Update re career change at 42

RE: Update re career change at 42

julie sutton — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 22:14:20 GMT

Anything is possible, I retrained and have now been qualified just over a year aged 46! Go for it.

RE: Update re career change at 42

Helen Freer — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 21:14:34 GMT

I worked with my parents running a boarding establishment and I originally started the degree to get some form of qualification. I did my degree via distance learning as running the business was a full time job. I have had to sell my business which I had run with my parents before I could Pursue what I would like to do. It has taken a lot longer than I thought to sell the business and I have been doing the degree in my spare time!

RE: Update re career change at 42

Scottywildcat — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 20:28:06 GMT

You have got some staying power Helen Ill give you that! I really admire that sort of tenacity in a person. Can I ask one question, if you're doing a degree ( and presumably getting funding? ) why did you not do the vet nursing degree instead if thats the job you have your heart set on? Good luck and all the best!

RE: Update re career change at 42

Helen Freer — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 18:07:26 GMT

Hi All, A quick update. I have now moved into my new house. I have had my first Christmas and New Year off in 26years plus a short holiday. Now getting down to work on writing my dissertation and looking for work experience placements. Then looking for a job. Fingers crossed that I can find somewhere who will want me. Regards Helen

RE: Update re career change at 42

Helen Freer — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 13:50:06 GMT

Hi All,

It has been over 5 years since I last updated. I have finally have a buyer for the house and business and should be moving a week on Monday!!

I plan to finish my degree (only my dissertation to finish now) first and then look for a job. I am still interested in veterinary nursing and will look again for some work experience and then for a job / training.

I will be starting on this road later than planned orginally, but hopefully I will be able to to progress down it.

Regards

Helen

Re: Update re career change at 42

Helen Freer — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:47:55 GMT

Thanks Mrs Dot Dot, the sun is out and I am feeing a bit better today.

Roll on tomorrow evening when I can go shopping for the first time in two weeks.

Re: Update re career change at 42

Mrs Dot Dot — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:08:28 GMT

Hi Helen.... sorry your sale hasn't worked out... people are strange, aren't they? All they needed to say was that they had changed their mind rather than ignore.

Things will work out in the end.... everyone seems to having abit of a hard time of things at the moment, I think

Re: Update re career change at 42

Helen Freer — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:07:10 GMT

Hi All

I thought I would update you, the sale did not happen the buyer stopped talking to my agent, they did not answer her emails or phone calls , . So back to square one.

I know it is not a good time to sell a business and there are plenty of people without work and I should think myself lucky to have a living and a house but I WANT TO MOVE.

I have reduced the price as I need to get a life and not have to relie on friends and employee just to go out shopping or for an evening out and tonight my next day off - November seems so far away.

Sorry to winge but I just feel down tonight it is probably the weather I am so fed up with the rain!!!! I cannot mow the lawns and they are starting to look like straggly.

Re: Update re career change at 42

Maisy — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:03:25 GMT

Good luck Helen, hope all goes well with the job hunt

Re: Update re career change at 42

Helen Freer — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:01:00 GMT

Hi All,

Just a quick up date.

I have just accepted an offer on the business and I am now house hunting!

Everything is crossed hoping that I can find a suitable property and that the sale goes through smoothly, then I will be job hunting

Thanks for your support

Helen

Re: Update re career change at 42

FINNIGAN — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:51:08 GMT

your;e certainly not alone, im 45 and on my 2nd year, its never too late!!

Re: Update re career change at 42

Amanda Simms — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:48:55 GMT

Good luck with it Helen and hope you get a place when the time comes which is right for you,

Re: Update re career change at 42

albatross — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:42:11 GMT

good luck with your plans to start training as a VN. I hope it all works out for you. Go for it, you will enjoy it immensly.

I thought last year when I joined the website that I was the oldest, but I did hear of a couple in their early 50's who had qualified. I'm 46 and have been trying seriously for a trainee place for nearly 3 years, and started looking back in July 2004 before embarking on an HND in Animal Management instead as I couldn't get a place in a practice. Some practices say they prefer mature students, but so far I've only had 3 offers of interview despite applying for every trainee post I see no matter where in the country it is, and also applying locally to all training practices that are still taking on trainees (at least 25% seem to have stopped taking them on even though they are still listed as TP's). With 2 1/2 years experience in a charity vets, and 6 months night auxilliary work, I still can't get anywhere.

Re: Update re career change at 42

Carolyn Edwards — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:17:16 GMT

Good luck from me too Helen!

I hadn't realised there were so many 'extra mature' students about (I qualified last year, after 4 years at uni, 4 months shy of my 47th birthday) and I think you'll find your non-veterinary experiences a great help. I know my years as a client of various veterinary practices has given me a different perspective that comes in especially useful when dealing with 'awkward' clients!

Re: Update re career change at 42

Saskia Quinn — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 23:55:55 GMT

Good luck Helen and well done!! Keep us posted please!!!

Re: Update re career change at 42

Helen Freer — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:08:00 GMT

Thanks Gillian and the rest of the practice

I know it is going to take a while before I will be free to look for a job, but I will keep in touch.

Re: Update re career change at 42

Gillian Mostyn — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:02:08 GMT

[quote user="Helen SCD"]Just completed my week of work experience. It has been great, interesting and informative. [/quote]

Good yo hear you enjoyed it with us Helen - and that we didn't put you off! Wherever you end up will be lucky to have you. Good luck with all your life changes.

Let me know if you need a reference - and I will be in touch if a job vacancy arises!

Re: Update re career change at 42

Yvette Patton RVN MBVNA — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 13:47:59 GMT

Like Sarahnurse, I too was 36 when I started my training, 1 year in practise, then ANA and finally qualified just before I turned 40!

Best think I ever did! Good luck

Re: Update re career change at 42

Vicky RVN — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:45:23 GMT

Glad you enjoyed the work experience and have now been able to make the decision.

Good luck with the job hunt, wherever you find a SVN job there will be animals that will be lucky to have your care

Re: Update re career change at 42

Helen Freer — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:05:04 GMT

Hi All,

Just completed my week of work experience. It has been great, interesting and informative.

I have made the decision , that yes VN is what I what to do.

Now for the frightening bit , taking the big jump, selling the business and finding a job.

Thank you all for your support, I will keep in touch.

Helen

Re: Update re career change at 42

sarahnurse — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:34:20 GMT

Just wanted to say good luck. I decided on a career change to train as a VN last year when I was 36. The best move I've ever made - except I am now poor. but happy!!

Re: Update re career change at 42

Vicky RVN — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:36:01 GMT

Good luck with your work exp, hope you enjoy it

Re: Update re career change at 42

Saskia Quinn — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 11:42:04 GMT

Good luck Helen, I am sure you will be fine

Re: Update re career change at 42

Mrs Dot Dot — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:06:11 GMT

Good luck Helen..... Hope you really enjoy it! Will be scary but a challenge!

Re: Update re career change at 42

Charlotte says smile — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:00:39 GMT

Good Luck! Hope you enjoy your work experience!