Career change at 31

RE: Career change at 31

maylane — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 16:04:36 GMT

We only tend to regret the chances we don't take :) My teenage son gave me the final push to change career by telling me the only thing stopping me was me, I just needed to do it.

I absolutely agree with Mark, mature students are great, employers like them and I definitely found studying as a mature lady much more rewarding than studying at school, I worked so hard and loved every second. I studied through CAW, now I'm 18 months qualified, just about to turn 41 and off to Harper Adams in Sept to do my advanced diploma.

RE: Career change at 31

Sara Boulton — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 21:42:39 GMT

Thank you for your advice :)

RE: Career change at 31

Clare Ball — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 08:47:53 GMT

I'm 31 and in my final year at college. My practice paid for my course and I go one day a week. The wages aren't too bad in my opinion. I didn't get into nursing until I was 27 so definitely go for it if it's what you want to do.

The RCVS website has a list of all training Practices I used this and sent a CV out to everyone on the list I could realistically commute to work for. It took a while but I got an interview and hired in the end.

I think practices like older people as they worry slightly they will put money and effort into training up a younger nurse only for them to have maternity leave etc just as they qualify (I know this sounds bad but it happens quite a lot) x

RE: Career change at 31

Mark Hedberg — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 09:39:57 GMT

Incidentally, the oldest student VN I'm aware of was in her 60s, so I assure you, age is no barrier! She was an excellent student and her current employers are very pleased with her!

RE: Career change at 31

Mark Hedberg — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 09:37:59 GMT

To be fair, we like mature students at CAW; with the new government Learner Loans, you have the option for affordable finance now, and the mature students are often noted for their dedication and focus. So I would encourage you to apply; it doesn't cost you anything to find out your options.

Kind regards,
Mark

RE: Career change at 31

Sofia Teixeira — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 17:18:14 GMT

Hi Sara!

I have exactly the same question, I am 25 years old and I am a portuguese student I want to change my career path too but I am also afraid to apply as a mature student and I am also afraid about the career prospects, to be honest the salary doesn't look so bad to me because in Portugal we have Vet nurses and doctors that gain a salary around £391,13 per month and the cost of living it is very similar to the UK

RE: Career change at 31

Mac Feather — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 16:44:06 GMT

I'm the reverse. I left Veterinary nursing after 20+ years and I'm now working towards a qualification in childcare. I've been working with children for over a year. I was terrified of leaving veterinary nursing as it was pretty much all I knew. I have to say that for me it has been a good move. Change is always scarey and you can be stuck still by the 'what ifs' but I would say go for it. Best wishes to you :)

RE: Career change at 31

FINNIGAN — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 16:04:18 GMT

I started my training at 42!! I'm now head nurse, I was a single mum bringing up my daughter alone, I won't lie the wages then were 9,000 a year, it was damn hard work long hours an lots of study but glad I did it,, my wages are so much better now an so is my life,, go for it but b prepared for a hard slog

RE: Career change at 31

Sara Boulton — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 15:50:47 GMT

Thank you everyone, really appreciate the replies.

I am feeling much more positive about it now! I'm going to give it my best shot, you never know if you don't try. I will email a few local vet practices to see if I can gain some work experience with them.

RE: Career change at 31

maylane — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 15:15:02 GMT

I started my nurse training at 38 after a career in marketing, sales and admin. Don't let age be a barrier, I actually think employers are more likely to take on a trainee with some life experience than a young person straight from college.

Go for it!

RE: Career change at 31

Heather Bacon — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 21:04:34 GMT

I am on the day release course and there are quite a few students over 30 so don't worry about that!

I am a paid student, I got a job as a kennel assistant in a vets for a year, then got sent to the college that work wanted me to go to. From what I have heard this is the norm. Your work may pay for your college and you may have to sign a contract that you will stay there for a couple of years after qualifying or you have to pay it back, or some may want you to pay for the course yourself.

Good luck!

RE: Career change at 31

Emmacampbell — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 20:41:41 GMT

I obtained my place at college and then found my training practice. Some colleges will help if struggling to find a training placement. Mine was all done unpaid but depends on college and work place. I survived on college bursary and thankfully had my husband to help support me. It is normally a 2 year course then a main OSCE exam at the very end which I have still to sit to become qualified.

RE: Career change at 31

Sara Boulton — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 20:37:29 GMT

Thank you for your replies.

That good to know that someone else has entered later on and is now qualified.

That confirmed what i thought about the salary Selena, so that is great. I'm not so concerned about the salary now, somewhere in that range is good.

Do you know much about how the training works if you are lucky enough to get a paid student position? Do you have to obtain a place at college independently or is a training place provided by your employer?

RE: Career change at 31

Emmacampbell — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 19:13:35 GMT

I'm 35 and just finished my VN training. I went down the art route when I left school and have since realised that animals is where my true passion lies. I've always been stuck in jobs where I've earned less than 10k so in retrospect for me the nurse wages are just fine by me. There is certainly nothing to stop a change in career no matter your age. At least I now look after animals and in my spare time I do pet portraits and wouldn't change it for anything, best move I did.

RE: Career change at 31

Selena Carnell — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 17:44:34 GMT

if you are worried about salary i would back away now - i have been qualified since 1999 and on £18500 pa as a trainee you would be looking around £16k also look in to the fees as you get very little financial help for this course.