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Post by cath4k on Apr 8, 2016 18:33:47 GMT
Some history: I went to college wanting to be a surgeon or at least in the medical field. Life threw some twists and turns. I did not finish college. I did get married and start a family. I worked typical jobs as a teen and college student (bookstores, photo lab, grocery store) and then worked for a county office as a young adult. I quit to stay home with my kids in 1994. Since then, I have been a full time homeschooling mom. I have volunteered in various positions. My original plan was to go back to school when my girls were older, but instead we had two more kids. My youngest is going into 6th grade next year. He does have special needs and will need me to homeschool him probably until graduation - so seven more years. Seven years from now, I will be 55!
Do I have any hope of a career at that point? I no longer think I will go to school for a 4+ year degree, but I was thinking I could enjoy working on becoming a surgical tech or something near the end of those seven years to be ready to go to work when he graduates. For five years, I was very ill. I am pretty much fully recovered and have so much energy again and am excited about doing some meaningful work in the future! (Staying home is meaningful, but I want to do something different in the future.) I am well suited for medical work because it is where my personal interests lie, I am not at all squeamish, and I am good with people. We do not need me to work for financial reasons, but I can't fathom "retiring" at 55, especially now that I feel like I got my life back.
But will anyone hire me at 55 without having worked outside the home for nearly 30 years? I can't start working yet because my husband travels a lot and we are committed to homeschooling these last two kids to the end (especially the youngest.)
Please be brutally honest. Is it just a pipedream?
Thanks!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 6:19:25 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2016 18:47:27 GMT
Nope.
Where there is a will there is a way.
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Post by bratkar on Apr 8, 2016 18:57:26 GMT
No... Not a pipedream, Anything worth doing is worth doing...
I have a dear friend who at 50 became an RN, she is now 65 and talking of going to Law School for a law degree.
YOU ARE NEVER TO OLD TO LEARN!
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Post by SnoopyFan on Apr 8, 2016 19:00:42 GMT
I think we are never too old to go out and pursue our dreams!
I'm starting school in the fall to become a nurse. I'm so excited! My sons (all 3 in their 20s) are my biggest cheerleaders. They think it's awesome that I'm going to school. I'm 47.
I say go for it!
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Post by lisacharlotte on Apr 8, 2016 19:04:26 GMT
No, if you want it you can make it happen. I'm just the opposite, always worked and would jump at the chance to retire at 55!
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Post by hop2 on Apr 8, 2016 19:19:28 GMT
Keep trying.
After being home for 17 years I got a job.
I did have to accept a part time job which I was 'over qualified' for to get a reference. But now I am fully employed in a job I like. I'm not getting rich. I couldn't raise a family on my wages. But when the time comes I will be able to support myself.
I was bluntly honest about the 17 year gap both in my resume and in interviews. I figured I didn't want to surprise anyone with my 'age' if I left all the dates off as it was suggested I do at a resume class I took that my state offered free.
Be yourself. Keep plugging. You an do it.
I can thank the encouragement of the community here for keeping me going during my 2 year job search
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Post by cath4k on Apr 8, 2016 19:42:54 GMT
Keep trying. After being home for 17 years I got a job. I did have to accept a part time job which I was 'over qualified' for to get a reference. But now I am fully employed in a job I like. I'm not getting rich. I couldn't raise a family on my wages. But when the time comes I will be able to support myself. I was bluntly honest about the 17 year gap both in my resume and in interviews. I figured I didn't want to surprise anyone with my 'age' if I left all the dates off as it was suggested I do at a resume class I took that my state offered free. Be yourself. Keep plugging. You an do it. I can thank the encouragement of the community here for keeping me going during my 2 year job search Thank you. This is encouraging, actually, to hear that it took a while but it did happen. I know I can go and get the education. I'm going to continue to actively learn whether or not I get a job. I just feel unsure if employers would want to hire me over other applicants. I would need to be able to get to the interview without being weeded out for my age and lack of experience! Thirty years is a long time to be out of the workforce!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 6:19:25 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2016 20:10:21 GMT
I agree. I know and worked with at least 2 nurses who went to school after 55. As someone who worked in the OR for 20 years,I would advise you to go to nursing school or LVN school, though. Surgical tech is a young persons job which involves being on your feet for several hours with no break. Pretty sure I could not have done it at that age. It is a fun job, though.
