[Closed] Changing careers in the mid-30s

I'm about to do the "from corporate IT b0ll0x".

The "to [insert career here]" is still to be decided.

I'll be following this thread - same age - same predicament 😮

I am soooo fed up with IT

Hahaha, there seems to be a pattern developing here. I'm not in IT though.

I did

The pay cut is OK, but probably because the change freed me up from having to be in the South. My wife and I worked out how much less we would need to maintain the same lifestyle if we left London and the result was astonishing.

Try it

What do you guys do in IT? It is a huge field with loads of room to manouver and seems to be weathering the recession better than most. Could it be a change of job or of technical focus be required rather than starting up a mushroom carving business in a layby?

From what, to what? If you don't mind me asking.

Lion taming?

I'm in IT and think I'd like to try teaching but teachers don't seem too happy much of the time - so less pay just as unhappy?

3.5 years ago I moved from academia to an analyst in the NHS. Originally took a slight paycut but Im about evens now. Similar skills required but a very different job. Im so much happier.

Think about why you want to change and whether the new post will fulfil that.

nb 4 years ago the job market looked significantly rosier

Torminalis - I've been winging it as a systems/business analyst for a while. I have generalist knowledge rather than a technical specialism (well, I used to code COBOL, but there's not a huge amount of call for that any more...), that's possibly the problem.

I've always thought about teaching, I'm going to try and line up some work experience at a local school.

Moved into IT in my mid/late 30's after 5 years working in temporary jobs (barman, labourer, envelope opener, that sort of thing). Even as a trainee, it was a pretty considerable payrise to me. No degree, or experience, just a good aptitude test result, good interviews and some chutzpah. It can be done with a lot of luck, and a following wind, though I did it at an ideal time (late 90's), a lot more difficult now I imagine.
I lasted about 10 years at it.

My advice now would be to consider what you want to do, then try and get some entry level professional qualifications or study behind you, then start applying.

Moved into IT (development) in my mid/late 30's after 5 years working in temporary jobs (barman, labourer, envelope opener, that sort of thing). Even as a trainee, it was a pretty considerable payrise to me. No degree, or experience, just a good aptitude test result, good interviews and some chutzpah. It can be done with a lot of luck, and a following wind, though I did it at an ideal time (late 90's), a lot more difficult now I imagine.
I lasted about 10 years at it.

My advice now would be to consider what you want to do, then try and get some entry level professional qualifications or study behind you, then start applying.

enfht - Member
I'll be following this thread - ahem slightly older - same predicament

I am soooo fed up with IT

+1

From what I can tell from the teachers I know, the kids are a doddle compared to the beurocracy and the stiflingly risk averse culture.

'I used to program COBOL' seems to be the standard line from people seeking credibility among programmers but whose technical skills are notable by their absence 😉

In IT there are so many disciplines and so many companies who require them (ie all companies) that I trust I will always be able to find work. The barriers to entry are very low as well in a lot of cases which means the potential for working for yourself is greatly increased. More freedom, more money but if the work doesn't ultimately satisfy you then what do you do?

Play to your strengths, better the devil you know and loads of other cliches.

I did. Actually early 30's but following redundancy then later re-employment and generally being messed around by my employers (chemical engineering), I then got a job working for the GB Cycling Team. On more pay.

I've still to figure out how a skilled job where I had a degree and 8 years work experience translates to lower pay than a job which I got cos I'm vaguely organised and have some background in the cycle industry (working in shops, riding/racing, organising races etc) but I love what I do.

[i]if the work doesn't ultimately satisfy you then what do you do? [/i]

Exactly. At the moment I work within an IT function, but the work I do is all about budgets and politics rather than about computers, and the opportunities open to me are for basically more of the same. To be honest I don't necessarily want out of 'IT' (a phrase I hate due to it's very vagueness, BTW), maybe a technical specialism is what I need.

[i]'I used to program COBOL' seems to be the standard line from people seeking credibility among programmers but whose technical skills are notable by their absence[/i]

I shall accept the wink. Just. What I lack in specific technical knowledge I more than make up for with an ability to translate from techy speak to user speak, as technicians often have the attitude that to talk to the end user is somehow beneath them.

crazy-legs - any jobs going? 🙂

Sorry, not meaning to be cheeky, it just reminds me of one of my product chaps at the moment who always reminds us he used to code in COBOL once upon a time, before he forgot how to use computers.

I more than make up for with an ability to translate from techy speak to user speak

That is a very valuable and transferrable skill which can make you a fortune in the right place.

And that place would be...?

Pre-sales, project management, product strategy, technical journalism, consultancy. Erm.. will think of more...

okay, none of them will make you a fortune but they are certainly a change that would make the most of your skills.

