Am I too old?

[Grant Lamontagne]

I hate getting serious, but I've been mulling this over and over a lot lately and I thought maybe some fresh perspective from all 9f you might help.

My situation is that I'm almost 42, I'm unable to continue doing my job due to injury, I have been offered a similar but less intensive job back in Halifax (1000 miles away) with a competing company, and I now live in a place where there is absolutely no market for the industry I've been in for the last decade or so.  The closest market for my industry is roughly 150 miles away.

So, I'm either going to have to move again, which either destroys my relationship, or tears Megan away from the job she has worked the last ten years to get (and a very bright future career-wise), or I need to get a job locally.

I'm no stranger to minimum wage fast food or retail jobs, but I doubt I'm capable of being on my feet that long these days. 

So, I'm thinking about training for a new career.  The training I want is expensive and may require me selling my house and maybe MTO if I can't obtain a student loan or some kind of funding.   It's a big investment for me, and I'm wondering if maybe this is a case of putting up new curtains in a condemned house.

If I make it successfully through the course, the money should be worthwhile, and it is something I have wanted to do my whole life, assuming of course someone is willing to take on a horse whose best days are behind it and who has absolutely zilch for experience.

My other options at this point are getting a truck license (much more affordable course) and hauling cargo or planting myself behind a desk somewhere.

Some days I swear all of you know me better than I know myself, so any insights, observations or advice would be appreciated, especially if you have had a later in life start over.

Def

[magentus]

Life eh! Never runs smooth. I'm sorry to hear you're having to make some really difficult decisions Grant.

I'm guessing you're happy in your relationship, and as someone else who is very lucky to have found his soulmate, I would prioritise that. It makes the hardships in life a lot easier to bear when you can share them with someone you love.

Can you survive for any length of time on Megans wage? My wife and I have always tried to exist on as little as possible while we took it in turns to home educate our intelligent but highly dyslexic daughter. It has meant not buying a house or progressing very far career-wise, but we have a happy and well adjusted daughter so it's worth it.

I'd say go for the training if that's what you want - we only get one chance at this so why not be as happy as you can?

Best of luck with your decision - I'm sure we are queuing up to offer our boss our best wishes: gods knows you deserve all the best life has to offer, and I'm sure some sage advise is on its way.

[powernoodle]

42 is young.  You have 20 good years of employment ahead of you.  I would advocate staying where you are - for the reasons you cited - and investigating employment in other fields.  Areas of employment with plenty of job opportunities like trucking, teaching, etc.  Mrs. Powernoodle has a master's degree in historic preservation, for example. Though she did work in that field for years, the employment opportunities were very limited, so she switch fields.  I always encourage employment in fields with tons of employment opportunities, like computers/I.T.  My 18y old son is majoring in math & computer programming, which makes me much happier than if he had majored in Indian headdress restoration.

Consider also the book 48 Days to the Work you Love.

[enki_ck]

Yup, you're old. But you know that already.

As for work, I agree with mags and the clever noodle. I don't know what the retirement age in Canada is, but here it's going to be 67 years soon. So you would not even be half way through your working years. Heck, my father was a suoervisor on really big construction sites, went to work in fabric manufacturing and sales and then to being something like a agricultural pharmasist when he was in his 50s. Still many years of pretending to work while you hang around MTO ahead of you.

[Aloha]

Plenty of life yet ahead of you Boss.  42 is not too old to start something new.  I wont list the vast amount of people who began or switched careers in their 40's and became very successful.  You are a driven man so I cannot see much standing in your way.   

Step one, define whats important to YOU.  What do you need from your life?
   
With all the variables of life there are some things we must be selfish of.  Do what makes you happy.       

Step two, pick a career field with growth/opportunity.

Like PN stated, a career field with plenty of opportunity is very important.  The job market is fickle so choosing a field with growth/opportunity are key.  I find that employers would gladly take an older seasoned employee with the proper skills ( even if new to the field ).   

Step three, Believe in yourself. 

You bring a lot to the table.  Your life has been a continual training ground of experiences that will prove valuable to any employer.  Don't sell yourself short ( not that you are ).  I personally would spend a year or two on new training for a job.  If the training was for something I could do well past my retirement years then I wouldn't hesitate.   

   

 

     

[ToolJoe]

Many people find a new calling in life in their 40's that they find they enjoy or are happy with.

[Syph007]

Short answer is it's never too late to train or educate yourself in something you want to do.  Extended answer is that is also depends on how long it takes to do this training/learning.  At 43 myself I would not say try to become a physician.  That's what.. a decade of school/leaning... nope.  But investing a few years to me is quite reasonable.   

If I found the right college classes to help me out on CAD learning and design I would take that for sure.  Ive also enrolled in jewellery classes with a local jeweler because while I dont make jewelry, learning techniques the pros use is very helpful to me as I find myself wanting to drift more towards doing art knives.

