Looks like the introduction page is no longer available so here goes......I am 48 years old and was a manager in what would best be described as agritourism since graduating with my BA years ago. The position worked well for our family for many years while our 4 kids were growing up. I didn't mind the craziness, the long hours, the masses of people on a 60 degree fall day, etc. but I was ready to do something different. I resigned a couple of years ago and worked part time at a stress free but not challenging job while doing a lot of soul searching and research. It was a busy 2 years with a lot of family events, graduations(school, college, boot camp). The dust has settled and the job search was back on in full force.
I have taken a few very in depth career interest tests through a local college in the past few years. Everything kept showing my interest in a health care setting. Every job listing that catches my interest also falls under that category. This is COMPLETELY different from what I have done for so many years. I have always had the desire to help people in this capacity. I kept looking at job searches and saying, I wish I could do that but I figured it was too late. After talking with my neighbor who has been a nurse for over 30 years and telling her my interest, she pleasantly surprised me and said, you have plenty of time to start this as a second career!!! That encouragement is all I needed to hear. Next semester, I start my journey to become a CNA!!! I am nervous and so very excited at the same time!!!!
This is all great and good. But I would advice caution. Extreme caution, that is.
CNA is one of the lowest on the totem pole, least paid, most physically and mentally demanding jobs. It is wearing, in all senses, for many young and strong ones. At 48, whether we like it or not, our bodies start to fail most of us. One awkward movement can pretty much wipe one's lifetime savings over just a couple of years, not counting all other unpleasant realities of living with chronic back pain.
Being short, there are literally hundreds of occupations which are "so different" and can provide a fresh breath in life without unnecessary risks of physical trauma, abuse of all kinds, financial losses, exposure to transmissible disease and more of the same. At least, before investing time and money into career change, try dedicate 24 hours a week to volunteering in a local nursing home or community clinic. Get a good reality check before you jump into it, not somebody's optimistic spiel about "you can do it".
Riverwader
6 Posts
Excellent points, thanks!