Career change at 33.

[MissStacey 1]

I've been struggling lately with deciding what kind of work I want to do.

I took hairdressing in High School and started full time as soon as school was done with. I did it for 15 years- I had a pretty good run with it but it's not what I want to do anymore. I do enjoy the fact I am skilled in a trade that I can do anywhere and it is always something I will have.

I don't know exactly what I want to do next. My last year of high school- I knew I was going into hair and didn't give a ####### about my other classes. I beat myself up for this now- I was so lazy in grade 12- I didn't apply myself in any other subject except hair. If I want to get into another field, I don't know what kind of upgrading I would need to do before I could even start looking into any form of higher education. And the thought of going back to school is really scary. It has been so long. Plus how would I even deal with going back to school in the US? Would it be easier to go back to Canada for an education?

For so long I knew what and who I was and what I wanted to do- and I did it. I don't have that feeling anymore and it horrifies me. I feel so lost. At 33 I like to think I am young enough to make the changes I need to to get on a new path. But the years are going by quickly and I don't want to feel like it is ever too late. Part of me wishes I could go back to my High School years and do things differently but then again- I had many great years and experiences doing what I did. I can't regret that. I can only look forward and hope I find what I need- hopefully sooner than later

[trailmix 77]

I found your post really interesting - what a grand opportunity!

I know you are probably scared, but fear not! You will be fine, you are obviously a bright, hard working person and you will do well.

Perhaps you feel 'horrified' and a bit scared because you feel like you are just jumping off in to the unknown? If so what you probably need is a plan. Start thinking about what you would like to do now, maybe it won't even take much or any more schooling than you already have. Think of a few things you might want to pursue, does one require more education? Are you willing to put the time in to that education to get that new job/career?

If not perhaps go with your second choice or try to think of something that would put you in that same kind of environment but doesn't require so much extra ed.

I hope that shortly you will see how exciting this really is

[misa 2]

Stacey, I'm sort of in the same boat you are except that I've done so many different things and have never been all that satisfied with them. I'm good at what I do and get paid well but meh... I don't "love" it.

I think I'm just lazy as in, I'd really love to never work again.

Sorry I have no words of advice!

[lynamon 0]

That is sooo funny .. I was telling people that when I moved I finally got to actually decide what I wanted to be when I grew up!!!

It's an exciting time full of opportunity .. enjoy your prospects!!!

[caybee 21]

I've been struggling lately with deciding what kind of work I want to do.

I took hairdressing in High School and started full time as soon as school was done with. I did it for 15 years- I had a pretty good run with it but it's not what I want to do anymore. I do enjoy the fact I am skilled in a trade that I can do anywhere and it is always something I will have.

I don't know exactly what I want to do next. My last year of high school- I knew I was going into hair and didn't give a ####### about my other classes. I beat myself up for this now- I was so lazy in grade 12- I didn't apply myself in any other subject except hair. If I want to get into another field, I don't know what kind of upgrading I would need to do before I could even start looking into any form of higher education. And the thought of going back to school is really scary. It has been so long. Plus how would I even deal with going back to school in the US? Would it be easier to go back to Canada for an education?

For so long I knew what and who I was and what I wanted to do- and I did it. I don't have that feeling anymore and it horrifies me. I feel so lost. At 33 I like to think I am young enough to make the changes I need to to get on a new path. But the years are going by quickly and I don't want to feel like it is ever too late. Part of me wishes I could go back to my High School years and do things differently but then again- I had many great years and experiences doing what I did. I can't regret that. I can only look forward and hope I find what I need- hopefully sooner than later

You are plenty young enough to change course! I've got a few years on you -- I was 38 before I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I have just changed careers completely, and I'm so glad I did. Find what you would love to do (if you aren't sure, "What Color Is Your Parachute" is a helpful and fun book -- link -- and there are plenty of others.). Then figure out the steps to get there, make a plan to keep you on track financially and relationship-wise during the transition, and get started. You won't regret it. Good luck!

