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I was downsized at the age of 54 in 2008 after 13 years as a legal secretary/supervisor. Had a rough time finding another job and had to take a pay cut. Decided to go back to school for nursing. I had about one years of credits so year it was like starting over. Did prereqs part time/worked full time. It was rough when I started nursing school which I had to attend full time and worked part time. Graduated with an associates in nursing in 2015, age 60, passed boards and started working in a hospital in 2015. It was very rough the first 6 months but I liked it. It got better over the next year and I became more comfortable and I loved it. Stayed 4 years and switched to home health care which I really loved the 1:1 ratio. I had planned to work to age 70 or possibly longer but a back injury and surgery pretty much ended that and I retired at 68. All in all I really enjoyed it and it worked out pretty well for me probably because I was older while in school, had more life experience and was always interested in medicine and had a done a lot of research on different illnesses and conditions of family members. I think anyone can make a change or even start over at any age.
I most definitely just did and Im happy to see so many other people did too. I was a medical receptionist then became a MA just to not get a job, to being in a coma (be careful who you call “friend”) to having to learn how tI walk and talk again to becoming and DSP and I just completed EMT school and passed the NREMT. I start my new job next week and I’m in my early 40’s. Still want to do nursing school but I want to do what I just learned. My motto is “as long as your living, its NEVER too late to change your mind and careers . I’m super nervous but this is what I signed up for.
Yessss!! A few times. I actually went back to college in my early thirties for early childhood education. I ran a preschool for nearly 10 years. Then I jumped ship and worked with insurance/ durable medical equipment for a bit. Which led me to a non medical home care administrative assistant position. Next week I'm moving to another home care company but they also have medical! I'm moving into a scheduling coordinator role. Each time I've moved has come with a pay increase. This current move I will have less than half my previous responsibilities but better money and benefits. Don't think of it as starting over. You're simply applying your skills to another area and developing new skills! You might be feeling some burn out right now and probably will feel more energized when you finally take that leap. You got this!!
I just look at my job as a means to my life. It doesn't fully define me. We grow and change as humans, so sometimes it's needed that our jobs evolve with us.
I'm 45 and recently had to leave my job of almost 17 yrs. I've been an MA since I was 21 and it's all I know. Now, I'm not sure what I want to do. I believe anything is possible at any age with the Lord's help and guidance.
Amen Im going through that now and Prayer has been my rock. When I feel like Im getting down I pray and have a circle of awesome friends and family who pray with me.
I just quit my job after being a CNA and MA for 30 years now I’m OTR box truck driver
My son did something similar. He worked as an AR follow up specialist for 5 or 6 years, then out of the blue, told us he was bored to tears and had entered a school for his CDL. His wife was supportive of the decision, so of course, so were we. Five years later, he absolutely loves his job and has zero regrets. Moral of the story, do what makes you happy. Good luck!
I went from HR, with an MBA to nursing. Nursing school was tough, but at age 48, I finished. Now at 54, going back for my RN. I'm feeling confident. This is the best thing that has happened!
I actually did the reverse. Im an RN and just got my MBA-HA a couple months ago. Just got a position that takes me away of the bedside and am working to one day move up into an administrative role.
I went back to school at 40 years old and became a mental health counselor. It was a bit of a pain - grad school, internships, supervision, being a 42-year-old rookie - but I am now independently licensed, a clinical supervisor, and back in school getting my PhD. I am very happy I made this decision and, for the first time, feel very fulfilled professionally.
I love this for you
I cannot articulate how much I needed this EXACT story. (Without even knowing I needed it.). What an inspiration!
Same!!! I just finished a certification program for Medical Administrative Assistant at 38 and this is right on time for this change in careers that I have been dealing with now in my 30s!
I spent the majority of my younger years as an auto mechanic, and truck driver. At 40 I went back to college to get my bachelor's degree and changed my career to an Addiction Counselor. I did have to start at the bottom, but it was not as worrisome or overwhelming as it sounds. The change was more to do with health issues, and I took a pay decrease to do it, but I am much more satisfied in my employment most days.
I went from childcare to nursing in my 30s.
The nice part about nursing is that there are so many facets. I love my job 95% of the time. It has been a blessing that I went back to school.
