Is 50 too old for a new career?

[peter.s]

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?

 

[solarsavings]

Balls

 

[Pete999]

Balls

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

 

[buzzlightyear]

Rugby

starts tomorrow six nations ,cant wait .

 

[Pete999]

starts tomorrow six nations ,cant wait .

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

 

[Pete999]

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]

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

Thought it was obvious Pete

 

[Pete999]

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]

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]

Should that read RELY on her?

 

[rapparee]

Should that read RELY on her?

Possibly.


Although she was a good looking woman.

 

[telectrix]

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 can see your point, but bear in mind, that 50+ year old may have a load of experience, could be ex-forces with a bit of a pension, mortgage paid off, kids flown the nest. every situ on it's own merits.

 

[Moley]

starts tomorrow six nations ,cant wait .

Tomorrow? I must have invented time travel as the Wales/France match is on TV right now.

 

[Starjack]

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!!!!!

How can 2 members disagree with me, are you saying he couldn't have any of the issues I mentioned or do you have a crystal ball.
Silly rating to give in my opinion.

 

[buzzlightyear]

let me say to the op just go for it ,if theirs nothing to stop you ,has Jim
Bowen you to say why not.

 

[Moley]

I see no reason not to take on someone at 50. At least they are not liable to be sat on their phone all day or phoning in sick every week. If you've got the enthusiasm to learn then go for it. I had a major job change in my mid 40s. I was night shift factory maintenance. Factory closed and now I clamber about on top of transformers at power stations, repair LV/HV/EHV switchgear, fault gas analysis and an assortment of other jobs I didn't even know existed. You are never too old to learn and there's someone out there who will employ you.