Women (or even just, “people”!) who started a fulfilling career after 40: please tell me your story!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was laid off in 2011, I went back to college and earned a degree in Information Technology. I graduated in 2015 at 45 years old. I got a job as an Analyst with a small tech firm. I am now an IT Project Manager at a local government agency. I really enjoy my job, I work from home (even before the pandemic), and the money is good.

What do you consider “good money” ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a former lawyer (in house for most of my career). Never had kids. Got divorced very unexpectedly at 42, and after grieving for some time decided to look for the opportunity within the profound change to my life. I ended up taking the foreign service exam and am now a career FSO. I've lived in three countries and appreciate the work, the people, and the adventure. My friends thought I was crazy at the time, but they've also visited me in places like Athens since then...

This is my dream job.

Is this career incompatible for parents of young children?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a former lawyer (in house for most of my career). Never had kids. Got divorced very unexpectedly at 42, and after grieving for some time decided to look for the opportunity within the profound change to my life. I ended up taking the foreign service exam and am now a career FSO. I've lived in three countries and appreciate the work, the people, and the adventure. My friends thought I was crazy at the time, but they've also visited me in places like Athens since then...

This is my dream job.

Is this career incompatible for parents of young children?

Not at all. I think most FSOs raise kids during their careers. For families that are open to and enthusiastic about the experience, it can be an absolutely fantastic adventure. Kids grow up going to international schools and learning local languages and cultures, but still retaining strong ties to the US. Many parents aim to chose posts where they can hire household help or use local preschools when kids are young, which can make parenting young children more affordable than it is here in DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a former lawyer (in house for most of my career). Never had kids. Got divorced very unexpectedly at 42, and after grieving for some time decided to look for the opportunity within the profound change to my life. I ended up taking the foreign service exam and am now a career FSO. I've lived in three countries and appreciate the work, the people, and the adventure. My friends thought I was crazy at the time, but they've also visited me in places like Athens since then...

This is my dream job.

Is this career incompatible for parents of young children?

Not at all. I think most FSOs raise kids during their careers. For families that are open to and enthusiastic about the experience, it can be an absolutely fantastic adventure. Kids grow up going to international schools and learning local languages and cultures, but still retaining strong ties to the US. Many parents aim to chose posts where they can hire household help or use local preschools when kids are young, which can make parenting young children more affordable than it is here in DC.

What is average salary?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a lawyer turned SAHM and over several years and two degrees I transitioned into working in oncology clinical trials. The money is not great by DCUM standards but I LOVE it. I barely worked before I had kids and I was extremely daunted about restarting my career, but I did and and you can too!

Curious- What’s was your role with these trials?

I’m a Clinical Research Coordinator- so I screen patients, enroll them and manage their treatment, as well as reporting all the data to the study sponsor.

Do you make at least $100k or at least a potential to do so? I was thinking about getting a certification.