Heading Towards a New Career at 30 (Suggestions)

• 

  nerdycat on 01/01/2019 - 13:09

  +1

  You didn’t mentioned what field you did study in?

  Although IT can pay well at this late stage entering it as a newbie especially from a current stay at home mum way it is going to be pretty tough. You will be competing against young uni students who will take any amount of pay and even do lower paid internships. Also beware of the odd hours if you decide to do IT helpdesking. Work from home is also unlikely unless you are hired as a contractor and the expectation is that you are an expert in whatever IT field that is and have 5+ years experience.

  I work in the IT field and most companies won’t want to train you up if you’re new to programming, there is also a bias against woman in general (add in being a mother it just gets worse). Personally it has been super hard to get back into work after having a kid, as most places didn’t want a part time worker so had to give up having that.

  • 

    fukunaga on 01/01/2019 - 13:39

    Thanks for the reply, nerdycat! I figured it'd probably be difficult as IT was one of the subjects we sort of just skimmed passed when I was in high school and never considered getting into.
    I studied architecture - doesn't help that I don't have any work experience (except for the 1 week I absolutely hated) and I studied in a time where it was mostly hand drawing. Nowadays they want a zillion years of experience, long hours (not suitable for my situation now) and don't want to spend time training you to learn Revit.

    • 

      Hybroid on 01/01/2019 - 14:25

      +1

      Don't dismiss Architecture already, several that work with us are mums and able to balance life so it may be an option. It does have a steep curve initially but once you have that experience, you do start raking in serious cash and there's a good progression system. My opinion: you spent a lot of time and effort obtaining that degree, I would put it to good use.

      • 

        fukunaga on 01/01/2019 - 14:37

        Thanks Hybroid. I'd assume if I were to go into the field I would need to start by undertaking some sort of role like an intern and possibly without pay (this was common while I was studying)? AFAIK I don't qualify as a graduate architect because I don't have the 2-3 years of experience…

        • 

          Frankapp on 01/01/2019 - 15:49

          @fukunaga: There is actually a great organisation that places women looking to get into the tech industry. It’s a paid internship and they are quite flexible with how you want to work. I’m also in the tech industry and have heard great things about the program.

          https://codelikeagirl.org/internship/

          • 

            fukunaga on 01/01/2019 - 20:26

            @Frankapp: Hi Frankapp,
            Thank you for the link, looks interesting and will definitely consider it if I go down that avenue!

        • 

          bluesky on 01/01/2019 - 18:02

          @fukunaga:

          I would need to start by undertaking some sort of role like an intern and possibly without pay …

          Even this, don't dismiss outright, you may come out ahead in the long-run, despite the short-term loss. (This is the area you have strong grounding in, hence an advantage. Moving into another area, you will be competing against people who have greater advantage than you as far as academic qualifications go).

          Once we had a girl who asked for intern without pay, due to her lack of experience but wanted in. Turned out she had superb work ethic and attitude. Before long, not wanting to lose her, she was offered full-time. You sound like a good worker, have experience in a variety of roles/areas, a positive. Employers are sometimes hesitant to take on someone without knowing the calibre of the person, but if you prove yourself useful, they will not want to lose you.

          And what is the worst thing that could happen - if the employer is not appreciative, you would have gained the experience, and able to move to another firm, this time with proper pay.

          I can see your dilemma, and wish you the best in your choices.

          • 

            fukunaga on 01/01/2019 - 20:29

            +1

            @bluesky: Hi bluesky,
            Thank you for the comment. I did have a short working experience and the owners didn’t want to let me go (I just hated the work environment). I do have the option of giving architecture another go, and I think they would probably be happy to let me try it out for a longer period if I asked. I will keep it open as an option, thank you.

• 

  p1 ama on 01/01/2019 - 13:17

  +1

  It's pretty hard to give suggestions given that you're basically thinking about many really different career choices.

  Since you already have a post graduate degree, perhaps you could consider going into that field, that way you wouldn't have to do more study. You could also consider something like doing a teaching degree (2 years) and end up being a primary school teacher, or perhaps a high school teacher in the field you've already got qualifications in. I think teaching is a really underrated profession - many people often talk about how underpaid teachers are, but the salary progression is decent and many private schools pay far above what state schools pay. Something else you could consider is university teaching, they are usually always on the lookout for people with post graduate qualifications to take on teaching roles on a casual/contract basis.

