perhaps a supporting industry or maybe doing as I did by doing something different within the same industry but different physical requirements. Case in point, I used to deal with a fellow who at one point in time did similar field work as I did. He did server installs and repairs etc. Then he was involved in an accident and now is a quadriplegic. He still works IT but from a desk doing support, he still knows what he did before. You'd never know from talking to him that he was in anyway not as physically able as I am.

 

[Cleburne]

I worked 18 years for Hyster/Yale forklifts in the maint. dept. 1.5 years ago I quit that job and started working for a water treatment plant, I am now a grade 4 operator. I took a cut in pay but I gained in benefits. I am a much happier man now.

 

[mbohuntr]

I did just that, I was in the same field since high school (20 yrs), and declining wages and injuries made me go to college and get my degree.
I worked my tail off to work full time and still go to classes, but it was well worth it.
I have a technical degree now, and I can tell you that potential employers treat you differently when you have a degree. I have had several offers I refused that all payed higher than I was making before. I love my new life.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I sometimes wonder what I would do if I was faced with a mid-life career change for whatever reason. I always hear that starting over is often hard and means starting again at the bottom. Anyone ever done this and what was or would be a good second career if you're in the forties or fifties?

I think the advice of the previous poster, i.e., that you go into a profession where you can use your current knowledge and abilities, is right on. It's one thing to be forced into another profession; it's another to become dissatisfied and to plan a change. For me, it was the latter. I have a degree in Biology and Chemistry; I spent 16 years in a research lab as a technician and later as a Chemist. I also went to Law School at night, and when I got my degree, I moved into a legal position with the state Department of Environmental Quality. I loved the job, although I took a $6,000 per year cut, I eventually made that up. These were the happiest 18 years of my life.

 

[phiferpharm]

Yup, I went back to college to get a Graduate Degree in computer science and networking after teaching High School music for 25 years. I ended up working in school board administration offices as the newbie for almost three years with folks almost half my age as bosses.

Ended up as an administrator working on marketing, system applications, and special projects, that were all based around internet, web design, and software design to provide various services to parents and students online. I did keep my hand in teaching by developing online courses and serving as a adjunct professor for two colleges/Universities in Miami.

Going back to school was a little un-nerving at 50, but it did help me to know what it felt like as an older student for both the development of some of the systems for parents and the "seasoned" students I had in my college classes. The other positive part was when I had to explain what we were doing to folks that were coming from a strictly academic background, I had been there and understood the classroom environment.

I just retired in January from all my full-time work. Looking back, I'm glad I bit the bullet a dozen years ago and made the move. It has made differences financially, in personal satisfaction, and mentally.

Now, my new job is learning the ropes of living in the country. I would gladly hire a "teacher" to come to my place on a weekly basis to show me how to properly work the stuff I now use- tractor, BB, FEL, etc. It's kinda un-nerving being the city slicker with no country smarts

 

[tcartwri]

At 40 I tried to change directions and get into another line of work that didn't require as much travel. Spent 6 months circulating resumes and talking to various employers in the area. They all looked at my experience and basically said that they weren't interested because I would get bored and move on to something else. So I entered a competition for a job in my old field and to my surprise got an offer... for more money... and that's where I've been to date.

Another related story, is my kids family doctor. He was an engineer up until his mid forties, went back to school and became a GP :confused2: and just retired at 70. It would be nice to have an option like that.

 

[YesDeere]

I'm in the process now. Did a year of college that I didn't like so I went to trade school at 20. Took 2 years and I had a great career as a mechanic. Fast forward 17 years and I'm at the glass ceiling and bored. Plus a new daughter and property. I'm fortunate to work for a great company that offered me an opportunity when I expressed my desire to move on. Now I'm in sales and loving it. Its almost like being back on flat rate like I was at my first shop. You get back what you put in. Its a great feeling to know your not stifled.

 

[Baby Grand]

I was forced into a career change at age 38. Started at the bottom in an engineering software sales/support/training position. This allowed me to learn the software in all of its uses (SDRC I-DEAS) and also gave me access to the people using it - engineers, not HR people. After a year of $10/hr with no benefits I was able to give my resume to the engineers I worked with on a regular basis who passed them on to their HP people. Sort of turned the job interview process inside out. They knew what they would be getting and I had a good view of the group I would be working with from inside the group.

What I learned from all of this:

1. Take the "opportunity" of getting sacked to learn a new skill that is in demand.

• Taking a pay cut can be rewarding, in the long run.

• Any time you can do an end run on HR you will be ahead of the game.

 

[raptor749]

Had a few chooses in 07' , move to Mi. , take a small $ buy out , or go to school for 2 or 4 years . With a small amount of pay each year , and them paying so much for school a year. And was able to keep insurance on the family.. So at 36 I went to school for 2 years , received a degree in heavy vehicle technology , & took a basic EMT class also. Started looking for a job in Dec. 08' and took till end of August 09' till the phone started ringing . Then it was like every body wanted to interview me. The first two weeks of Sept. were busy going to interviews . The biggest question the interviewers had for me was , what have you been doing the last two years , no job listed !! And I replied school , tractor work (personnal bus.) , helping a local Yamaha dealer when he needed help , and mowing grass. It hasn't been easy , but I haven't had to draw unemployment YET !! I beleive that helped get the job I have now.. Large cut in pay , but its ten minutes to work, not the 50 mile, one hour drive I was doing before... And 7 to 4 , more time with the wife and teenager . I'm alot happier now , and enjoy what i'm doing. So money isn't everything it just seems to make it easier, HAPPYNESS with less stress is a big plus . Just my opinion . Wish you the best in choose.. :thumbsup: Steven.