As we age, our priorities change.
The opportunity to change career in later life also brings with it the opportunity to do something you really love. Leave the rat race, hamster wheel, and dog eat dog behind. Clear your mind. Reassess your priorities. Your second career should definitely be doing something you love.
Share your knowledge and life experiences by becoming a teacher. With a growing need for great teachers, particularly in secondary schools, teaching offers a structured and rewarding career. And the teaching world is considerably less ageist than many other industries. Qualifications include a relevant degree and a teaching qualification, such as a PGCE. For advice, Now Teach, the network for second career teachers is a great place to start.
If you have a passion for cooking, what about becoming a chef? Many culinary schools offer fabulous short courses for mature students that could change your life. And though the catering industry has been going through a tough time of late, this may be the time to pounce on a pub or restaurant that needs some TLC. Witness Jeremy Clarkson’s (age 64) recent purchase of a pub in Oxfordshire. For background on becoming a chef, read this article in Indeed.
Not for the nervous, but there are a lot of plusses to being a driving instructor when you are older. The role allows job flexibility. You can work for yourself, or for a driving school. Or even start your own driving school. Your wisdom and experience of maybe 30 years plus of driving can only be seen as a massive advantage in this role. The AA, the British School of Motoring and Red all run excellent courses and franchise opportunities.
For those of you who dreamed of becoming a vet as a child, pet sitting is the dream job. The maturity and wisdom of older people are great qualities in a pet sitter, and one that customers will respond well to. NarpsUK, the Pet Sitting association will provide you with everything you need to become a professional pet sitter.
Being a virtual assistant is a great job for people with a load of life skills, general knowledge, and experience. And it’s a lot more flexible than a 9-5. This role can include tasks such as managing emails, scheduling, and customer service. It requires strong organizational skills and proficiency with technology And again, what you’ve learned in 30 years plus of work will far outweigh some of the small tech issues you might face. You can always find a short course to cover these basic tech skills, anyway. Beign a virtual assistant pays £15-£30 an hour. Start at My VA Business
The childcare sector is booming. There is a shortage of child care professionals, and the opportunity to start a childcare business is a good one. The wisdom and experience of older people is invaluable. Check out the government’s website ‘earlyyearscareers’ for more detailed information on how to get started, necessary qualifications, and potential job openings. Earn: £15 per hour – £25 per hour. Check out Early Years Careers
The opportunity to start childcare businesses is a real one for anyone whose considering ‘encore entrepreneurship.’ (Never forget that entrepreneurs in their 50s or even 60s are more likely to succeed than entrepreneurs in their 20s or 30s. See How to buy a childcare franchise
Help others reach their personal and professional goals. Life coaching requires certification and a passion for helping people realise their potential. Experience and wisdom are essential. And often sector specific experience too. You can work virtually or ‘in-person.’ The older you are, the better you get. Start by visiting The Coaching Academy.
Being a carer involves helping challenged individuals with daily activities. It can be incredibly fulfilling. Formal qualifications are often required, and additional training is usually provided by employers. Earn from £12.50 and hour upwards. Read this article by Indeed.
If you’re feeling ‘encore entrepreneurial’ you could start your own care business. Demand is high and growing. Check out, for example, The Care Partnership for all you need to know about care startups.
Volunteering comes in so many shapes and forms. From working in your local charity shop to non-exec and even chairman roles for charities, NGO’s etc. Volunteering is a great way to ‘give back,’ learn new stuff, and stay connected. For the cynical it also looks great on your cv. Volunteering is a fascinating world, full of later life reward. Stat by checking out the governments web site. Gov.uk/volunteering
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