career mid life change
 

Ok i just got laid off from my job and i am extremely stressed right about now looking for new employment. However, i have been kicking around the idea the last few months of going back to school and getting my teaching credentials for elem. education.
Do you think at 37yo that is to late in life to do so?

Not at all.

When I was in HS, I had a teacher who quit working for an investment bank and took a huge paycut to go teach in an NYC public school instead because she decided that that was more rewarding for her. I always admired her a lot for that. Best wishes with whatever you choose to do!

The infamous "they" say that the average person now has 3 careers in their lifetime, so it's definitely not too late to change.

I was an Occupational Therapist working in mental health for 13 years when it was clear that my job was in jeopardy (they were threatening to close the program I helped develop) and there weren't a lot of options out there for me because of cuts in mental health funding. I took online courses, got a Microsoft Certification and am now a LAN Systems Analyst. I was 35 when I got my MCSE and changed careers. It was a really smart move. One year to the day that I received my MCSE, they closed my old program. Thankfully I had left 10 months prior.

I have a cousin who was a dental hygienist until her kids graduated from high school and then she went back to college to be a teacher. She is thrilled with her decision and loves teaching. She was in her mid-40's.

A hair stylist at the local beauty shop also went back to school for her degree in education. She's got to be in her mid to late 30's and did her student teaching at my son's elementary school. She was really good and I'm praying that they hired her for one of the open 5th grade spots and that my son gets her.

My best friend (and sister-daughter) is back in school now, at age 42, to be a dietician after working as an environmental scientist for 18 years.

It's never too late to change careers and do what you want to do! My bf felt really frustrated at one point, saying things about "I won't finish until I'm 45!" and I pointed out to her that she's going to be 45 whether she finishes school and becomes a dietician or not. She might as well be a 45 year old dietician.

It's definitely not too late. My dad started college when he was well into his 30s and started teaching when I was in middle school. You've got plenty of time!

The wife of a former boss started law school in her 40's.

I think "mid-life" is considered more 40's and sometimes even early 50's these days.

I'd say, go for it.

DEFINATELY go for it!

I know of a TV anchor who left broadcasting at age 49 to become an inner-city school teacher. He loves it. We hire him during the summer as a freelancer for vacation relief-- so he gets the best of both worlds!

My GP went to medical school in her early 40's!

And, I have a friend who started a closet design company (similar to California Closet) in his late 30's.. and now is franchising it out.

It's never to late to go after your dreams.

Good luck!