You may hear that you have to be an RN with a BS to get a job now, but in my part of the country, that is not true. Definitely something to look into in your area.
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Post by bonster on Apr 8, 2016 20:12:30 GMT
Definitely not a pipe dream!! Do it! I finished nursing school two months before I turned 40, the oldest person in my class was 58.
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Post by mikklynn on Apr 8, 2016 20:14:10 GMT
Go for it! Don't let fear keep you from pursuing your goal.
Even if for some reason you can't get a job as a surgical tech, you could take medical mission trips.
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Post by hollymolly on Apr 8, 2016 20:45:52 GMT
Definitely not a pipedream. Education is something you can never lose, so even if you don't work right away, it won't have been a waste. The good news is that the medical field, in my experience, is not concerned with age as long as you are qualified and competent. Most medical programs have a some kind of clinical component that has you training in a real world environment. Once these places have worked with you, they know if you are a fit or not, and will hire the person who works well with them. Age is irrelevant. They also don't care so much that you've been out of the workforce, especially when you have been working at homeschooling your kids. That shows commitment, dedication, and follow through.
I worked with a doctor once whose wife was in medical school. She was in her late 50's when she graduated, and still had 4 years of residency before she could start her career. She has always been an inspiration to me.
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Apr 8, 2016 21:10:10 GMT
In 7 years time, you will be 55. You can either be a 55 year old surgical tech (or whatever) or you can be 55 and...retired? It's up to you but I think it's perfectly possible,and never too late to pursue a dream.
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Anita
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,646
Location: Kansas City -ish
Jun 27, 2014 2:38:58 GMT
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Post by Anita on Apr 8, 2016 21:14:55 GMT
How old are you going to be in seven years if you don't do this? ETA: I think you should go for it. It's never too late to go for your dream. OK, unless you're dead. Maybe then.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Apr 8, 2016 21:18:11 GMT
I don't think it's impossible at all. Maybe something to consider would be checking to see if you can take some of your additional general college classes/credits that you'll need to complete your degree online now so you can do them from home while you're homeschooling your kids? You could do them one or two at a time if needed. At least it would be a head start in that direction and you'd have less to do once your kids are done with school.
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Sue
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,234
Location: SE of Portland, Oregon
Jun 26, 2014 18:42:33 GMT
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Post by Sue on Apr 8, 2016 21:36:52 GMT
I agree. I know and worked with at least 2 nurses who went to school after 55. As someone who worked in the OR for 20 years,I would advise you to go to nursing school or LVN school, though. Surgical tech is a young persons job which involves being on your feet for several hours with no break. Pretty sure I could not have done it at that age. It is a fun job, though. My son-in-law is a surg. tech. and it's a tough job. He mostly works in neurosurgery. It's long hours of standing wearing a heavy lead apron and, as I understand it, he can't lower his arms below his waist while in the operating room. (Don't know if that's true in all operating rooms or just the ones he works in.) Anyway, he comes home at night pretty wiped out. I think it would be pretty rigorous for an older person.
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Apr 8, 2016 21:45:54 GMT
You can do it. I know you can.
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Post by NanaKate on Apr 8, 2016 22:12:17 GMT
Definitely not out of the realm of possibility. My BFF's sister had always wanted to be a psychotherapist. She started college after her youngest was grown and graduated at 62. She is early 70's now and still practicing, even though some health issues have caused her to cut back on the hours she puts in.
