Am I crazy to be contemplating a career change at age 60?
As more of us are living longer and healthier lives a career change at a later age isn't as unusual as it first appears.
According to UK government figures, In 2014 more than 34,000 people over the age of 50 tore up the rule book of retirement and started an apprenticeship
Why A Change Now?
I'm now fast approaching sixty and I'm tired of doing 12-hour shift work of both days and nights for 365 days a year (with days off of course!).
I'm in the lucky position that I am able to seriously consider a change of lifestyle and so have decided to take the plunge and retrain for a new career that will take me up to and beyond the state retirement age of 66.
What I'm I Going To Do?
Dog grooming!
It may seem a little strange to go from my current technical job to that of a dog groomer but that is the whole point. Trying something completely different and also a chance to be my own boss. Plus I have a love of dogs and this seemed a natural choice for me.
I didn't want to go into this thing without training and I particularly wanted to obtain some kind of qualification. As dog grooming in the UK is unregulated and anyone can just set up I felt that professional training and a recognised qualification would help set me out from the crowd.
After a little research, I visited a dog grooming school in Lancashire for a taster session and came away very impressed with their facilities and attitude to grooming. I also signed up for a 25 day International certified Master Groomer (ICMG) course which I begin in May. After passing the course I then hope to set up my own business.
I intend to post regularly on my progress in the hope that it may inspire others who may be thinking of a late career change to give it a go.
I would be interested in hearing the thoughts of others on this matter. Do you think I'm bonkers to be giving up a secure job at an advanced age? Are you considering the same kind of thing? If you could do the same, what would you do? Leave a comment and let me know.
Images
Second image by www.3.bp.blogspot.com
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Until next time - take care of yourselves.