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  |  Succeeding & Surviving  |  Personal Development  |  Career shift in my forties: is it possible?
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Career shift in my forties: is it possible?

by Irene Krechowiecka

question
I am 42 and I worked in my husband’s surgery for 18 years. I now face the prospect of having to support myself plus 2 teenagers with an unstable financial future. What career can I get at my age? Is it possible to train for something while earning to support family?

answer
Eighteen years of working in a surgery means you have considerable skills that many employers will find attractive. Don’t underestimate them just because it was something you did for your husband rather than a regular employer.

I guess you’re going through a difficult time at the moment, with unwelcome or unexpected changes being thrust upon you, and those circumstances will do little for your confidence. You seem conscious of your age too – don’t be, or at least don’t regard it as something negative. The less importance you place on it the less others will notice it. Being in your forties means you have valuable experience and maturity and, on the whole, a lot of energy to get things done.

Coming back to the skills you have, these no doubt include the ability to organise and plan, and to work well with all sorts of people in potentially difficult situations. You will regularly have dealt with confidential information. Employers like social services, the police, the fire service and other surgeries cannot find enough people like you to fill administrative and customer service jobs. Let them know you’re available.

If you want to start again, why not? It may mean a lower income for a few years, but could be an investment for the future. It would be good for you to talk this over face to face with someone. Your local careers service should have an adult adviser. Find out where to go by ringing LearnDirect on 0800 100 900. In most areas these advisers are part of something known as an Information Advice and Guidance Network. You might also be interested in taking a look at some articles on the site that deal with parts of your dilemma in more detail:

Now read these:

  • Get started on your career shift
  • Rediscover your transferable skills

    Live Q&A on Ask The Expert
    Employment lawyer Rachel Lewis advises on your work-related issues

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