I am 58 and changing careers end of this month after being a field service representative for my ver a decade, i know its gonna be tough but change is always good when god brings you to it, he will bring you thru it. If its better for you I say jump in 100%
I'm 35 and changing careers for the third time in my life. Military, then fitness and now I am going back to school for PTA. It's never too late if you want to change things for the better. And some experiences you get from one field can translate to the next.
My friend decided to become a nurse at 45 y/o after spending 20 years a paralegal. So it can be done.
At 53 I switched careers from being a nurse to a Clinical Systems Analyst. I went from working in the hospital with patients and charting on electronic health records to building electronic health records in the IT department. I was hired by a hospital which was willing to train me, simultaneously, as they borrowed my ability to help train staff on new software. I learned a new skill and they gained a backup staff trainer, as well as an electronic health record builder. Win-win!
I went from IT to nursing
Following! I'm almost 40 and burnt out in the social work field. If i could rewind back time maybe I'd just go to trade school. Thinking of other ways I could use my social work degree but not identify as a social worker.
I left retail in my early 40's. Running a large store left no time for family. Obtained my master's degree in counseling and became licensed as an LPC. I have loved every minute of my career since then. Late 40's went ahead and got my PhD in Psychology. 64 years old and will probably work until I die, just because I love helping people. Whatever your dream is, it is never too late. God had a plan for my life. Trust Him.
I was a professional touring musician and returned to school, graduating with a nursing degree when I was age 43. I returned to school and became a PA at age 52. I did have to repeat a bunch of my science classes as it had been to long, but it was worth it. I was a better student when I was older. Now I’m retired and back playing music.
Yes—many people change careers midlife, and most don’t truly start from scratch.
Before I quit my job of 20+years as a clinical nurse supervisor, I went back to school for my Psychiatric Mental health nurse practitioner degree - 1 year. Even then, I debated whether or not to leave but weighed so many factors - younger nurses willing to accept lower salaries, my age and the fact that most employers will find a reason to let you go, and the overall working environment became hostile with no work-life-family balance. I strategically started researching opening my own private practice and turned in my resignation. I manage my own practice now and actually have 2 employees! So, yes, it is possible and don't dwell on the negatives!
You may feel like a beginner at first (normal), but that phase passes.
Your past experience does transfer—you’re not as “new” as you think.
Key point:
The goal isn’t to start over, it’s to pivot strategically.
Look for roles where your current skills still apply (a “bridge” role), rather than jumping to the very bottom.
Better question:
Not “Do I have the energy to start over?”
But “How can I transition without starting over?”
I early retired from the Federal Government (not armed forces) with 20+ years of service at the age of 36. I have worked retail, hospitality, I got my CNA license at 45, at 61, the hospital I was working at closed, I didn't even want to attempt to play hunger games for my job, or be forced to relocate either to another state/country or commute hours away to be with the same company. I now work for the county government making more money than I did after all those years at the hospital. Pay is substantially more than what I was making, and benefits are so much better it's almost like we had no benefits at the hospital in comparison. The county provided all the paid training. If I can do it at my age, you can too. Give yourself some credit.
I’m thinking about becoming a CPA in a ABA therapist that was becoming a BCBA. I think I’m just burned out from healthcare
30 years in healthcare as a nurse and I am out of it for good. One of the most dysfunctional systems with soul draining, life and body destroying, thankless jobs out there. So at 55 I am looking at going back to school for an accounting degree. In the mean time I drive for Uber and am starting my own business to take seniors to their medical appointments to help advocate for them and their families on an individual visit by visit basis. Not case management, but appointment advocacy and education.
During the pandemic, I worked in Public Health eventually as a case investigator starting from scratch as a contact tracer. I was in my late 50s and developed documentation and interview skills from earlier experience as an academic. Most people I know in academia would leave tomorrow if they could, so when the handwriting is on the wall, it's time to move on to where there is demand for your skills. We always want to do our dream, but problem is lots of other people want to do that too. Your transition will be easier in an expanding field.
Yes, I was a Miner for 30 years, then through Trade Retraining, I went to college and an Ass, Degree in Nursing..... And yes, because of many years of not being in school, I had to start at the bottom. At 51 it was a challenge, but a good supporting spouse and willingness to work hard got me through.