Starting A New Career At 50...

[Russ in California]

Yeap... Security.
I told my son (15) I was considering a new career...
He then asked, "At your age, shouldn't you be thinking about retirement instead?"
Ouch...
Fifteen Year Olds!!!...

Another 'ouch'. That hit a soft spot.
Congrats and well wishes on the new job.
I too switched jobs(though in the same field) last year. Not because of wages(could always use more $$) or health insurance(new jobs insurance not that much better)but for security. Old job was family owned and who knows what will go on in 5-10 years. As long as I can performe the job, I'll always have one here at the county.
Good on ya mate,

[Eunice]

congratulations Dean. I am happy for you.
You will get weekends off to help me with gatherings right??!!!!!!
just kidding. happy for you. health insurance is a biggie.
Eunice

[kerryd]

Dean , best of luck to you . I've been on my own for over 30 years too. Every day I think about going to work for someone else . Like Brick , we had to drop our insurance . I can only guess your new boss is more than happy you're coming aboard . I would take a 50 year old over a 20 year old worker any day . Good Luck to you . Kerry

[The Teardrop Nanny]

I am very proud of you as I know how much we've discussed and hashed out this final decision. The only thing permanent is change....

Joanie xoxox

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Just think...
No more office work!!!
No more State Board of Equalization!!!

[wolfix]

I did it at 50........ I was a home remodeling contractor all my life except a few years in the pub business. I hated gettting up every day going to work the last few years I was in it.. I admit it wasn't all bad since I managed to go thru life for over 25 years without a boss.
Several months ago I signed up with the local community college to get my CDL. All my life I wanted to drive a big rig. Everyone thought I was crazy to give up what I had with my background in remodeling.
I just about ready to gain employment and I am looking forward to it. It's not about the money. I just want to get up everyday to do something I want. I just wished I didn't listen to my parents who pushed me to get my business degree when I wanted to drive. Thinking about it,the biggest regrets I have in my life was listening to everyone who always thought they knew best for me.

[apratt]

Congratulation Dean, I am 50 years old also and have been toying with the idea of working for someone else also. Been self employed for most of my life. I just did a carrear change a few years ago, so I am trying to see how the realestate business will go for me. But a in a few years my wife will be able to retire so there will go my insurance and that scares the h@ll out of me.

[Podunkfla]

I did it at 50........ I was a home remodeling contractor all my life except a few years in the pub business. I hated gettting up every day going to work the last few years I was in it.. I admit it wasn't all bad since I managed to go thru life for over 25 years without a boss.
Several months ago I signed up with the local community college to get my CDL. All my life I wanted to drive a big rig. Everyone thought I was crazy to give up what I had with my background in remodeling.
I just about ready to gain employment and I am looking forward to it. It's not about the money. I just want to get up everyday to do something I want. I just wished I didn't listen to my parents who pushed me to get my business degree when I wanted to drive. Thinking about it,the biggest regrets I have in my life was listening to everyone who always thought they knew best for me.

Funny you mention driving big rigs... That's one of the few options I have here in podunk. I have seriously thought about getting my CDL too. I'm just afraid I'd fall asleep out there on the road somewhere and end up in a ditch... or worse? But, I do know a lot of guy my age that have done it. I would really like to find something that uses some of the years of experience I already have. I have also been considering getting my certifications as a building inspector. I always hated those guys... So I think I could do the job and not be a total a--hole, and have some empathy for the contractors.

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Brick,
I almost applied for a building inspector's job that came up about a year ago... But then decided I didn't want a job that included a desk.

[wolfix]

I did it at 50........ I was a home remodeling contractor all my life except a few years in the pub business. I hated gettting up every day going to work the last few years I was in it.. I admit it wasn't all bad since I managed to go thru life for over 25 years without a boss.
Several months ago I signed up with the local community college to get my CDL. All my life I wanted to drive a big rig. Everyone thought I was crazy to give up what I had with my background in remodeling.
I just about ready to gain employment and I am looking forward to it. It's not about the money. I just want to get up everyday to do something I want. I just wished I didn't listen to my parents who pushed me to get my business degree when I wanted to drive. Thinking about it,the biggest regrets I have in my life was listening to everyone who always thought they knew best for me.

Funny you mention driving big rigs... That's one of the few options I have here in podunk. I have seriously thought about getting my CDL too. I'm just afraid I'd fall asleep out there on the road somewhere and end up in a ditch... or worse? But, I do know a lot of guy my age that have done it. I would really like to find something that uses some of the years of experience I already have. I have also been considering getting my certifications as a building inspector. I always hated those guys... So I think I could do the job and not be a total a--hole, and have some empathy for the contractors.

An inspector????? Thinking about going to the dark side?????? podunkfla, with your experience in the trades you wouldn't make a good inspector. You know too much. You need to be a confused individual who couldn't make it as a contractor to do the job properly. The city would never make any money off you.

Seriously, in my CDL class we have several older guys. My opinion is that the older guys make the better drivers. Plus the fact we have a sense of stability that young guys have no concept of...........
I do have to say this though....... when the big companies send their recruiters in, a recruit needs to wear his high top boots.

[madjack]

Wolfix/Brick...spent over 20yrs and right at 2 million miles as a big rig driver...that includes a couple of years as a driving instuctor...got any questions...W, a full haz-mat suit w/self-contained breathing apparatus is a must when dealing with recruiters.........
madjack

[Juneaudave]

Wow and Congrats!!!! Must of been a pretty good deal to for you to make that hard decision! I wish you all of the best!!

[jdarkoregon]

Good for you Dean, Change is good for the spirit. Whoever is getting a wonderful new addition to their workforce.

John

[asianflava]

Congrats Dean! It takes a lot of guts to do it but you are doing it for all the right reasons. Now you will have plenty of time to finish all those projects. Move all the glass stuff to the side of the shop and you can have room to work on them too.

With the stained glass globe and the theater job under your belt, you are going out on a high note.

[ARKPAT]

Congrats Dean!
I wish you well in your new job.
We all have to make changes from time to time and all are usually good changes.
We learn more about ourselves and broaden our knowledge base of ideas.




In my job it gives me more time to plan and research more than I have ever had before.



Pat