  Some of the more IT-oriented roles you've listed will realistically require a university degree in the field. Of course, nothing is stopping you from becoming an independent app developer and being quite successful at that, but my gut feeling is that this is becoming increasingly difficult as apps are now too complex and commercialised, and independent development means you need to compete with whizzes from places like India. If you want to go the IT route, you're probably better off getting a formal qualification. There are lots of areas within that field you can consider - you've brought up a few like web development, but even that's quite general. You could take on administrative roles (e.g. databases, networking), testing, support, management…etc. roles as well. If you're interested in this field, it's always growing and developing, so it's not a bad place to put your eggs.

  Since you've got some managerial experience working as a store manager, I would consider perhaps something in HR or marketing (where perhaps your graphical design expertise might be useful). I don't know a terrible lot about these fields, but have friends there who seem to be rather happy. You could also take these skills to running your own business if you have some idea about the sort of things you like to do.

  • 

    fukunaga on 01/01/2019 - 13:43

    Thanks for the reply p1 ama. You're probably right in doing something related to what I was doing (all my job searches were related, but the pay does depress me). I'll probably end up learning how to write apps for my self learning, but I'll keep a lookout and see if anything good/ related pops up.

• 

  serpserpserp on 01/01/2019 - 13:27

  OP: You really should fill us in on:

  -What undergrad you did
  -What postgrad you did
  -What are you passionate about?

  Then apart from those key points, why the rush to get back to work? I am assuming from what you wrote that this is your first baby and it still is under the age of one. I am also assuming that if you have lots of free time when you are not looking after the baby that you are very well supported money wise or family wise, either is a great position to be in!

  So really, if you have support and time to think about what you want, really delve into that. Figure out what you would be really excited to get up and go to work and do every day, then plan out the steps to get there. Given your age, there are only very few limitations on what you can do, so really, just shoot for the skies!

• 

  Quantumcat on 01/01/2019 - 14:15

  +1

  An idea: being a recruiter. I'm a Web developer in a combined recruitment firm/IT company, and the recruiters all have random qualifications - English, finance, psychology, IT, etc. And one with no degree. All you need to be a recruiter is amazing people skills, which you probably have if you've been doing retail. They all make very good money too.

  As for your ideas - to do any programming you'll need a degree and then to even get into the industry you'll need to do a crappy intern role or do a graduate program. By the time you started you'd be about 40 - being older, with kids/teenagers needing flexible work conditions, you'll have a hard time finding a good job. I wouldn't pursue it.

  IT helpdesk is definitely achievable - just do a diploma of IT, I think it takes 1-2 years at TAFE.

  What are your current qualifications?

  • 

    fukunaga on 01/01/2019 - 14:29

    Hi Quantumcat, thanks for the reply.

    My only qualification that does not help me is Bachelor of Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture. Both sound fancy, but that's where it ends for me.
    Recruiter does sound quite interesting (I remember having fun doing scary interviews for people and feeling like winning the lotto when I picked out some good ones), thank you for the suggestion, I think it's worth looking into.
    And thank you for letting me know about the long and seemingly painful journey for programming - I'd probably have excellent time juggling skills and a very well behaved kid if I want to pursue it seriously. I might consider it as a hobby if and when I have the time to look into it. Cheers!

    • 

      p1 ama on 01/01/2019 - 15:26

      +1

      Is there any reason why you're avoiding being an architect? It seems that you are (or at least were) interested enough to get a master's degree.

      • 

        fukunaga on 01/01/2019 - 20:34

        Hi p1 ama,
        Studying and applying it in the real world is quite different and I can’t say I enjoy the latter as much as the former. But I will keep it as an open avenue albeit rusty.

• 

  the-mal on 01/01/2019 - 15:05

  What are you passionate about? It's easier to start from there.

  Think of your dream job (and don't say "one that pays lots" 😁) and list down a few points as to why it's your dream job.

  Then work on the pathway to that job and see where it starts for you.

