Starting over in your 40's

[Anonymous]

I know there have been threads on this in the past - including a great one last year - on starting your career over again mid-life. I work in international development and have young kids. I'd like to switch into a career that involves less travel and less hours. I already have a JD and am not looking for more schooling, but would be willing to perhaps undertake a certificate program or such if required.

Basically I'd like a decently paying job with flexible or reduced hours that is fullfilling and not soul-sucking. I am sure this is a pipe-dream, but any suggestions?

THANKS in advance!!!

[Anonymous]

I took 5 years off and just started a job with a large multinational firm writing proposals for them for USAID projects. I do it 20 hours a week. Not something that will take me to the boardroom somewhere, but interesting and rewarding work.

[Anonymous]

I want ideas too. I'm a lawyer but have focused mostly on ediscovery.

[Anonymous]

I was a CPA for 12 years and it was fine. Good money, decent hours, and nice people. But it was BORING! So 3 years ago when my kids started to get really into sports (IE: they were gone in the evenings anyway) I went to cosmetology school at night 3 evenings a week. After I completed my certification I started working at a salon on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays to get my feet wet. This past November I finally took the jump and quit my CPA job and am now full time at the salon. I love it. Ive lost 10 pounds (goodbye desk job), I love getting to know people, the day literally flies by, and its stimulating and creative. The only negative thing is I gave up great benefits and DH's aren't as cushy. But beyond that its been amazing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was a CPA for 12 years and it was fine. Good money, decent hours, and nice people. But it was BORING! So 3 years ago when my kids started to get really into sports (IE: they were gone in the evenings anyway) I went to cosmetology school at night 3 evenings a week. After I completed my certification I started working at a salon on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays to get my feet wet. This past November I finally took the jump and quit my CPA job and am now full time at the salon. I love it. Ive lost 10 pounds (goodbye desk job), I love getting to know people, the day literally flies by, and its stimulating and creative. The only negative thing is I gave up great benefits and DH's aren't as cushy. But beyond that its been amazing.

What is your salary before and after?

[Anonymous]

Can you please post the link to the thread from last year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a CPA for 12 years and it was fine. Good money, decent hours, and nice people. But it was BORING! So 3 years ago when my kids started to get really into sports (IE: they were gone in the evenings anyway) I went to cosmetology school at night 3 evenings a week. After I completed my certification I started working at a salon on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays to get my feet wet. This past November I finally took the jump and quit my CPA job and am now full time at the salon. I love it. Ive lost 10 pounds (goodbye desk job), I love getting to know people, the day literally flies by, and its stimulating and creative. The only negative thing is I gave up great benefits and DH's aren't as cushy. But beyond that its been amazing.

What is your salary before and after?

I made 180k as a cpa and will prob make 50-60 my first year as a hair stylist. I purposely timed this change after we had fully funded our kids 529s and paid off our mortgage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was a CPA for 12 years and it was fine. Good money, decent hours, and nice people. But it was BORING! So 3 years ago when my kids started to get really into sports (IE: they were gone in the evenings anyway) I went to cosmetology school at night 3 evenings a week. After I completed my certification I started working at a salon on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays to get my feet wet. This past November I finally took the jump and quit my CPA job and am now full time at the salon. I love it. Ive lost 10 pounds (goodbye desk job), I love getting to know people, the day literally flies by, and its stimulating and creative. The only negative thing is I gave up great benefits and DH's aren't as cushy. But beyond that its been amazing.

Congrats to you! I love to read of people who've been brave enough to make a change -- it's not an easy thing to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a CPA for 12 years and it was fine. Good money, decent hours, and nice people. But it was BORING! So 3 years ago when my kids started to get really into sports (IE: they were gone in the evenings anyway) I went to cosmetology school at night 3 evenings a week. After I completed my certification I started working at a salon on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays to get my feet wet. This past November I finally took the jump and quit my CPA job and am now full time at the salon. I love it. Ive lost 10 pounds (goodbye desk job), I love getting to know people, the day literally flies by, and its stimulating and creative. The only negative thing is I gave up great benefits and DH's aren't as cushy. But beyond that its been amazing.

Congrats to you! I love to read of people who've been brave enough to make a change -- it's not an easy thing to do.

Easier to do when you have a spouse making big bucks.

[Anonymous]

That is admirable and courageous, PP.

[Anonymous]

I stayed home for 7 years and decided to return to the work force this year. Went to real estate school and within 6 mo I was making 10k a month. Don't know many jobs where this is an option. It's not for everyone but you make your own hours.

[Anonymous]

Start a business doing something you love.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a CPA for 12 years and it was fine. Good money, decent hours, and nice people. But it was BORING! So 3 years ago when my kids started to get really into sports (IE: they were gone in the evenings anyway) I went to cosmetology school at night 3 evenings a week. After I completed my certification I started working at a salon on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays to get my feet wet. This past November I finally took the jump and quit my CPA job and am now full time at the salon. I love it. Ive lost 10 pounds (goodbye desk job), I love getting to know people, the day literally flies by, and its stimulating and creative. The only negative thing is I gave up great benefits and DH's aren't as cushy. But beyond that its been amazing.

Congrats to you! I love to read of people who've been brave enough to make a change -- it's not an easy thing to do.

Easier to do when you have a spouse making big bucks.

She never said she took a reduction in pay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a CPA for 12 years and it was fine. Good money, decent hours, and nice people. But it was BORING! So 3 years ago when my kids started to get really into sports (IE: they were gone in the evenings anyway) I went to cosmetology school at night 3 evenings a week. After I completed my certification I started working at a salon on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays to get my feet wet. This past November I finally took the jump and quit my CPA job and am now full time at the salon. I love it. Ive lost 10 pounds (goodbye desk job), I love getting to know people, the day literally flies by, and its stimulating and creative. The only negative thing is I gave up great benefits and DH's aren't as cushy. But beyond that its been amazing.

Congrats to you! I love to read of people who've been brave enough to make a change -- it's not an easy thing to do.

Easier to do when you have a spouse making big bucks.

She never said she took a reduction in pay.

Yes she did. Read the thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stayed home for 7 years and decided to return to the work force this year. Went to real estate school and within 6 mo I was making 10k a month. Don't know many jobs where this is an option. It's not for everyone but you make your own hours.

Is this a serious post? How many houses do you sell a month? What are your hours?