Now that I am down 51 pounds from my heaviest, I have some new found courage to explore going back to school to learn a trade. I am 41 years old and spent most of my adult life working in Information Technology. I've fallen a little behind the times since going on disability. Now that I am feeling well enough to return to the work force, I am finding it increasingly difficult to get hired. Information Technology is a young man's game. Well, now that I've lost some weight it dawned on me that I could go to a trade school to learn a trade and hopefully get re-employed in an entirely new career field. I am thinking about going into the Automotive/Diesel Technician field or maybe becoming an electrician. Previously, I think I would have written this off due to weight and movement issues. I found three nearby trade schools and went to an open house yesterday. I was pleased to find other people my age looking to train for a new career. I just have to see what makes the most sense. I am equally interested in both fields.

This is awesome! Go for it!! The world is yours for the taking!!

Mattymatt life is short and it gets shorter all the time. Do whatever will give you joy and discard the rest. No overthinking it, no second guessing. Choose what will bring contentment or even better -happiness and a feeling of accomplishment. Do it as soon as you can and good job on making changes for no one else except you:)

Awesome ideas, Matty:) Wish you the best with your future endeavors!

I know you can do It,if your heart is in it, go for the change. And we will cheer you on.??

Good for you on wanting to go back to school. Electricity would be companionable with an IT background. I have an idea though, and at first it may sound a little weird. Sewing machine repairmen are in high demand - most all machines are computer controlled now. Check into the training. You could set your own hours practically. Just cleaning a sewing machines costs me $75 and I know it takes less than an hour to do and I have to wait 3 damn weeks to get it back because there are so few places to take the machine. I am serious.

(But you are not too old for IT, I was in IT as a woman at age 42 as my second career and retired just 3 years ago at age 60, so don't sell yourself short.)

It’s never too late for a change. My hubby and I are about your age, and he just finished with a different degree last month. You can do it too hon. GO FOR IT! ?

3 hours ago, sharonintx said:

Mattymatt life is short and it gets shorter all the time. Do whatever will give you joy and discard the rest. No overthinking it, no second guessing. Choose what will bring contentment or even better -happiness and a feeling of accomplishment. Do it as soon as you can and good job on making changes for no one else except you:)

Well said!

There are so many jobs being automated and many of them IT jobs. There have been a shortage of needed trades people like masons, electricians, etc and it sounds like a great idea Mattymatt -- good for you for going for it!

Yay!!! So glad you're reclaiming your life! Do what you love!