What I lack in specific technical knowledge I more than make up for with an ability to translate from techy speak to user speak, as technicians often have the attitude that to talk to the end user is somehow beneath them.

(no offence intended, just a generalisation)

Hi

I'm 42 and next week I jack in the world of corporate IT and start a MSc in Renewable Energy in late September. Can't wait to start. Really have been fed with IT as it used to be a good crack.

As for advice on what to do. Take a look at yourself, what do you enjoy doing, what transferable skills do you have, what challenges do you want, etc. I tried the teaching route, but got severely turned down.

I have always had an interest in green issues and also a qualified engineer, so this will hopefully be perfect.

Ok, I'm giving up a good salary and a stablish job, but if you're not happy, what is the point.

However, I'm bricking it big time and its a huge step. If you don't do it, you will forever regret it 🙂

Good luck with finding something new and hope it all works out for you.

[i]project management, product strategy[/i]

Is basically what I do. I think the problem is that I find the aims of the projects and strategy uninteresting. I don't have a passion for what the company is trying to achieve, and I'm not one of those people who can take an attitude of "I'm not paid to be interested,I'm paid to do a job". I actually envy those people, because if I was one, I'd have got a lot further in my career.

[i]Everybody says that at the interview. [/i]

Yeah, I realise that, but I really do. I consistently get feedback that I build strong relationships with users and techies and can translate and communicate incredibly well, from various levels from the user confused by their keyboard to directors (two groups who, admittedly, aren't mutually exclusive). I like that bit, it's the budgetary bullpoop that bores me.

Mr MC gave up academia and 7 years studying for a phd took a pay cut and joined the old bill he wouldn't look back x x

Well I'm an architectural technician and maybe I just need a change of scene: I've been thinking of moving to Canada. Or, possibly a change in career: Not sure what to though.

Took a year out last year, aged 39 to do a masters degree in Holistic Science, in order to make the move from Internet Casino Manager into Sustainability and International Development. Its easy so long as you have the self belief.

At 33ish i swapped from bricklaying to teaching. Took 6 years to get past what i was previously earning. Teacher training at that age is easy enough as long as you have the time (no kids).

I went from academic science to being a science teacher, enjoy teaching mostly. Taken 5 years for pay to equalise. Trained in school rather than PGCE and got £18 000 for it, bloody hard though. Meant I didnt get a £5000 golden hello after my first qualified year though.

I got a golden hello in FE, but it wasn't that much. Not sure if they still do them, 6 years ago it was only if your skills matched a shortage.

Interesting,I am giving up a decent salary in retail for 3 years in uni.An enviromental and natural science degree beckons,and then who knows.Incredibly motivating though when you realise that failure is not an option (kids),plus the fallout at work is a BIT more than I anticipated.My employers do NOT appreciate "disloyalty",but hey,everything has a price - just are you willing to pay it?.

im 35 and still deciding what to do, im in engineeirng sales and hate it, i convinced myself i loved it though and it was 'just the current job'- i had an interview only yesterday for what i thought was a better job but didnt get it.

i was tyring to get into the local ambulance service but sods law they were not recruting and it looks like they wont be for the near future.

my mates cant see what all the fuss is about, why i want to 'find that job'..... but i guess i i need ot get out of my comfort zone.

oh by the way my main background is IT, but i aint going back to that.

Rugby player, student, gym manager, ski bum, gardener, student.

I never actually got a real job until my mid-30s. 😀

i was made redundant a few months ago, got a new job, hate it and trying to firstly get out and secondly think about what i want to do.

I recommend reading [url= http://http://www.amazon.co.uk/4-hour-Work-Week-Escape-Anywhere/dp/0091923727 ]this[/url] before you decide - contains counter-intuitive ways of seeing work and life, and practical ideas on how to change things. following the full program isn't going to be for everyone, but it contains some great thinking

+1

Don't mind being a lawyer right now, but a change may be forced upon me in 12-24 months*.

Then it will have to be a sizeable change of tack and a mahoosive paycut.

Ideas so far have been:

1. Remortgage and study medicine
2. Teaching
3. Academia
4. Buy a chip shop
5. Run a (kids) day nursery.

Any others?

*long story - I'll share another time.

iDave - I have that, but haven't read much of it. I'll give it another crack.

well worth reading OMITN, set aside any cynicism and take out what you feel you can use. i'm about to put quite a lot of it into action but in Portuguese!

'I used to program COBOL' seems to be the standard line from people seeking credibility among programmers but whose technical skills are notable by their absence

I shall accept the wink. Just. What I lack in specific technical knowledge I more than make up for with an ability to translate from techy speak to user speak, as technicians often have the attitude that to talk to the end user is somehow beneath them.