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AnotherPea
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Jan 4, 2015 1:47:52 GMT
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Post by AnotherPea on Apr 8, 2016 22:12:49 GMT
You can do it. But considering how much time you would want to spend working after your degree, maybe you should consider some 2 year programs. I know a lot of women that went back to school in their 40s to get two year degrees/certifications.
Consider also taking online classes now or going part-time in the evenings. A class per semester adds up quickly.
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Post by hop2 on Apr 8, 2016 23:40:17 GMT
Go for it! Don't let fear keep you from pursuing your goal. Even if for some reason you can't get a job as a surgical tech, you could take medical mission trips. then those go on your resume. Step by step ( or baby step ) you move towards your goal. Sure there will be people out there that won't want a worker with a huge gap. That is exactly why I was honest. Why would I try to waste my time or theirs if that's not what they want. I will come out sooner or later. But you'll find others who actually want a reliable, dependable worker. My current boss said he added up the gap and got to 17 and figured I was finally free. Lol in this particular case my gap size 'helped' as he figured if I did have kids they were old enough that I wouldn't have to take off for every time they were sick.
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Post by Zee on Apr 8, 2016 23:58:24 GMT
I agree. I know and worked with at least 2 nurses who went to school after 55. As someone who worked in the OR for 20 years,I would advise you to go to nursing school or LVN school, though. Surgical tech is a young persons job which involves being on your feet for several hours with no break. Pretty sure I could not have done it at that age. It is a fun job, though. You may hear that you have to be an RN with a BS to get a job now, but in my part of the country, that is not true. Definitely something to look into in your area. Yes, very important to consider your area as to whether you can get hired with an ADN vs BSN. I can't get a job in a hospital in my immediate area without a BSN, even with 17 years experience on a cardiac floor. They don't care, they want BSNs. So I'm going back to school while working in a Dr's office. Maybe you might think about Medical Assistant? MAs are in demand in offices in my area to do basic things like draw blood and get vital signs. Less school, less student loans, a bit easier on a 55 year old than starting off in something demanding like floor nursing or surgical tech. Of course, less pay, but that might not matter to you. Just something to think about.
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
Jun 26, 2014 20:10:29 GMT
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Post by raindancer on Apr 9, 2016 1:00:51 GMT
In 7 years time, you will be 55. You can either be a 55 year old surgical tech (or whatever) or you can be 55 and...retired? It's up to you but I think it's perfectly possible,and never too late to pursue a dream. This is what I was going to say too. And unless you have some serious savings you will have to work at least what? 10 more years? I think many people are pushing 75 before they can retire any more. 10 or 15 years of doing random something you don't want to do, or that same time doing something meaningful to you. Go learn something, grow, and set yourself up for success in the future. You are never to old to learn and learning keeps you young anyway.
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Post by birukitty on Apr 9, 2016 1:12:42 GMT
One of my motto's is "Never give up on a dream". When you fall down, get right back up and keep going. If you have enough determination anything is possible. Or, as a lyric from my favorite band Marillion goes, "Talk about failure, to fall is not to fail, failure isn't about falling down, failure is staying down." That's from a song called, "Rich".
One of my dreams from when I was a teen was to get my photos on my favorite singers album. This was in 1977-back then we didn't have CD's we had albums. I kept that dream alive and in college in my sophomore year I fell in love with photography. Instead of continuing with my major of early childhood education I switched in my junior year and pursued becoming a professional photographer. Now that dream burned even more deeply. The singer's name was Al Stewart. Yeah, I know-no one knows him now. Back then he had a big hit with "Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages". I liked him because he wrote great lyrics that told stories, often about history, not the typical silly I love him, does he love me crap.
Time went on and I finally saw him in concert at a small place where I could take photos of him in concert. I did that a few times and in 1993 it happened. After much negotiation I got 5 of my photos published inside the CD booklet of a live album of his called "Rhymes in Rooms" that sold internationally. I never gave up my dream and it finally happened.
