career in change in mid 40s--willing to work hard, long hours ok

[Anonymous]

I am in my mid 40s, single, no kids, looking to switch careers; I have a BA and an MA so 150 credits total. Any thoughts on degree or certificate programs that would allow one to apply and be highly eligible for jobs that pay at least 90k? Programs (and jobs that stem from them) that require long hours, really hard work, etc. ok with me. I want the challenge. What about accounting? Any others?

[Anonymous]

Can you stay within the same area?
Just go to a smaller company where they value experience so you can get more $?

[Anonymous]

I’m surprised with no kids you weren’t able to move up higher in your field, guess it’s not a great fit but probably need to know more about it/you to make a any useful suggestions.

[Anonymous]

What is your current field?

[Anonymous]

This OP I work for federal government and bored with it. I currently make more than 70-80k so desire to change is not about money but desire to do something different. But for the sake of conversation, pretend I currently work in private sector and make 60k 😀

[Anonymous]

A basic IT / programming course is the most marketable bang for buck

What is your Ba / MA in? What field are you in? Surprised you can't apply for promotions in the govt to get to higher GS level

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised with no kids you weren’t able to move up higher in your field, guess it’s not a great fit but probably need to know more about it/you to make a any useful suggestions.

Plenty of hardworking, brilliant women don’t move up. Lack of sponsorship, bias, getting passed up by white boys, located in remote regions… can be the reasons. Kid is not the only thing that holds women back 🤪

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A basic IT / programming course is the most marketable bang for buck

What is your Ba / MA in? What field are you in? Surprised you can't apply for promotions in the govt to get to higher GS level

I can move up in gov't however I do not desire to. Revealing my specific degrees would "out" me, sorry. Basically, I have non stem undergrad and master's degrees.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A basic IT / programming course is the most marketable bang for buck

What is your Ba / MA in? What field are you in? Surprised you can't apply for promotions in the govt to get to higher GS level

However people take coding boot camps and can't find work--are there IT program in which one will not fall into this trap?

For more education, I am willing to pay up to 40k (doesn't need to be IT by the way)

[Anonymous]

Cyber security, Internal Audit, PMP, Risk Mgt, AML/BSA there are certifications you can get get that require no additional schooling where you could be making 250-350k in a few years

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised with no kids you weren’t able to move up higher in your field, guess it’s not a great fit but probably need to know more about it/you to make a any useful suggestions.

Plenty of hardworking, brilliant women don’t move up. Lack of sponsorship, bias, getting passed up by white boys, located in remote regions… can be the reasons. Kid is not the only thing that holds women back 🤪

Also, speaking as someone who chose not to have kids, not having kids takes off some of the pressure to make a huge salary. You only have yourself to worry about - you can mess around more and go explore what's out there without having to grind grind grind. I don't know if that's OP's case but it's def mine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cyber security, Internal Audit, PMP, Risk Mgt, AML/BSA there are certifications you can get get that require no additional schooling where you could be making 250-350k in a few years

Can you recommend any internal audit programs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised with no kids you weren’t able to move up higher in your field, guess it’s not a great fit but probably need to know more about it/you to make a any useful suggestions.

Plenty of hardworking, brilliant women don’t move up. Lack of sponsorship, bias, getting passed up by white boys, located in remote regions… can be the reasons. Kid is not the only thing that holds women back 🤪

Also, speaking as someone who chose not to have kids, not having kids takes off some of the pressure to make a huge salary. You only have yourself to worry about - you can mess around more and go explore what's out there without having to grind grind grind. I don't know if that's OP's case but it's def mine.

Exactly. I don't have kids and have no desire to get into management. I've had many opportunities to apply for supervisory positions but passed them up because I have zero interest in it. I work to live, not live to work. It's funny how there are so many stereotypes about people without kids (i.e. if you don't have kids you must have a big career).

[Anonymous]

Law degree? I say that as a lawyer who hates being a lawyer, but I make $180k.

[Anonymous]

I recently changed careers in my 60s. It is my fourth career. One of the fields that is encompassed in my new role is insurance and finance. It is surprisingly interesting and challenging. And well paid. I would highly recommend that you check out opportunities in this field - brokering, underwriting, that sort of thing.