Starting a new career in your 30s???

[Mum2Many]

Has anyone done this? I've always wanted a proper career, although never really known what I wanted to do. I'm good at lots of things and learn very quickly, I'm also very organised. I've been thinking about when baby is born and gets a bit older - I have no clue what I'll do. My DH has this romantic idea that we'll spend our days having fun together but honestly, it never works out that way and I'm a bit tired of the up and down unstable financial situation him running his own business puts us in.

So I'm feeling a bit stuck right now and very confused. I'm kind of drawn towards secretarial/PA work. I've run my own businesses in the past and am pretty good on the admin/organisational front. But then everyone says I should go for something in the events industry as I also love organising events, no matter what they are. (Currently organising a wedding, a BBQ, two birthday parties, halloween and christmas party and a ticketed psychic weekend this year alone.)

I'm also a bit worried that having been my own boss for the past 14 years on and off that this makes me virtually unemployable. Especially as I'm in the lucky position that I don't need to work, I want too.

Has anyone else found themselves in this position? And is it really likely that I can build a career when I'm in my mid-late 30s? Have I left it too late?

I was kind of thinking if I could make a decision then I could gain whatever qualifications I may need whilst pregnant/baby is young... But I don't know.

 

[mylullaby]

I'm sure it is possible to change careers at 30 (I resent you talking as though you're verging on retirement - you have DECADES of work ahead of you, so why not spend them doing something you love?!) I work for myself and couldn't go back to regular employment - just not for me now I've made the transition - but you'll know what's right for you. You can still do secretarial/PA work remotely or by working for yourself - have a look at the competition and see what you have to offer in comparison. Same goes for events. I think you should do a lot of list making - pros and cons, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, etc. (Sounds like you've been thinking about a lot of that already but having it written down will help you to keep things organised). Also imagine yourself in 10 years time and work back to 5, then 3, then 1 year, etc and get planning. You'll be more sure of your decision and therefore more likely to succeed if you've got research/plans for backup. Good luck! xx

 

[wifeywifey]

Its not the same bit im 29 and am retraining I will be qualified in 4 more years so will be 33 then. I say go for it

 

[hayes]

I was made a redundant wen pregnant so I will prob b going back into a new career wen I feel ready n find sumthing I want to do which I haven't the foggiest yet!! I am 32 ssoon so really hope it is possible!!!!

Michelle.x

 

[julianne]

Gosh I hope it is possible!

I'm 32, trained in a vocational profession I have been doing for the last 10 years. Desperately want to change my career for something else. Just trying to decide what direction.

 

[Becky1]

I'm 33, really dislike my job but am qualified at it (work paid to put me through uni!). My life plan is one more baby hopefully next year or year after then when they older and at school concentrate on my career! No idea what I want to do tho... x

 

[Mum2Many]

Thanks girls! This thread has really reassured me. I'll be 37 by the time this baby is in school full time and it's scary to think of starting from scratch at that stage. But I know I can do it (once I decide what I want to do!)...