+1 (x1000000000)

iDave - haven't been following. What's the latest venture?

some work for a company in brazil, which has scope a certain degree of automation which they're not quite aware that i'm able to do, but getting better results than they were expecting. is that vague enough?

yep. highly vague. 😀

I made a fairly big change a number of years ago from working in the offshore drilling industry to being an air traffic controller. Big risk to start with as the pass rate for training is well under 50% from ab-initio trainee at the training centre to being a full rated controller. I also took a drop in pay from 30K+ a year under 20K initially. It's paid off now though as I'm earning a lot more than if I'd stayed in my previous job, it's also taken me to the other side of the world (currently working in NZ).
Much better than before, more money, less hours, cheap flights and really enjoyable job which is nowhere near as stressful as you'd think

ourmaninthenorth - Member

+1

Don't mind being a lawyer right now, but a change may be forced upon me in 12-24 months*.

Then it will have to be a sizeable change of tack and a mahoosive paycut.

Ideas so far have been:

1. Remortgage and study medicine
2. Teaching
3. Academia
4. Buy a chip shop
5. Run a (kids) day nursery.

Any others?

*long story - I'll share another time.

1. Remortgage and study medicine

Do this if you are able to last for 5 years because the pay off is far better.

2. Teaching

Secondary or further education but below Uni level is better.

3. Academia

Assuming you're referring to Higher Education at Univ level unless you are in medicine, science or engineering (depending on the type of engineering - biotech, nanotech or chemical is preferable) avoid it by all means especially in humanity or social science as you need to "fund" your own salary and the cut is coming in this area.

4. Buy a chip shop

Yes, provided you have a naturally talent to cook the perfect fish & chip. Well not necessary perfect but something that differentiate yourself from the ordinary chip shop. If you can perfect the taste you hit the jackpot.

5. Run a (kids) day nursery.

Personally, I would choose 1 or 5 with 5 needing some business plan.

🙂

I don't have a passion for what the company is trying to achieve

This was the clincher for me. I went from a well paid job in the private sector which was essentially about making a lot of money for some not very nice people, to a job using the same skills in the NHS. Now I'm lucky enough to be able to make what I believe is a genuine difference to people's lives. I made the change in my mid thirties, and was very lucky not to have to retrain or take that much of a pay cut. The only problem now is that the NHS has massively worse job security than it did a couple of years ago. Job security aside though, I couldn't be happier with the change.

Think you need to analyze yourself. Strength, weaknesses, qualifications. What can you reasonably achieve and what style of life do you want. Casting around for other peoples ideas is just as likely lead to failing to achieve what you want. I changed what I was doing about 8 years ago after a long look at myself and what I wanted and where I wanted to be. Now where I predicted I would be and am very happy. But I did it after a good look at me, warts and all. I was honest about what I would be happy doing. I set some goals to change the situation that I worked towards.

Looking at the options through Pawsy Bear specs I personally would avoid those that didnt leave me time to do what I want. I chose my job on the one that gave me control over how I worked and I can allocate time as I want. Maybe that is the key. Being in control?

I think thats what most people are telling you in the above. There is no magic wand or solution each one is only applicable to that person in that circumstance for their goals and needs.

My ideal job would be millionaire playboy.

Sponging-Machine wants to go on benefit 😆

or live off parents 😈

[i]nd I'm not one of those people who can take an attitude of "I'm not paid to be interested,I'm paid to do a job". I actually envy those people, because if I was one, I'd have got a lot further in my career. [/i]

+1

plus if I'd just rolled with the crowd and agreed with whichever boss I needed to agree with, rather than tried to do my job properly and aimed for what was 'best' for the business...

Left HM Forces in my thirties, decided as I had no civi recognised trade behind me (specialised combat infantry) that I would re-train in data cable/fibre optics etc. Training cost me nothing and I was lucky to walk straight into a pretty well paid job. Got board of that after a few years and decided to leave and re-train(at my expense)as a sparky. Took a HUGH pay cut but finally became very well qualified and enjoyed the job for a while. Last year I attempted to join the Fire Service (something I’ve always wanted to do ever since leaving the forces), after over 10 months of waiting and selection it didn’t work out too well, got down to the final 68 from over 3000 though only to find out that there was no vacancies at that time for the brigade I was applying for!

Not sure what I want to do now, guess at the moment I’ll stick with what I’ve got as I’m not sure how long that will last given the current state of things and any job is better than none.

36. Redundant 18months ago from a 40k+ PM job in the contaminated land industry. Kind of glad I got kicked because I wouldn't have left the money, and the job had changed to something I didn't enjoy.

Full time daddy day care since then. My little boy starts school next week and I've just signed on as a temp - hoping it'll give me some exposure to different industries because I have no idea what I want to when I grow up.