https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 10 May 2026 17:39:49 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1864848 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:29:44 +0000 Raindrop 1864848@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lizzywiz: I hear you. :) Fair enough.</p> <p>My brother was a game tester... we live in the bay area and he was paid about 20 dollars an hour but no benefits. He actually did like it but what was annoying for him was that his job was tied to a game so when that was done he had to apply for another job for another game which was annoying if another game either wasn't ready for testers yet or they already had enough testers, so he was job less at least 2-3 months a year when he was doing that. He did for about 3 years before he found his current full time with benefits job, he's an artist.</p> <p>My brother in law is a waiter, he actually likes it a lot because of the tips. The only problem is that he works odd hours... he usually works from 5pm - 1am usually. But I believe he picked that. The only thing is that he has to fight for hours he only works 3 days a week and wants 5 or more days a week but that would put him in the zone of the restaurant having to give benefits. What he does to combat that is he has two waiter jobs.</p> <p>I am going to suggest maybe your husband just needs to take some time and try our a few careers to see what fits him. :) Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1864820 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:18:08 +0000 lizzywiz 1864820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Raindrop: well, benefits would be nice, but mostly he just doesn't want to be so torn down from his job that he can't enjoy the rest of his life.<br /> Also, I should say he still wants something career-ish, for security and pride's sake :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1864818 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:16:13 +0000 Raindrop 1864818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do benefits matter to you?</p> <p>You are looking for an 17 dollar an hour job (17 x 40 hours x 52 weeks = 35,360). That could be anything like a waiter, game tester, quality assurance person but these jobs don't usually have benefits :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1864810 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:12:30 +0000 lizzywiz 1864810@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2PeasinaPod: @Mrs.Panda: adding finance (we hadn't even considered it) and nursing to the list! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1864802 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:08:47 +0000 Mrs.Panda 1864802@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lizzywiz: I always say nursing because there are SO many avenues to take with that education. He could be a case manager which is kind of similar to social work, but different much much more lucrative and deals more with insurance. If he absolutely didn't want to do any sort of case managing anymore, he could work in a hospital in any number of specialties and find something that speaks to him. He could even transition to working in a school if we wants a job with more normal hours. When I was getting my RN there were people of ALL ages. I think the oldest was in their 60's but there were tons of people in their 40's and 50's. Radiology technician is also a good field, but I think more limiting than nursing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862557 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 08:11:12 +0000 2PeasinaPod 1862557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lizzywiz: A safe bet to me is always something in Finance. I have an Accounting degree, and though I'm no longer in that field, it's helped me no matter where I've gone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862554 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 08:07:57 +0000 lizzywiz 1862554@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>He doesn't mind blood and although now I am voting for something medical-ish, I think he is going to shoot for IT (which is what I originally wanted!). He likes the possibility that he may be able to manage his own business at some point.<br /> But he is going to go talk to our local university and the local trade college before making any concrete plans.<br /> I can't tell you how helpful your ideas were. It helped us get out of the circles we were going in. He was stuck on doing a trade and I was stuck on IT and we weren't discussing anymore, just defending our positions.</p> <p>Thanks :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862404 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 21:32:28 +0000 DillonLion 1862404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about something medical like ultrasound tech or something along those lines. Schooling isn't that expensive and the b pay is good. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862387 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 21:14:09 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 1862387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does he have enough of a science background to get his PA or NP? Great pay, rewarding work, builds on his pre-existing skill set. My other thought is to do a masters in counseling so that he can build a clientele less in need of social work and more in need of a "life coach" type person?</p> <p>Oh and my dad had to retire from the trades early too. They are not really something I'd start to think about in my 40's. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862324 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 20:08:09 +0000 Greentea 1862324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lizzywiz: something medical if he doesn't mind blood, etc.? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862320 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 19:57:16 +0000 blackbird 1862320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lizzywiz: nuclear medicine technologist? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862305 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 19:42:41 +0000 lizzywiz 1862305@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: to be honest, I have been pushing for something along the lines for several years, in hopes of staving off this exact situation. But, I think he is completely DONE.<br /> Thanks for the kudos. We aren't great savers and limited resources have negated significant independent retirement contributions, but we are good at living within our means, so are bills are low enough that this isn't as big of a risk for us as it may be for others. It will be sad to see the pension go, though. But life is too short to truly hate your day job so on an adventure we will go.</p> <p>He actually does have somewhat of a passion- Eastern Medicine. But the cost of being a DOM is exorbitant and the job/income outlook isn't fantastic, at least not in regards to the amount of debt we would accrue.</p> <p>Hm...maybe x-ray tech? Maybe similar to what @ILoveLettie: said about ultrasound tech.</p> <p>Keep the ideas coming. It is really stirring up good conversation between DH and I. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862271 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 19:11:00 +0000 matador84 1862271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't read pp, but my first thought is teaching! If he wants to go get his post-bac there are some pretty quick ways to do that and get a job fast. If he could do math/science/or special education he could get hired very quickly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862250 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:52:31 +0000 yoursilverlining 1862250@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What are his true interests, and passions? I understand he hasn't found one yet, but maybe it's time to think about that above practicality (within reason). I've always found people are more successful when they are doing something they actually like. </p> <p>At 40; it's gutsy to think about a huge career/field change - so kudos to you and your husband for being willing to take risks! I personally would think about what he likes his job, and what he doesn't - and what it would take to turn the dislikes into likes. Would a different employer help? Different responsibilities in the same field? Etc. I would also look at what options an MA in social work might open, unless he is completely and officially DONE with social work. </p> <p>What about education + transitioning into nonprofit management? Does he have strong writing skills that could be turned into grant writing skills? