Is 50 too old for a new career?

peter.s · Feb 1, 2019

Hi, I’m new here

I’ve been reading this forum and researching trade courses for some time now because I’m wanting to make a career change. I have not worked in the industry before, but I am multi-skilled and have no doubt that I have the capacity to make a good electrician… but the trouble is, I will be turning 50 in a few months.

At first I thought I could just do a C&G 2365 and then get a job and quickly qualify as an Electrician… But in reality I think it will be a lot more challenging to find work at my age. And if I did find a job, I would be working as an underling for several years before gaining my qualifications and upping my wage.

I’m keen to hear some honest opinions from the professionals. Would I be wasting my time and money to get trained up? And would any firm employ a fifty-year-old novice?

The Ghost · Feb 1, 2019

Rather than dash any hopes, I think you have a pragmatic grasp of the situation and don't need anyone to jinx your latest endeavour. I think you called it about right and see the writing on the wall. How about domestic installer self employed and register with a scheme? Or were you thinking industrial/commercial. If so yes I imagine it would be hard but like all things not impossible. It seems it is a very competitive market currently and a lot of people going for the same job. Experience is king here I think along with qualies.

solarsavings · Feb 1, 2019

Recently came across a 50 year old man training to become a radiographer.

plugsandsparks · Feb 1, 2019

No, not at all. Be good exercise as well if you used to have a desk job.

telectrix · Feb 1, 2019

you can do it.a mate of mine was mid-50's, done a short course as DI. now niceic. OK he still has a learning curve to climb wrt faults, testing etc., but put your mind yo it. esp if you are good with the practical side.

buzzlightyear · Feb 1, 2019

solarsavings said:
Recently came across a 50 year old man training to become a juggler .

buzzlightyear · Feb 1, 2019

yes you can teach a man new tricks ,get a holler hoop ,sod the dog .

telectrix · Feb 1, 2019

buzzlightyear said:
yes you can teach a man new tricks ,get a holler hoop ,sod the dog .

going to send my dog to bite yer bum. take your pick.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Is 50 too old for a new career?

Starjack · Feb 1, 2019

Waste of time , be better staying with what you know, I wouldn't employ you or anyone else at that age.

telectrix · Feb 1, 2019

Starjack said:
Waste of time , be better staying with what you know, I wouldn't employ you or anyone else at that age.

so that lets me out.scrap heap at 72, courtesy of Starjackoff..

Starjack · Feb 1, 2019

And apparently I'm not allowed an opinion, thanks to really old scalectrix

The Ghost · Feb 1, 2019

Starjack said:
wouldn't employ you or anyone else at that age.

So yes you will encounter that kind of response but don't let them grind you down go for it!

telectrix · Feb 1, 2019

Starjack said:
And apparently I'm not allowed an opinion, thanks to really old scalectrix

nowt wrong with an opinion, but to reject someone out of hand because he's got past teenage pimples is a bit OTT.

Starjack · Feb 1, 2019

But think of all the baggage someone of that age would bring, he will no doubt need a good income, could be set in his ways, could come with medical issues and the list goes on and all this while your trying to teach him a very hard trade.
That's why I said no thanks!!!!!

GMES · Feb 1, 2019

Guys please watch the language in your replies, I've had to edit 2 already.

solarsavings · Feb 1, 2019

buzzlightyear said:

Balls

Pete999 · Feb 1, 2019

solarsavings said:
Balls

Rugby, Soccer, Tennis. Golf can you be a bit more specific Solar

buzzlightyear · Feb 1, 2019

Pete999 said:
Rugby

starts tomorrow six nations ,cant wait .

Pete999 · Feb 1, 2019

buzzlightyear said:
starts tomorrow six nations ,cant wait .

Yeah, but you're Rugby mental like me Buzz.

Pete999 · Feb 1, 2019

Pete999 said:
Yeah, but you're Rugby mental like me Buzz.

What do you reckon the outcome will be between England and the Irish, don't hold back, say what you think, I reckon the Irish will win, there I said it.

solarsavings · Feb 1, 2019

Pete999 said:
Rugby, Soccer, Tennis. Golf can you be a bit more specific Solar

Thought it was obvious Pete

Pete999 · Feb 1, 2019

solarsavings said:
Thought it was obvious PeteView attachment 47540

Oh juggling Balls? Was only asking. Too old to know the real name of these things, happy sacks is that it?

rapparee · Feb 1, 2019

Starjack said:
But think of all the baggage someone of that age would bring, he will no doubt need a good income, could be set in his ways, could come with medical issues and the list goes on and all this while your trying to teach him a very hard trade.
That's why I said no thanks!!!!!

I totally agree with you starjack.

No point in sugar coating it.

However we had an apprentice at 40 doing fitting.

We all respected him, he was only at the same rank as me whenever I was serving my time.

He was actually a qualified hairdresser but was sick of people thinking he was gay, he had a wife and two teenage children FFS.

He was a very nice fella. Not afraid to be humble, taking orders and directions of boys in their twenties. He also knew how to have the craic and get along with the younger fellas. He had experience coaching GAA Hurling minor teams, so was used to dealing with young lads.

He managed to serve his time and got a full time job in a pharmaceutical factory across town whenever he qualified.

So it is possible, but not an easy road, he also had to let his wife carry him, for a few years, because obviously the money wasn't great. So he was lucky enough to be able to lie on her.

Pete999 · Feb 1, 2019

Should that read RELY on her?

rapparee · Feb 1, 2019

Pete999 said:
Should that read RELY on her?

Possibly.

Although she was a good looking woman.

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The Ghost

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The Ghost

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