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I am 46 years old, recently divorced with no children. I have worked in an office setting for 23 years as an administrative assistant. First 20 years at the same job, then for 2 years (during problems with my marriage) I fumbled.... working PT at several jobs. I have a FT office job now for the last 10 months. When I took this job I needed a FT job and it just about fell into my lap. Close to home and nice people but my interview went way too quickly and I just didn't ask questions about what my duties were. I simply needed the work. I thought it would grow on me and maybe I haven't given it enough time but I really don't like the industry it's in and the work I do. I live in a rural area and it's a small business - not corporate- and the pay is low....$2.50 lower than what I was making at my 20 year job.
I simply believe that I am tired of the office atmosphere. I want to try something different. Which leads me to wanting to go back to school but I am at a loss. I have no degree (some college)...... just work experience. I want to use the skills I've accumulated over the years but not necessarily sitting behind a computer all day. I am open to some computer work and paperwork but I would love something a little more physical. I am in decent shape, no health problems and like to move. I am not looking for a high-paying corporate job. Something around $13-$15/hr would be great and I'm hoping my experience can get me to that place.
I don't have to worry about a mortgage or living expenses right now. I have a decent savings however going to school FT and not working is a little scary. And, as I've heard many times, a degree doesn't mean I'll have employment after school.
I know several have posted before regarding "reinventing yourself" however their circumstances were different than mine. I am hoping someone can give me some ideas based on my life situation.
I'm not sure I would pursue a 4 yr degree if I were in your place. I would focus more on maybe being trade towards a certification in something. Maybe something in the health field...phlebotomy or surgery tech or something of that sort.
For individuals over 40 looking to make a career change they have to take a few things into consideration.
If you go into the wrong field that has a lot of age discrimination then it will be harder to get a job at over 40.
You would probably not want to spend four years getting a bachelors degree because by the time you graduate
you would be 50 and it would be even harder to find a job with age discrimination.
One field that seems to be good for career changers, especially over 40 ones, is the healthcare field.
As the poster above mentioned you could possibly do a 2 year RN degree and come out making good money.
The one thing about RN is in certain areas of the country there is not a shortage so you would have to
check your area and see how the demand is. I know that in certain areas of Florida and Texas they
are begging for nurses. In some cities in those areas you can get the Sunday newspaper and turn to
the job classifieds and there will be pages of openings. One town that I saw there Sunday paper had
427 ads for lvn's or rn's.
So in some areas like California or New York there is no shortage of nurses and they are fighting for
the jobs but in other areas there are shortages. The statistics show that currently the average
age of nurses is 47. So it is a good profession for older people that might be worried about
age discrimination.
I am 46 years old, recently divorced with no children.
23 years as an administrative assistant.
I live in a rural area
I simply believe that I am tired of the office atmosphere.
I want to try something different.
Any ideas are very much appreciated!
Move. Start over.
Get into a BIG city or somewhere small that you WANT to be in.
Find a job. Make some friends. See what other/better opportunities are available then.
One of these MIGHT be school ...but don't start there.
You're in a rural area that probably doesn't list a ton of new jobs, so I would look at all the job listings in your area to see if something appeals to you. We could make suggestions, but that may mean you overlook something you might never have considered. And it's possible you won't even need to return to school. If you like learning, you can take classes that interest you without the burden of tuition that comes with a two year degree.
So you don't like office jobs, but don't want to do actual manual labor? Not sure there are many jobs you'd be qualified for outside of that... flight attendant maybe?
Why not look at being a real estate agent's assistant or even being a Realtor yourself? You have the administrative skills and probably the organizational skills. If you have the people skills and know the area that you want to stay in, it may not hurt to give it a shot. If you are near a college town, there can be more active business there.
Also, maybe you can offer to run errands for others or assist in teaching a class or work at the local library. Turning hobbies into dollars can be another idea - selling crafts, art, jewelry as a side business can take the edge off of the administrative work.
Just tossing out ideas. You really haven't stated what your interests are, so I can't be sure if any of these are even viable.
So you don't like office jobs, but don't want to do actual manual labor? Not sure there are many jobs you'd be qualified for outside of that... flight attendant maybe?
I never said I wouldn't do manual labor. As a matter of fact I would be all for that.
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