So, in answer to your question-no it's not a pipedream at all! Age is just a number. Your mind, your experience and your work ethic counts for a lot. Homeschooling your children takes a lot of dedication and work. It is more than a full time job-it should count as one and then some! So you've got that going for you. I homeschooled my DS from grades 6-12. He has severe ADHD so I know how difficult it is, and how rewarding.
If homeschooling your child now takes up all of your time and energy that's okay. I completely understand. There will be plenty of time for your schooling afterwards. The point is 55 is not old! It is middle age. Got that? MIDDLE. There are many years to come after 55. My father is 76 and is still working full time. He is an IT professional. He says it keeps his mind sharp and he loves what he does.
It sounds like this work is where your heart lies and I can tell you working in a job that is your passion is bliss. I ended up working for a photographer's studio for 4 years after college and it was the best foundation I could have asked for. It was a Mom and Pop business that did all kinds of photography-weddings, portraits, commercial work, and studio work. By the time I was finished (I stopped to have my son) I was running the place. I learned how to do the photography and run a business. After a year at home with my son I started my own wedding photography business which I truly loved doing. I stopped to homeschool DS. Now it's time for me to start again, but I think I'm going to concentrate on children's portraits instead. Still deciding. I love working for myself, but the best part is doing what I love and am meant to do.
Good luck to you and remember-don't listen to the naysayers or anyone else. Never give up, and you can accomplish anything!
Debbie in MD.
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Post by cmhs on Apr 9, 2016 1:27:51 GMT
My sister left the nursing professsion at 56 to pursue her dream career in an unrelated field She's 65 now and still going strong in her new career. So, go for it.
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Post by peasapie on Apr 9, 2016 1:35:04 GMT
You should do it! Lots of people continue in the medical field well into their 70s.
As I learned when I went back to school after I raised my kids, it's never too late to write your next chapter.
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Post by lovinlife on Apr 9, 2016 1:37:00 GMT
You sound a lot like me on wanting to go back to school for medical. I didn't finish college either and I've stayed home over 15 years now. My youngest dd is starting kindergarten this August, middle dd in middle school and oldest dd starting high school. I've been working on going back to become an rn. I look at lpn school so I could eventually bridge to rn, I've looked at surgical tech as well. My only and biggest obstacle is the schedule. Dh works 50 to 60 hours a week in the or (fa) and that doesn't include random call. I was losing hope of going back to school until last week. I came across EMT classes at the University near me. The hours are 2 nights a week! We can work with that!!! I'm so excited. After the EMT training if you pass the test you take the additional courses for advanced EMT. I can continue on from there to paramedic and eventually bridge to rn if I want to. All of this to say GO FOR IT! Dh and my girls are all cheering me on and the excitement is real. GOOD LUCK...I KNOW YOU WILL FIND A WAY AS WELL!!!
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Post by peasapie on Apr 9, 2016 1:38:42 GMT
Now that dream burned even more deeply. The singer's name was Al Stewart. Yeah, I know-no one knows him now. Back then he had a big hit with "Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages". I liked him because he wrote great lyrics that told stories, often about history, not the typical silly I love him, does he love me crap. Time went on and I finally saw him in concert at a small place where I could take photos of him in concert. I did that a few times and in 1993 it happened. After much negotiation I got 5 of my photos published inside the CD booklet of a live album of his called "Rhymes in Rooms" that sold internationally. I never gave up my dream and it finally happened. Of course I know who Al Stewart is. Love his music, and how cool you did that. I have never stopped dreaming and found a relationship that makes me happy after a very bad one, founded my own business, and changed careers midlife. I'd rather die on my way to something better than live dwelling in misery.
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eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on Apr 9, 2016 1:45:12 GMT
Of course it is worth it! I'd look into doing one class a semester on line now. Why wait 7 years for your education if you have 7 years to get your education.