  As others have said, IT engineering fields need a semi-appropriate degree to make it past the first HR check. Helpdesk jobs would be possible with some TAFE certification, but you really need to work out whether it's a job that is working towards energising you otherwise you'll hate it in no time.

  So…back to the original question, what are you passionate about? What gives you energy / makes you get out of bed?

• 

  Third_Gear on 01/01/2019 - 15:21

  Sounds like you did heaps of e-commerce previously and if so you should be able to find a role quite easily. I’d specifically narrow my search results to the field.

• 

  sahh on 01/01/2019 - 15:28

  Instead of starting afresh is there any way to further your retail career? Change companies and move your way up? A lot of bigger companies are trying to improve on customer experience so with your experience and dedication (compared to teenagers who see retail as a side job) companies might find this of value?

  Also if you work in a large enough organisation (eg Woolies) there might be opportunities to transition careers internally

  • 

    fukunaga on 01/01/2019 - 20:45

    Thanks for the comment sahh, that was the original plan - I'll probably stick to it if nothing else shines light on me.

• 

  klonky on 01/01/2019 - 17:13

  +1

  You can still use your qualification and get a different job. During my career I have met quite a few architects turned town planners.
  Check the planning institute of Australia's job boards or check local council jobs. You can go either private or government and walk in to a $70k job.

  • 

    serpserpserp on 01/01/2019 - 17:59

    I thought there was a degree you had to do to become a town planner? Can you just switch into a job like that from architecture?

    • 

      klonky on 02/01/2019 - 12:46

      You can, you don't really 'need' it. I have worked with both landscape and regular architects as planners. Some choose to do a master's in planning but not necessary.
      My current organisation, the chief planner is an architect.

• 

  Halo375 on 01/01/2019 - 17:28

  Digital / Social media marketing. Lots of courses and jobs out there for creative people with design and writing experience.

• 

  DoctorCalculon on 01/01/2019 - 19:55

  iOS/ mobile app developer

  Unless you are willing to learn programming (specifically, Swift and Objective-C), and also learn how some of the common iOS and Mac framework functions, you can cross this one off your list.
  However, if you are passionate about building quality iOS apps, then go for it. Also, remember you will be starting out as an intern / junior, and therefore greatly lower your salary expectations. As you gain more and more experience, be prepared to move from one company to another if you want the rapid hike in salary.

  • 

    fukunaga on 01/01/2019 - 20:44

    Thanks for the info DoctorCalculon, I will probably learn as a hobby for now.

• 

  pegaxs on 01/01/2019 - 22:08

  +3

  Get a trade. There is a massive shortage at the moment in most trades and there is a good range of courses you can do. Everything from chef, to bar work… but if you want to chase bigger $$’s, get on something like plumbing, electrical or mechanical.

  At 40 I changed streams again and did a locksmithing trade course. It was the best jump I ever made. I love this type of work and it’s easy and I can do it when it suits me, it’s interesting and challenging.

  InB4: but Peg, she’s a girl! Damn straight! And with all the hoo har about getting more women into trade and related fields, it’s almost an open door to walk into any of these types of jobs. Apprentice sourcing companies are chewing their own legs off to get at women who want to be tradies, and frankly, in the last few years, some of the best tradies I have worked with, were women.

  And if you have a trade, then you will always have those skills. But yeah, do the whole baby stuff first.

  • 

    Third_Gear on 03/01/2019 - 16:24

    Did you have to do the apprenticeship or just finish off the study and go straight into the trade?

    • 

      pegaxs on 03/01/2019 - 16:48

      You have to do the study and at least be involved in the industry. You don’t have to work full time, but you will need to be employed by someone who is at lease competent in that field.

      If you know someone who can sign you off, then that’s even better. I was lucky doing locksmithing as a trade, because one of the guys that works for us was a locksmith, so I was able to get things signed off by him.

      You can certainly do some parts of trade courses without having to do the whole course. So when you do find a job in the field, you can use the modules you have already done as recognition of prior learning.

• 

  Slint3 on 08/01/2019 - 05:12

  Have you considered drafting for (project) home builder? Not as glamorous as an architectural firm, but it would be a good stepping stone. Of course you'd need to brush up on your software abilities again either way. You could also possibly translate your retail skills into a customer service role to familiarize yourself into the industry and see where that leads.