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?

 

[FatAlan]

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!!!!!

You sure you’re not a fisherman Starjack? I think you might hall in a big catch on this thread.

 

[Starjack]

Let us know the name of your business and we’ll stay clear

Why , are you another foolish disillusioned 50 year old.

 

[FatAlan]

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!!!!!

You sure you’re not a fisherman Starjack? I think you might hall in a big catch on this thread.

 

[Starjack]

@Starjack

I would ask your background as you seem to be a little shy in filling in your profile as I just want to see where your comment earlier comes from about him been too old and you wouldn't employ him?
Do you have experience running a business and employing people?

I am pushing that 50 mark and I would definitely employ a 50yr old against a school leaver nowadays given the mindset of the majority of kids coming out of school over the last decade, I'm pushing fifty and have had enough apprentices to know what age groups tend to be an asset to my business and those that aren't.
I am still as fit and active as I was at 20 so interested to hear why you see a 50yr old as too old, I often pull in some mates in there 50's when I need an extra hand and never had any issues to press.

PS welcome to the forum.

Is there anyone on here that's not 50, apart from me.
I run my own business, I am fully qualified and employ 17 full time electricians.
They range from 20 - 45 but the ones at 45 have been electricians all their life. I even employed a midget for a " short " period.
He had to go though once the new socket heights came in plus he was no use for mashing as the worktop was to high for him. I did actually like him but you have to cut away dead wood, no sentiment allowed when running a multi- million pound business.
Oh and sorry to hear your very nearly 50.

 

[FatAlan]

Why , are you another foolish disillusioned 50 year old.

No, 55 year old recently retired police officer who, very luckily would not be reliant on earning a high wage, is fit and well (passed higher level annual fitness test for shield trained riot officers), very interested and absorbed by the electrician trade, has own tools, can get out of bed in the morning and would do what I’m told to do without looking at my phone every 30 seconds. Still I understand some people prefer younger men ... and midgets.

 

[Starjack]

No, 55 year old recently retired police officer who, very luckily would not be reliant on earning a high wage, is fit and well (passed higher level annual fitness test for shield trained riot officers), very interested and absorbed by the electrician trade, has own tools, can get out of bed in the morning and would do what I’m told to do without looking at my phone every 30 seconds. Still I understand some people prefer younger men

I have yet to meet a Rozzer that would stand there and allow someone else to tell them what to do..

 

[MJPD29]

Definetly not, if anything mature apprentices can be better and more reliable. My advice is to go for it there will always be someone willing to help you learn and give you the chance to get experience

 

[plugsandsparks]

I am 56 , started my company at 48 after being out of this trade for 25 years, added Gas and FGas at 50 yrs old, i dont believe age is a factor to learning at all, being set in your ways is a state of mind not a medical condition, lol.
I suppose i am at the opposite end , i would not employ anyone under 30, they are set in their ways (bloody social media) /irony/ and dont like my music.
No issue with Sjacks position but i wager it will change as he gets older and realises nothing actually happens at 50 except you are wiser and more emotionally mature....

 

[FatAlan]

I have yet to meet a Rozzer that would stand there and allow someone else to tell them what to do..

Thing is when you sign up to the filth you say goodbye to a lot of freedom. Bit like the armed forces. You have to and get very used to obeying lawful orders, work where you are told, recall to duty when required etc etc. A bit like being married. If you are in a managerial position running a company I’m sure you expect your employees to do what you tell them to do?

 

[Matt RIchards]

I'm in a somewhat similar position - 48, ex-Army officer, recently completed a DI cse - however I am a kept man (wife's career going well) and have an army pension so don't need to earn big money but need to be flexible around my kids (still young and at school).

I found the course easy in respect that my attitude to learning was (in my opinion) better than the youngsters and I took a measured approach to most practical tasks, as well as my maths being being good. However I am also mature/sensible enough to realise that I need practical experience before I can either go it alone or work for someone for decent money; luckily I have an electrician friend who I am working for (mostly for free) in order to gain enough experience in order that I can set up on my own (maybe 6 months).

So in summary it is possible but be prepared to earn little or no money at the start - if money is a big issue then you need to plan for this carefully (maybe night school etc whilst still working and move across when you are ready). But, as others have said, how fit are you? Do you want to be straining you knees/back/etc. in your 50s/60s? You seem sensible enough to be able to take direction from those younger than you as well so I doubt that you will have any issues on the job.

Long-winded and rambling reply but yes it is possible - good luck if you go for it.

 

[telectrix]

excellent post, Matt. could not have put it better myself ( either before or asfter beer ).

 

[Starjack]

Good God, it's like cocoon in here, I keep getting the urge to buy some boiled sweets and earl grey.
Is every mature trainee on here either a Rozzer or Rambo.
Why not sit at home pampering yourselves on your disgracefully fat pensions, while really old people ( over 70 ) struggle on a pittance.
Make way for the younger generation, it's not their fault that you all couldn't hack it at your other jobs and have now decided to be in the best trade around.

 

[Starjack]

Why the dislike @Pete999 dont tell me that's your age at the end of your name, or is it code to let people know you're an ex Rozzer as well.

 

[Pete999]

Why the dislike @Pete999 dont tell me that's your age at the end of your name, or is it code to let people know you're an ex Rozzer as well.

No not an ex anything.

 

[Starjack]

So how old are you Pete, while everyone is disclosing ages.