I’d like to add a sub-bullet to #2: Make sure you enjoy doing what you have chosen to do. It is no secret that those who enjoy their jobs (usually) make for the best employees, and the best employees get the bulk of the yearly raise pool. They are also (usually) the last ones to get laid off.

I would qualify #4 by saying that the education doesn’t have to be a college education, per se. It can be self-education, or (as you mentioned) it can be vocational. Those without college degrees may take longer to attain a high income, but if they end up in a field they love – either working for an employer, or if they are self-employed – I would wager that, in the long run, most will end up ahead of their college-bound counterparts who go to work for a company.

Then again, it ain’t all about the size of the salary. Wise people understand that it is really about quality of life.

Best,

Len
Len Penzo dot Com

I think it depends a lot on what that specialized science is. If it is something like Anthropology or Sociology, that skill probably isn’t going to bring you much money in a limited geographical area. But, you know what, I wouldn’t worry about that. A lot of people work in fields that aren’t related to their degree. The fact that you have a masters degree should convey to employers that you can get the job done.

If it were me, I would start by figuring out what the most attractive and lucrative employment opportunities are in your area. Then, I would try to figure out how to make your skills look transferrable, so you can get your foot in the door. Write up a resume that says very specifically that you are looking to change professions. Of course, you may have to start near the bottom in another field. But, you have 25 years to climb the ladder and make some money.

i think i failed step 2, not properly researching what my options were after graduation, what the rates of pay were and specifically whether there were companies that would hire me.

i too steered away from vocations and liberal arts degree and instead “followed my interests” and not only got a degree but a masters in a, lets say..fairly obscure science. now i cringe when i hear ppl advising, just get a degree any degree!!

i realized that my education/training was so specialized that it was hard to find a company that would hire me unless i wanted to move far far away. unfortunately with aging parents that wasn’t an option.

my caution to those out there would be not to become too specialized, choose a career that is portable if you or your spouse has to move and offers the ability to shift companies easily and of course move up. the tech industry seems absolutely perfect for this, and even offers good self employment potential.

i am interested in hearing from folk who have made a drastic career change, ie went back to school or something past the age of 35-40. how did it turn out for you?

thank you for this post