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862238 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:41:48 +0000 ILoveLettie 1862238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go to something that I would need training for so I could learn a skill and have some sort of qualifications in the new field because of it, but that also wouldn't take too long. One of my cousins is an ultrasound technician and was able to complete the program in 2 years and has a GREAT work-life balance. Predictable hours, a fair amount of open jobs in the field in our area, good salary and benefits for a job that you don't need a long degree for. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862224 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:32:25 +0000 lizzywiz 1862224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: Unfortunately he only has a bachelors, but it is a good thought for future planning!<br /> @wonderstruck: @Mrs. Pen: @JennyD: All the hoenst feedback about the trades is super helpful- thanks!<br /> @Sapphiresun: that sounds awesome!</p> <p>Teaching is out, although it would be perfect for some people with his background. Currently, in our area, being a teacher is basically like being a social worker! All these kiddos needing so much more than just education :sad:</p> <p>ETA one more '!'...apparently this is al very exciting to me!...! :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862215 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:22:20 +0000 JennyD 1862215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well, maybe he could network a bit first. What types of jobs do your fiends have? Your siblings, parents and the people close to you(geographically). If I was going to switch careers at 40,I'd be checking with my friends to see what industries I could get hired in easily. And I would see if there was something I could do training as I go (like the trades, but 40 is a bit old to be starting that, in my opinion). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862204 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:05:28 +0000 Sapphiresun 1862204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no idea if the pay scales are similar where you are to where I am, but a job I had that I loved was a volunteer coordinator (I was particularly in community policing). I pretty much hung out with a bunch of seniors and college kids, attended community events and hob-nobbed, worked 8-4, Monday to Friday most of the time unless we were attending a weekend festival, which was just fun, and got paid about $50,000. There was a team of 5 of us in our city, and I was the youngest at 30. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862192 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 17:56:40 +0000 blackbird 1862192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about seeing a career counselor? Does he want a people job or a desk job? I'm in engineering and I'm moving to intellectual property and patent harvesting but I am thinking about occupational therapy in a few years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862186 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 17:53:17 +0000 Adira 1862186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I honestly have no idea how hard it would be to get into at 40, but software engineering always seems a good bet. My company is ALWAYS hiring new software engineers and it's been struggling to keep good talent because there are just so many companies hiring software engineers.</p> <p>Wishing your husband and you all the best! :goodluck: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862171 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 17:31:16 +0000 MrsBananaGrabber 1862171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would look on Craigslist, Monster, etc. to see what's available in my area. You'd be surprised how many decent jobs are available that don't require a specific degree or certification. At the least, it'd give him an idea of what's in demand in your geographic area, and he can work towards becoming qualified for a position that interests him (if he isn't already qualified.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862134 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 16:23:38 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1862134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@brownie: that's a good idea!</p> <p>Would he be willing to teach social work at a college level? Most junior colleges only require a masters and the stress level is way less! The pay for junior colleges is more than your minimum needed.</p> <p>My father is an electrician, and it's a physically demanding job. I have to say I'm impressed that at 50 he is still doing very well. He has lost many coworkers on job sites and that is very hard, it's dangerous and you also never know what you're being exposed to. My dad has worked in areas with asbestos and other potentially dangerous environmental hazards. It's a good career for sure, and my dad worked his way up and makes a decent wage - but he's also been in the industry for over 25-30 years. </p> <p>If I were him, I wouldn't throw the towel in IT stuff just yet! It's still a highly growing field and there is a greater need for it than there are people able to work in it. I found this and several of the fastest growing job industries are in computer science or analytics.<br /> <a href="http://www.boston.com/jobs/2013/12/23/the-year-the-fastest-growing-jobs/GGDo2PVgihmpsurdiPGUhO/story.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.boston.com/jobs/2013/12/23/the-year-the-fastest-growing-jobs/GGDo2PVgihmpsurdiPGUhO/story.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862130 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 16:19:45 +0000 wonderstruck 1862130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would see how much schooling would be necessary to get his teaching certificate. I'm assuming he already has a bachelor or masters degree based on his current career. He could even look into the possibility of being a school social worker if that would be enough of a change for him, that would likely still be quite different from his current role and would not be likely to require additional schooling.</p> <p>I know it's not a trade, but that's what I would do! And I would advise against carpentry - very hard to break into as a long term career from what I've seen among my friends and family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862128 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 16:17:33 +0000 SugarplumsMom 1862128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Teaching elementary. School counselor sounds like a great idea @brownie: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862124 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 16:09:25 +0000 brownie 1862124@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about a masters and then teaching or school counselor? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/brainstorming-help-needed-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-40-and-needed-a-new-career#post-1862123 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 16:02:21 +0000 lizzywiz 1862123@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>SO is looking to leave his 20 year social work career. To say he is burnt out is a grooooosss understatement.<br /> As he has never found a 'passion' (career wise) we are choosing his next step based on practicality. Is the schooling minimal or will it at least lead to a for-sure job that would pay for any student loans we have to accrue? Is the work something he can do for the next 20 years, physically and mentally? </p> <p>His primary goal is to have decent work life balance.</p> <p>Right now, he is leaning towards a trade- carpentry, electrician, mechanic.</p> <p>I suggested something with IT, but he isn't sure his old brain can compete with the young whippersnappers when it comes to learning programing and whatnot.</p> <p>What would you do bees, if you were 40 and needed a new career that pays minimum of $35,000.00?</p> <p>(obviously, it would be different for everyone, but just throw your ideas out- we are looking for some fresh views ;-)) </p>