[Flames9_RN 358]

I moved to the USA around age 32 with NO clue what i was going to do! Like you, I knew my career path in grade 12--Join the Cdn armed Forces, so I slacked off big time in school, took the bare minimum! lol Thought it was great having the afternoon off! So goto the USA with nothing lined up, but wasn't overly concerned. Did a basic EMT course and enjoyed that. Which then got me thinking of Registered Nursing (RN). better pay and there is a big need for RN's. So i had to buckle down and take a pile of classes before I could even apply to the program. Got accepted this past winter and start Aug 27!! I'm 34.5 now and just starting, so wil be nearly 37 when I complete it,lol We had an orientation back in June, and there were a LOT of people my age, of course 99% of the program is female,lol Never too old to start a new career. I'm fully preparedto do something else if I don't enjoy this career path. Best of luck

[MissStacey 1]

Wow. Thanks everyone for the kind words and the encouragement.

I have some soul searching to do. Life has a way of taking you where you need to be and I will try to relax and have faith I will find what I need.

[Caladan 19]

Could you start by taking a few courses at a local college? Most will offer a couple evening classes and even adult learner programs that you can schedule around work.

In any case, you're not too old. That's just silly talk.

[Glady 0]

Yeah i'm in the same boat. I have a 4 year degree in information systems but that is not my passion. Pay is good but i don't love it. In High school i was a science student so i'm considering going into Pharmacy. If I get an interview ny september i will start the pre-pharmacu program right away. I have put this off for the last 3 years. I'm now 29 now hope to graduate by 34/35 which will be still young.

[Doug n Amanda 0]

Hey Stacey....I received my Bachelors Degree at the ripe old age of 42!! 33 should be a piece of cake

Have you thought about anything medical? The wave of the employment future is medical-related, whether it's medical billing, administration, or best yet Nursing. My daughter is starting a pre-nursing program at a local community college and we figure she'll get her license in 2-3 years, at which time she'll start in her field making anywhere between $20 - $30/hr here in Michigan.

Going back is no big deal; go to the Admissions office, they'll set you up with counseling and funding options. Trust me, if you can get thru this mess, registering at school is easy

The day I stop learning is the day I stop living!

[~Nini~ 2]

You're never too young to gain a new career!

I think honestly, a lot of us are in the same boat - not really satisfied with their degrees or their careers, needing a new change etc. The most important part is recognizing that and taking the steps to move on. So you're not alone, Stacey33.

At any rate, Caladan mentioned evening classes at a local college. Looking for a six-week program in your field of interest would also help - and there's always online courses too!

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Stacey,

At risk of sounding arrogant, here goes my lecture: According to Adult Learning/Education theory; more than 50% of adult learners will have at least one big career change in their working lives (without counting what they do after retirement). So yup, it's perfectly fine to switch gears! You do not have to commit to one area of expertise for a lifetime - and you have transferable skills that you may have not even thought of (i.e. customer service, budgeting, design, etc. that are common in the beauty industry and quite marketable) that can help you give something else a go ahead.

So babeeeeee - take the world by storm. I can see you going far!!!

Len, with her professorial hat.

[KarenCee 3]

I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking this way. I've been seriously thinking about a new career direction m'self. It's not my students that make me feel this way, it's all the other stuff that frustrates me. So much paperwork, testing, regulations, etc. I've been an educator for 13 years now...and this time the summer break didn't cure the burn out I felt in May. I just didn't want to go back this time. At all. *sigh*

However...I'm 44. And yeah, I know that's not old...BUT...it does make me wonder if I'm a bit old to really start over in a new direction. Two areas interest me...CAD drafting (which I used to do hand drafting many years ago before CAD came out) and maybe, just maybe nursing. There are lots of colleges and two year colleges that I can choose from that are relatively close...even with online classes. But starting over...GAH! I don't wanna be 90 years old and getting my degree.

[bradcanuck 1]

I hate to give the shortest reply here but I need to say it:

You only live once.

Do what it is you want to do with the time you have and don't worry about the rest. It will all fall in line.

[Jashley820 0]

I absolutely love this topic! I am probably 60 days from getting my EAD and I am starting to freak out! I have no clue what I want to do! I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a Marketing concentration (and a psychology minor!), and I worked at a packaged goods company for 2 1/2 years prior to moving to the U.S. However, I quit that job more than a year ago and I haven't been able to work since. I was miserable in my marketing job...so I don't think I want to do that...but what do I do? How do I figure out what I'll actually LOVE doing? I've never truly loved my job, and I have an opportunity to find something that I actually look forward to when I get up in the morning!

Good luck to everyone in the same boat!!