Am I too old to work ????

[madchocolatemum48]

I gave up work when I met dh, 15 years ago. Lady of leisure, SAHM, live in housekeeper etc etc.

Kids don't really need me as much, dh's job takes him away a lot. I am on my own in a relatively new area. Moved 3 years ago but haven't made many friends.

I am 49 and feel finished. Don't really know what I want or can do with the rest of my 'good' years.

How do you go about re-training or even knowing what you want to re-train as ????

[Ragwort]

I am like you, a bit older - I have been in the fortunate position of not needing to work for financial reasons but I do lots of voluntary work in various areas that I am interested in, it is a great way to keep busy, be involved in the community and make friends ......... you may find it leads to an area in which you would like to look for paid work or you may be happy to carry on volunteering.

[madchocolatemum48]

I too don't need to work for financial reasons, more sanity reasons. I did voluntary work years ago, so yes that's an option

Actually hated my profession and was glad to give it up, hence me looking in a new direction.

Live in a really small village, not a good move really. Finding things to do, and people to do it with is so frustrating.

[Ragwort]

mad - I used to live in a very small village too - things I got involved with were editing the local magazine, church activities (may not suit everyone I know), meals on wheels, toddler group, walking group - there were lots of other activities that weren't really my sort thing though - community garden, allotments, Parish Council , Brownies. There is usually loads going on in small villages, just have to make the effort !

[needthemoney]

Please tell me more nikkis1967 (although I think you might need to check with MN about "advertising" on here). Feeling past it and have 8 year gap on CV that's proving unattractive to potential employers

[Putthatbookdown]

There will always be work for caring for the elderly this is booming Sadly graduates are even doing this rather than be unemployed Employers want qualifications and experience You could take on some study while at home which will show you are keen.

[chalkythecat]

If you don't need to worry about the money then you're in a great position. 49 is not old. Isn't the current retirement age 67?

Few starting questions... What do you like doing with your time now? If you went into a bookshop which non-fiction books would you be drawn to?

[CareersDragon]

You're definitely NOT too old, and if you feel that you need more than life is offering you at the moment, you need to go get it!

I would suggest that you spend some time thinking about things that interest you- chalkythecats idea is a good one. What documentaries/ fly on the wall programmes do you enjoy on tv? What do you enjoy doing at home? There is lots of information about different careers, with ideas of how to work out what you want to do on:
nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home. They also have Careers Advisers who can give you advice.

Alternatively, have you thought about returning to study? Apart from full-time FE/HE courses, there will be lots of p/t courses at your local FE college. If that doesn't interest you, what about the OU, or doing some modules via MOOCS?

[prettykedi]

No, you're not too old. I'm 47. I started volunteering a couple of months ago - just admin work, nothing fancy. I googled volunteering and used this website to find what was available. I started doing a couple of half days a week in a couple of different places, and now one of them has got funding for a permanent proper paid job and they asked me to apply and I got it. I would not have stood a chance if I'd not been volunteering there because on paper I look like an old has-been with everything out of date, but in real life, I'm a nice person who still has at least a few faculties left!

So have a look and see who needs what jobs done in your area, and if you like the sound of any of it, apply. Why not? And the good thing about volunteering is that you don't feel any pressure. If you don't like it, you don't have to stay.

Good luck.

[Girlsbrigadewashorrible]

I was a SAHM for 12 years until four years ago. Although we didn't desperately need more income, I really felt that I wanted to contribute to the family income. Although I had a good management role before DCs, I lacked confidence after so many years. Also, my education ended at O level so my choices were limited. I had helped a lot at my kids primary and enjoyed it, and one day the Head sent a general email asking for more dinner ladies! I really didn't want to be a dinner lady (aka midday supervisory assistant) however I applied, was grilled in a long interview and got the post. I really disliked the job as it was in the middle of the day, however it gave me the initial confidence to get back into work. Within a few weeks a vacancy arose for a Teaching Assistant and I bravely applied. I got the job! Despite the poor salary, I enjoy my job more than any I have ever had.