What new Career or Pivot did you start in your 40s?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Foreign Service

What was your education and background prior to FSO? Did you have children and a spouse when you went into Foreign Service?
This is a path I have considered but my background seems quite far from people I know that have done this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Went from a non-profit arts organization into hospitality.

Honestly, what’s the point of such a vague reply?

Mean girl, get off this thread!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A friend left corporate America to become a speech therapist in her 40s, and never looked back.

My cousin was working in Hollywood (and actually somewhat successful) but then changed to become a speech therapist in public schools. She loves it, and her acting experience is very helpful.

Do you know what the educational path is?

[Anonymous]

I did 20 years on IT and did well but absolutely hated it. Went back to school to become audiologist because of one of my kids issues and my experiences. Best change ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Foreign Service

What was your education and background prior to FSO? Did you have children and a spouse when you went into Foreign Service?
This is a path I have considered but my background seems quite far from people I know that have done this.

I have a master's in poli sci. Really there are FSO's from all kind of educational backgrounds from scientists to former teachers and accountants. I don't think you're even required to have a degree. I had years in other government roles prior to joining. I find people who come to the service with career experience bring more to the table than most of these kids fresh out of prestigious colleges and no real professional experience.

It can be great for kids. The spousal employment or lack thereof is the more difficult part.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Foreign Service

What was your education and background prior to FSO? Did you have children and a spouse when you went into Foreign Service?
This is a path I have considered but my background seems quite far from people I know that have done this.

I have a master's in poli sci. Really there are FSO's from all kind of educational backgrounds from scientists to former teachers and accountants. I don't think you're even required to have a degree. I had years in other government roles prior to joining. I find people who come to the service with career experience bring more to the table than most of these kids fresh out of prestigious colleges and no real professional experience.

It can be great for kids. The spousal employment or lack thereof is the more difficult part.

Do you think an FSO career is feasible for a single mom with a teenager?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Foreign Service

What was your education and background prior to FSO? Did you have children and a spouse when you went into Foreign Service?
This is a path I have considered but my background seems quite far from people I know that have done this.

I have a master's in poli sci. Really there are FSO's from all kind of educational backgrounds from scientists to former teachers and accountants. I don't think you're even required to have a degree. I had years in other government roles prior to joining. I find people who come to the service with career experience bring more to the table than most of these kids fresh out of prestigious colleges and no real professional experience.

It can be great for kids. The spousal employment or lack thereof is the more difficult part.

Do you think an FSO career is feasible for a single mom with a teenager?

It'll take 2-3 years from when you apply to be posted if you are selected. Therefore, your situation now will likely not be the situation when you get onboarded. There's lots to read on this on Reddit if you're curious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Foreign Service

What was your education and background prior to FSO? Did you have children and a spouse when you went into Foreign Service?
This is a path I have considered but my background seems quite far from people I know that have done this.

I have a master's in poli sci. Really there are FSO's from all kind of educational backgrounds from scientists to former teachers and accountants. I don't think you're even required to have a degree. I had years in other government roles prior to joining. I find people who come to the service with career experience bring more to the table than most of these kids fresh out of prestigious colleges and no real professional experience.

It can be great for kids. The spousal employment or lack thereof is the more difficult part.

One more question - Can a dual national be an FSO? I was born and raised in the U.S. but have another citizenship due to my parents.

[Anonymous]

Was asked to join a retained executive search firm + then ended up heading the office

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Foreign Service

What was your education and background prior to FSO? Did you have children and a spouse when you went into Foreign Service?
This is a path I have considered but my background seems quite far from people I know that have done this.

I have a master's in poli sci. Really there are FSO's from all kind of educational backgrounds from scientists to former teachers and accountants. I don't think you're even required to have a degree. I had years in other government roles prior to joining. I find people who come to the service with career experience bring more to the table than most of these kids fresh out of prestigious colleges and no real professional experience.

It can be great for kids. The spousal employment or lack thereof is the more difficult part.

One more question - Can a dual national be an FSO? I was born and raised in the U.S. but have another citizenship due to my parents.

That can be a factor during your background check. One of my grad school friends was turned down from the FSO for having a Russian boyfriend in the past

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A friend left corporate America to become a speech therapist in her 40s, and never looked back.

My cousin was working in Hollywood (and actually somewhat successful) but then changed to become a speech therapist in public schools. She loves it, and her acting experience is very helpful.

Do you know what the educational path is?

Well her undergrad was in theater so she had to take some extra classes first, then apply to her masters. She did a masters and an internship/on the job training. She did her masters in a big city so she was able to do some commercials on the side for extra money,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Was asked to join a retained executive search firm + then ended up heading the office

My friend left biglaw and ended up working for a legal search firm

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Foreign Service

What was your education and background prior to FSO? Did you have children and a spouse when you went into Foreign Service?
This is a path I have considered but my background seems quite far from people I know that have done this.

I have a master's in poli sci. Really there are FSO's from all kind of educational backgrounds from scientists to former teachers and accountants. I don't think you're even required to have a degree. I had years in other government roles prior to joining. I find people who come to the service with career experience bring more to the table than most of these kids fresh out of prestigious colleges and no real professional experience.

It can be great for kids. The spousal employment or lack thereof is the more difficult part.

One more question - Can a dual national be an FSO? I was born and raised in the U.S. but have another citizenship due to my parents.

That can be a factor during your background check. One of my grad school friends was turned down from the FSO for having a Russian boyfriend in the past

That’s ironic given that half of all male FSOs are married to women from former Soviet republics lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Was asked to join a retained executive search firm + then ended up heading the office

This sounds cool!

[Anonymous]

Got my nursing degree. Now I have the pick of where/how much/salary I work