[Grant Lamontagne]

It's not just the age, it's the investment.  I'd be looking at dropping between $50,000 and $80,000 over 18-24 months.  Best case scenario I can finance it, but that still leaves a lot of payments for a lot of years and that is what bothers me.

The up side is that I can probably work a job like this well into my 70's, although I'm not sure if that's because I'd want to or I'd have to.

Def

[Monrogue]

While I can't speak from experience in such a situation, I'll still speak   My first concern would definitely be the cost of the training, and how I'd pay my bills over the course of said training.  If you can get by on Megan's pay, or fit in a part time job, then that helps.  Also, it seems like you two have a good relationship going, so I wouldn't throw that away, or force her to have to ditch the career she's worked for, or ditch you.  That wouldn't be a good position to be in.  You did just move all that way after all. 

Also, you're not old by any means (may just be my denial as I approach middle age myself), but I can say that I personally have little desire to uproot my life and start such a big change.  Obviously you have to do something though in your situation.  I'm sure you can make it work no matter what path you take

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[Grathr]

Just a long shot.
I dont have any experience on this myself. But we have a lot of people at work that come from different backgrounds than what they where originally trained as.
Have you tried applying for jobs that you arent directly qualified for, but that you could still learn by doing? Preferably something where your previous experience can still be drawn upon?

We often say at work, that it isnt what you know that is important. Its having the right attitude that matters. The rest can be learned.

[dks]

You are not that old..

Selling MTO ??      any excuse to avoid the 10 year celebrations   


You can do various courses, but you need to decide what you want to do.  I have successfullycompleted various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, but they were degrees I wanted to do, that would help me.

If you have not received a study grant before you should be able to get a grant/low interest loan or free undergraduate etc. education - This is what happens in Europe, so I assume that it will be similar in Canada.

However, you must be willing to study, and get something useful at the end.

You can also become a professional YouTube reviewer - some manage to live on their YouTube income.

Can't your rent income cover your needs? Do you actually need to work? Youmay be able to manage on a lot less than you think you need..

just some ideas...

[Outback in Idaho]

  You have to do what is right for you and your family. Not sure if you are married to the young lady or not, though she's your family for the time.

  Can honestly tell you that you you do not have a skill or trade by the time you're 50, you're screwed. Maybe by the time you reach 55 there might be an employment department program to get you re-educated for a desk job or janitorial service. But yeah, get a trade and skill that you can take with you.
  Seriously thought I was going to be living out of my car, then got tossed a bone...  So thought I did everything right in time, but it means nothing to this new world.

[Yadda]

Eighteen years ago we moved to Houston for my wife's job.  I picked up a retail management job because I was currently in the field.  Less than 3 months later I landed a corporate desk job making more money with regular hours and weekends and holiday off.  Eighteen months after we moved here, my wife had a new micro manager for a boss.  She quit work, my new job enabled her to stay home.

Bottom line:  I landed that job because I had gone back to school a two years earlier and finished my degree.  No degree no job..... 

Go for the training. At 42 you are far from old. You probably have another 20+ years to work unless you hit the lottery. I know because I've got you by more than 10 years.

[dks]

Or marry rich....

[dks]

Or become a playboy...

[dks]

Or toyboy/boytoy

[magentus]

Or toyboy/boytoy

Or a sun kissed gigolo:

[PTRSAK]

Grant.  let me for one brief minute speak with the voice of wisdom/experience/reason.

DO IT NOW.   

I'm in similar shoes but another ten years further down the track. if you think it's difficult now. Don't wait to try changing career path in your early 50s.

I wish I could go back to an earlier decade and learn another trade/occupation.

Okay, that's it. Normal transmission resumes. 

[detron]

you have to look out for you and yours.

investing in an education/training for something you WANT is desirable, as then you should, in theory, enjoy what you do.

as to selling MTO,  though I cannot imagine this ship without you at the helm, I would not fault you for that decision.

good luck either way, and keep us posted on you descision

[Aloha]

It's not just the age, it's the investment.  I'd be looking at dropping between $50,000 and $80,000 over 18-24 months.  Best case scenario I can finance it, but that still leaves a lot of payments for a lot of years and that is what bothers me.

The up side is that I can probably work a job like this well into my 70's, although I'm not sure if that's because I'd want to or I'd have to.

Def

The amount of time for schooling is doable.  The cost as you put it makes me rethink.  If you end up working in this new field great.  Having to work to pay back the loan making a basic living, then to me whats the purpose?

An investment like that would for me would have to be something I'd WANT to do until I couldn't. 

In this scenario I'd say it's not worth it.  Why be a slave to a loan just to become employed?  If the training at that cost resulted in high dollar salary then no problem cause the loan would b paid back fast.  Education can be one of the best debts tho depending on the education it can also become a burden.       

[Syncop8r]

Sounds like you want to train to be a pilot. 

