Mid-life career changers... What did you do? What do you do?

[LeeH]

The company where I was working as an accountant was running out of money fast. In an effort to try and save the company, the owner and I agreed I'd train the office manager to do more accounting and I'd go away.

I've taken the past couple of weeks off to do some soul searching. I know I can go work in the accounting field and make okay money. I accidentally got into accounting years ago. Not where I wanted to be. Not what I wanted to do. BUT now, it is the thing that people will pay me the most to do.

I really want to do just about anything but accounting. Need regular (M-F) hours if I expect to maintain any sort of social life. Other than that, I'm pretty flexible.

My degree is in management. I worked as a regional manager for a couple of companies out of college. I've owned my own constructions products company with 25 employees. So, in a nutshell, I'm a business "Jack of all trades" with a strong accounting background looking for a home.

Any of you make a major career change midlife? Would love to hear about the transition.

[stomachmonkey]

First thing is determine how little, or how much, you need for income.

It's a question that opens or closes the door on specific opportunities.

[Crowbob]

'Mid-life' means what exactly?

If 55+ quit, sell everything and buy a towable hot dog stand and follow the sun. You could do the books pretty easy, too.

[Por_sha911]

"The more I make, the more I can put up with."

That said, how many years to retire? Enough to start at the bottom? How long can you afford to be out of work? Will an extended time or a deep cut hurt your ability to retire because there aren't enough years left? How much risk are you willing to take?

Keep in mind that some (not a lot but some) folks leave a field only to find that they liked it more that what else they try and that all they needed was some time away to reset the mind. Can you find an accounting type position in a company that interests you more?

Everyone is different. I have a low risk tolerance so I would prolly find another position in the field I am in so I can make max bucks and then have the luxury of looking for a new field without the pressure of a need to do something quickly and end up making a bad choice.

[cabmandone]

I'm not mid life, but I started out in HVAC, got into real estate which led me into selling manufactured homes, which led me to putting up spec homes, which got me into buying skid steer loaders, which got me into buying/selling used construction equipment which is where I'm happily at today. In many ways 2008 simplified my life because I was doing HVAC in the manufactured homes I was putting up and finishing the interior of while still selling real estate and skid steers at the same time. I was a hot mess.

[vash]

more "third" life..but major change.

i was a commercial photographer (art major) and went back to school and got my Civil Engineer life started.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

First thing is determine how little, or how much, you need for income.

It's a question that opens or closes the door on specific opportunities.

Exactly. Combine that with your appetite for effort and the planning can begin.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

After 23 years of working for the man I jumped and became the man by working for myself.

Have no desire to chase the money but wanted to chase the interesting work. I've not had to do any chasing yet as the interesting work seems to find me. I also wanted the flexibility to turn my work on and off depending on what I wanted to do beyond work, like family time, travelling, renovating my home, working on my car projects etc.

I promised myself I'd do it for 3yrs and after count up the life style and cash then decide if I stay the man or work for the man again.

I'm over 2yrs in and despite working/stressing myself to death (not joking about this) I have no regrets. I've since modified my approach to work, reduced my stress levels and in the new year will actively start looking for my next gig, whatever that maybe.

[RKDinOKC]

Have worked for the same company since College, 38 years. Have changed titles and responsibilities within the company several times an has kept me entertained.

[McLovin]

I've recently transitioned into a full time Bitcoin investor. So far so good.

[Por_sha911]

[id10t]

What kind of degree(s) do you have? Have you thought about teaching ?

[oldE]

After working with a dairy in sales and distribution for 25 years we changed the distribution paradigm and eliminated our distribution depots. I accepted a package that had me working another 9 months and accepting a package. At the time I wondered what I was going to do.
The next spring, I was approached to fill in at the Visitor Information Centre for the summer and after a few years of that, I became manager of Interpretive Services at the Tidal Power plant in Annapolis Royal. I get to talk to thousands of folks each summer from all over the world. It is a ball. I function as a service provider and bill the Power Co. for my services.
Also, through connections made there, I spent six years singing and playing with a small folk type group, then went solo. I am one of the regular entertainers at Bistro East in town, about every second Friday.
I am coming up to the point where I could officially retire, but don't want to. I'm having way too much fun. With the Dairy, I had to drive their vehicle (Chev Venture vans at the end) averaging 50,000km annually. It seemed I spent my life on the phone and was never away from the job unless we traveled. Now my commute is 8 km one way and I drive the Miata. Life is much better.

Best
Les

[porsche tech]

I was a tech at a Porsche dealership for 30 years and at 50 years old I decided I didn't want to be hoisting transmissions over my head when I was 60. So I started thinking about what else I could do. My wife had a good job and the kids were through with college and married, our house was paid for so I could do something different and take the pay cut. One of our daughters did not know what she wanted to study in college so we sent her to a friend who had an occupational aptitude testing company and nailed it for her. My wife suggested I take the test, so I did it. Really an amazing experience that I would recommend for anyone looking for a career change. One of the things they recommended for me was computer tech type of job. I began to take classes (A+ Cert, etc) and hung out with the IT guy at my wife's company when I could. As it turned out, our dealership changed hands and when the new owner discovered that I was on the verge of leaving, he offered me the opportunity to stay there (with a raise) as the shop foreman...continuing to do what I knew without the physical aspect of the job. Spent 12 more years doing that until I retired. I think divine intervention was involved! I would highly urge anyone who wants a career change to take such a test to see what you're best suited for.

[billybek]

I went from a technical position with a fair amount of heavy work during overhaul season to teaching. Was a great move and I was ready for a change.

[ZAMIRZ]

What do you like to do?

You seem pretty resourceful so I would just say find something you like doing or that comes easy to you and then try to figure out how to turn that into an income-producing gig.

[bpu699]

On your deathbed you never regret the risks you took, even if you fail. You will regret the chance not taken.

I have taken tons of risks. Just quit my job recently. Found an even better one.

Life is short. Live it.

[vash]

I’d go to law school now if I could.

[Reiver]

I always loved what I did for 'work' so it wasn't really work....that, in a nutshell, is one of the secrets of life.

If you don't love what you do make a change if you are in a position to do so.....life is truly short.

[DWBOX2000]

I've been in tax for close to 20 years, 10 in general accounting. I have thought about changing careers since day 1. I totally understand your dilemma. I would say, If your single, do what makes you happy. If you have a wife and kids to support, well that changes everything. Best of luck in your adventure.