Career change

7 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 5,2024 at 8:22PM UTC

   Yes, I switched in my mid-40's from corporate America to higher ed. Less pay, but better benefits, more time off and a better community. Corporate isn't all that. Think of state jobs, higher ed jobs, non-profits, like United Way and others. Every environment has its problems, but higher ed tends to hire multi-generations. It's more multi-generational friendly I should say. Oh and state employees get paid on a regular basis. Keep us posted and good luck!

2. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 2:51PM UTC

   I went back to school at 48 for a Master's degree and officially switched careers at 50, then again at 60. I went from corporate for-profit to ministry to non-profit agency work. I took pay cuts each time, so be prepared for that. Try to have a solid financial plan before doing it, and consider cutting back so hard it hurts. That was my big mistake, and I paid for it with my credit rating and debt (I came close to filing for bankruptcy). It took at least 15 years to dig myself out. Initially, I had issues finding jobs outside retail work because I was overqualified due to my for-profit work. The corporate stuff has long since fallen off my resume, so I no longer have that problem.

3. AnonymousJuly 7,2024 at 12:48AM UTC

   You sound ready for a bigger, better managed workplace. There are many employers who take pride in running a well managed business with supportive policies, excellent resources, and thoughtful hiring practices. All you have to do is find them. 50 is not old. Please don't let that hold you back from applying to jobs that interest you and from living your best life. It's all in how you approach things.

4. AnonymousJuly 7,2024 at 4:09PM UTC

   Payroll pro here. First, it’s my new career - went to school at 40 and got a degree in accounting. I don’t mind it, but it’s not what I had in mind, I really wanted a true accounting job because it pays better. I don’t regret the change even if it’s not perfect. Second, I did payroll in Quickbooks for years, and I always paid on time or a day early when holidays got in the way. Check your state labor laws about late payments, it may be worth sending your company a demand for payment in writing first thing Monday morning. Even if they pay on Tuesday, you want to start building that history if you need to file a complaint with the state later.

5. AnonymousJuly 7,2024 at 5:47PM UTC

   Wow! So much to unpack here. Firstly if you have set payroll dates and have been paid late the company can be fined. Get after that with the wage and claim dept in your state. As for the environment you have been working in, clearly you have choices, make a better choice next time by interviewing the next potential employer with questions that matter to you about how they treat employees and reward good work and motivate their people. If that is what is important to you, and anything else that does matter. I would also suggest a mind shift before you begin to consider a change or you might be taking the negative baggage with you into those conversations which would not bode well.

   You seem to want an environment where people are mission driven and everyone gets around goals to be best and better than just average. That isn't where you are now and to get there you have to look around and find places where that is real and supported from the top down. Those places do exist in most fields find the ones that align with you and aim your target at their open roles. Good luck!

6. na1102July 9,2024 at 1:00PM UTC

   We use a payroll company for our small business. If payroll falls on a holiday, they will always call a day or so before to get payroll done. One payroll specialist even reminded me a holiday was falling in our next scheduled payroll so she’d be calling early. I don’t know quickbooks but that sounds wrong

7. VielayoApril 25,2025 at 9:05AM UTC
   It takes real courage to even think about a career change, especially at 50. I made the switch at 37 from a burned-out nonprofit role into fintech, and honestly, I haven’t looked back. The structure, innovation, and respect for time and talent were so refreshing. I started learning about digital products and now consult on white-label budgeting software https://kindgeek.com/white_label_pfm_platform for companies helping people take control of their finances. It’s meaningful work, and the environment is healthier. Life’s too short to stay in places that drain you. Your skills are transferable. You’re not stuck, you’re just in the transition phase.