Any late bloomers out there? (person, college, feel)

[Midwest Maven]

I'm just wondering if anyone has successfully started a 1st or 2nd career later in life, because I realized after I finish graduate school this year that I no longer want to pursue a career in my field, because I want to do something completely different. (I didn't quit my grad program when I had this epiphany recently because I'd like to have the degree as a back-up, just in case I have to get a job in that field to make ends meet.)

I'm not worried about student loan repayment as much since I'll be on an income-based repayment plan. My worries stem from how I can socially network my way into the field where I would like to build a career, so I came here to seek advice and feedback as to how this can be accomplished. I don't want to end up working a minimum wage job for the rest of my life, either.

Has anyone else done this, and if so, feel free to share your experience and how you overcame any obstacles (such as financial, personal, spiritual, social) for inspiration. Thanks.

[Midwest Maven]

So I guess no one has been in my position...hence no responses?

[Chaotic]

Um, I've been a property manager for years. But the work is slow right now and I'm thinking about becoming a dog trainer. We'll have to see how it works out. I love dogs and I took some dog training courses back in college and loved it. There's also a need for dog trainers in my community. So yeah, I think a person can do whatever they want. The only rules you need to follow are those you put in place. Forget about what society thinks.

[nightlysparrow]

Originally Posted by Midwest Maven

So I guess no one has been in my position...hence no responses?

Try a different thread title. A late bloomer means something else. And why post in relationship area?

[ParallelJJCat]

Originally Posted by nightlysparrow

Try a different thread title. A late bloomer means something else. And why post in relationship area?

I too expected a different thread when I saw 'late bloomer'

But OP, I too am considering a chance in field at 32. I have a degree in Animal Science as a certified Veterinary technician and enjoyed working in that field, but I suffered an injury and it tends to be very physical work (unless you go into lab animal, which I'm not interested in.) I then worked in sales for five years until I was laid off. So now I'm trying to figure out what next? And I'm thinking going back to school is a possibility (though I have NO IDEA for what).

[Midwest Maven]

You're right. I should have started this thread in the Work and Employment forum. Whoops! And I can see how "Late Bloomers" would be misleading as opposed to a thread title of, "Second Career and Mid-Life Worries."

Maybe a moderator will move it to the Work forum for me?

[DaniellaG]

I would like to go back to college and I am in my 30's. I have taken a few classes just to get a feel again to being back in school. Though you just got out of school so that may not apply to you. I was going to suggest that to you, about taking a few classes to start even at a community college? Also have you looked into degrees that take less time such as in the health care field?
If I decide to go back I will do with a specific field and degree in mind. Back when I was in college the first time around it was easier to get employed with a general type of degree but that is not the case now.
As for the obsticals I think it depends on the person such as if you are a parent then working around your kids schedule but so many programs offer night,weekend,and online. In general when you take more things on in life something has to give such as social events but that is for short term and there are plently of years to be able to do those things in my opinion. Also it does not have to be all or nothing. So maybe you go out less.
Good luck with what you decide.