I'm 41 and a few years ago I decided to quit my job as an Architectural Draughtsman and do just that. I was sick of sitting at a desk all day.
So, I got my Commercial Pilot License and then a Flight Instructor Rating. The easiest way to get a job flying here is by instructing. However, I haven't been able to land (see what I did there?) a flying job yet so I have been back to draughting for the last three years. Oh and I have a massive student loan.

If I do find a job (it's a real who-knows-who industry) I will have to do more flying and study first to get back up to speed. It does seem to suit younger people fresh out of school who can travel to air operators and sweep their floors or whatever for nothing and come back to Mum and Dad and have no rent or bills to pay...

And now I have been made redundant.

Now, what was I saying...? Oh yeah... DO IT!

[Gerhard Gerber]

41 here.......when you figure it out, let me know.

I recently got moved to another business unit after I offered to help out with general IT issues, long story, but that ended in my qualifications being questioned.
I have no qualifications that are valid anymore, and they now insist I do A+ N+ and mickey mouse bullsmurf like that.

Basic server, network and desktop support are going the way of the dinosaur anyway, so I have a bit of an issue trying to figure out how I'll put food on the table for the next 25 years......
It's quite frankly scary when I do a direct comparison at a site (a mine) where I worked a few years apart, the body count required halved in 5 years.
 

[firiki]

The amount of money you mention isn't negligeable. You say it's something you've always wanted to do so I say do it if you really feel it's worth the effort, meaning if you feel the investment is going to pay off. Having a huge loan to pay off might not be the best way to go.

Otherwise, with that kind of $ couldn't you set up a business? I haven't got the slightest idea how things are over there but this might be an option to consider.

And I wouldn't upset my partner's life if things she'd tried long to achieve where working out. magentus said it much better than I can.

[Gohard]

Good luck to all. Lots of people in the same boat. I started doing leatherwork years ago as a hobby and now its actually helping me out to pay some bills. 


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[Toolslinger]

Tough decision, Boss. Definitely needs to be thought through.

Personally, if you feel you can make good coin and get employed quickly after finishing the education portion, go for it. If there is low probability of employment, I would reconsider.

[Syph007]

Oh one other thing I always ask myself when I am making big decisions.  Will I have regrets later in life if I do/dont do this?  Regret is a bitch and can make you bitter.

[Corwyn]

Yes, definitely old 

Regarding the location. Don't leave. Megan is an amazing woman and she puts up with you (extra amazing). I have now 3 colleges done (one in Oxford, if I can actually take the exams) and 12 years experience in the field. I could go anywhere in Europe and get a better paycheck or get a nice top Management job. Even now I have a reasonable wage, four apartments and a car. Not great but decent, especially when you started with nothing (actually with lots of sick old ladies to care for) in a country with 400 Euro a month average wage. Still I'd trade all of this away in a second to get a woman as great and understanding as Megan. Jobs come and go. Great women are rare. And yes if it wasn't for my little muppet, which I worship, I'd have reset the slate (once again) ages ago.

To me, you have two options:

1. Get your dreamjob. Get your training. Sell MTO (seriously we love this place and you, but you shouldn't even put it in balance with selling your home - it is just a hobby funland in the end). Plus you'd still be a member here and I'm sure you'd give it to proper masters.

2. Get the trucking/deskjob. Whichever you hate the least. You might start to like your choice in time. I always liked my deskjob so I'm not the person to give advice there...

[Grant Lamontagne]

A few responses....

Yes, it is flight school.  I am trying to determine whether I'd rather fly a plane or a helicopter though- a helicopter seems like it might be a lot more interesting to me, and I have no desire to drive a bus with a major airline.  I also know a few people in both industries- I have a friend who flies medevac planes and another that flies private charter jets, and our own NutSAK flies helicopters.  And, working in shipping for the past eight years I know more than a few people in various helicopter companies, although the one I know best just filed for Chapter 11, so that's not a great sign.

There are probably more jobs available and better money in fixed wing, but helicopter pilots seem more in demand because there is a lot less of them.

I'd much rather not sell this site, as I have put an awful lot of money and energy into it over the past decade.  My house isn't as big a deal, as I don't live there.  It's a small apartment building, but there's so much that needs to be done to it to get top dollar.  Given the choice, I'd rather sell it than MTO, but for flight school, if there is no other way to get funding, both would probably have to go.

If I went into trucking, I would do it my way.... I'd probably get a Super C type motorhome and a large enclosed trailer and work my own contracts and live on the road.

Def

[Aloha]

Flying huh?  Well now that changes things a bit.  I have a few clients that are helicopter pilots and love what they do.  One in particular just barely retired after 20+ years flying in the military then 20 commercially. 

If you get the training whatever the cost then land a job, how fricken stoked will you be every day to go to work!!!!!  Yes the cost to do this is significant but you could possibly fly anywhere.  Knowing people kinda pushes me to thinking this is not sounding bad at all. 

As far as selling off assets, now thats the easy decision.  SELL SELL SELL and go live the dream.     

[dks]

Wouldn't the metal plates hinder you?