So I'm around 40 years old and I want to re-train for a new career - but I'm a bit over-whelmed with where to even start.
I don't want to write too much about my current/previous jobs and qualifications, but they are not really relevant because I don't want to do anything similar. However I have a BSc in a health related subject, so I have a more science based sway than arts.
I'll write a list of ideal "wants" in a job, and if anyone has any ideas I'd really appreciate them. I have a lot of research to do myself, but currently I'm a bit lost.
- I'd love to be able to work from home (also anywhere in the world).
- Needs to be a lot of work available (don't want to be fighting for work).
- Flexible hours would be nice but not essential.
- Freelance/self-employed or employed would both be fine.
- I do not want to work directly with "clients" all day every day.
- I do not want to teach.
- I am not "creative".
- Future proof (still be work in 20-30 years time).
- Not physical (need to be able to work when older).
When I say I do not want to work with clients every day, I mean I have worked in tourism and teaching and I do not want that kind of customer contact anymore.
The British government's (failed) campaign to get people to retrain in tech made me think that that could be a possibility. There seems to be a lot of demand and I guess there will continue to be. But there are so many options that I know nothing about that I have no idea where to start with research.
Ideally I'd be able to re-train in it without spending a fortune. preferably online or in Switzerland. And be able to re-train from ZERO.
I wasn't in Switzerland, so that might make a difference but.
I hit my mid 30's and absolutely hated what I was doing. I quit my job and went back to school to get a degree in Information Systems. I was close to 40 when I graduated, and got my first IT job. I absolutely loved it. Worked in IT for 17 years, before I had to give that up when my wife got the opportunity to come here.
It is never late. You never know what might open up. Go for it, and Good Luck!!
Current hot things in IT or related fields seem to be: Data Science, Cyber Security I think either of those have long term employment opportunities.
Take a look at the free MOOC (online course) platforms - EdX, FutureLearn, Courseera, etc. - if you have not already. You might find something that appeals just by trying a bunch of their courses.
A lot of what they have also allows you to then sign up for a certified course afterwards or would at least let you do some further upskilling elsewhere.
Something you also might think about. The cantons can support you financially. However the age limit for starting with "new" education varies from canton to canton. And you have to have a Swiss passport, as far as I know.
Also the Khan Academy, if you find you need to go back and refresh school knowledge in a field you haven't used for a while, so as to progress into adult education.
I would say that while not 'theoretically impossible', beginning training to be a cyber security professional at 40+ years old, with "zero" previous history or IT knowledge, is not realistic.
All you have listed are things that you are not good at and don't want to do, you haven't really listed any existing skills, knowledge or positive attributes that you have. Basically you are just asking people to take wild pot shots at thinking of career you may or may not be able to do, while not having any real idea of what you can and can't do.
The list implies a job with zero management responsibilities within an organization or working alone as freelancer. It's really comfortable to have zero mgmt duties, but it's also the most exposed position within any organization. Home office is cool until oneself is not in the meeting where one self's future is discussed.
Concerning future proofing, the number people with any kind of specialized knowledge is incredibly large, the number of people willing to take the responsibility of making work a team of people with specialized knowledge is very small. Being able to do the job is one thing, being able to finish it on time and on budget is a whole different thing. Management is boring, but it pays.
I'm not suggesting an MBA (ridicule stuff), but putting your previous experience to work, no matter the technical background, people is just people.
I'm good at planning, organisation, admin etc. I'd probably make a good PA, or working in logistics. But I live in the middle of bloody no where - so jobs like like are really not available.
Cyber security is a theater at most places (unless you want to play an actor). There are some legit good places but it's legit hard to get into them as well, not a mid life crisis career change story
Data science sure is hot, but on the *supply* side. Join the queues of unemployed phds wandering around, lol
I have no idea about education and getting into it, but GOOD System Engineers are always wanted. And you can work for a cyber security company that way too and get to learn things that way.
I work for a cyber sec /DLP company and people who know how to develop (Software Engineers) and people who can work the systems (System Engineers) are highly seeked after. And I know this to be true also for other indstries/companies.