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Post by anniefb on Apr 9, 2016 1:52:43 GMT
I hope I don't sound like a 'Debbie Downer' (and my experience of working in New Zealand may be quite different from your location) but my view is that it's one thing to get a job at 55, but I think starting a new career in your 50s is more of a challenge. I'm 53 and have worked as a lawyer since age 23, although I did take 8 years out in my late 30s/early 40s for extra study and to work for an NGO in the linguistic field. My experience, at least in the legal world, is that there's not much interest in 'mature' graduates. Yes, many of us will have to work into our late 60s and early 70s in order to be able to retire, but that won't necessarily be in career mode, unless it's an established career or perhaps some extension of/transition from previous experience. I would start looking at the kinds of roles you're interested in, look to see what study is expected and the kind of experience that employers are looking for. Also the demands of the job e.g. is it shift work, physically demanding, etc Maybe you'd be interested in some study anyway, even if there's no certainty about employment outcomes, but can you do the say 2 yrs and still get the kind of role you want. I've been fortunate to always be in employment but through the experiences of a number of friends and colleagues, my impression is that finding a professional job after your early to mid 50s is not that easy, even if you have years of experience. At least in law firms and the legal field, employers are looking for someone younger who'll put in the long hours and who has a potentially long career ahead of them. Do hope it works out for you
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Post by birukitty on Apr 9, 2016 2:12:28 GMT
Now that dream burned even more deeply. The singer's name was Al Stewart. Yeah, I know-no one knows him now. Back then he had a big hit with "Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages". I liked him because he wrote great lyrics that told stories, often about history, not the typical silly I love him, does he love me crap. Time went on and I finally saw him in concert at a small place where I could take photos of him in concert. I did that a few times and in 1993 it happened. After much negotiation I got 5 of my photos published inside the CD booklet of a live album of his called "Rhymes in Rooms" that sold internationally. I never gave up my dream and it finally happened. Of course I know who Al Stewart is. Love his music, and how cool you did that. I have never stopped dreaming and found a relationship that makes me happy after a very bad one, founded my own business, and changed careers midlife. I'd rather die on my way to something better than live dwelling in misery. Thanks so much! I zeroxed the check I got from him made out to me for the photos I sold to him for the CD and have it framed in the same frame with the CD booklet. Of course I cashed the actual check Good for you for finding a relationship that makes you happy, starting your own business and changing careers in midlife! You are so right. I'd much rather die trying than sit and wonder "what if" some day. So many people do that-are afraid to try and end up being miserable while they sit and watch their lives pass them by until it's too late. I've always been the type of person to meet a challenge head on. My father taught me that, and my grandmother. It is never too late. Learning should be a life long endeavor. Debbie in MD.
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Post by nightnurse on Apr 9, 2016 2:20:11 GMT
I agree. I know and worked with at least 2 nurses who went to school after 55. As someone who worked in the OR for 20 years,I would advise you to go to nursing school or LVN school, though. Surgical tech is a young persons job which involves being on your feet for several hours with no break. Pretty sure I could not have done it at that age. It is a fun job, though. You may hear that you have to be an RN with a BS to get a job now, but in my part of the country, that is not true. Definitely something to look into in your area. I agree with this. I was a surgical tech in my 20s and loved it but I doubt I could do it now at 42-long hours on your feet, getting up in the middle of the night for emergencies, operating for 26 hours straight. That being said, there are soooo many options-day surgery centers with no call or really long surgeries, for instance. But if you have a few years for school and a true love of the medical field, I recommend nursing-lots of room for advancement, plenty of different specialties, and there are always jobs. There is a quote I love, from George Eliot, "it's never too late to be what you might have been." RNs can work in the OR, usually as circulating nurses instead of scrub nurses, at least where I worked, but they do have options, like RN first assist where you are doing more in the surgical field than the techs do, or getting a masters as a certified nurse anesthestist..... Go for it!
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