Starting Again at 30 - What would you do?
Discussion
Went to school, good GSCEs (All A/B's)
Went to college - Geography, Geology and Business studies - All A-B grades
Went to university (with no real plan) Geography 2:1.
Worked in retail part time during education then went full time for a year floundering with no direction.
Got a job at a UK based manufacturer after. Friend worked there and money was good.
Been there 9 years, doing various roles ranging from production, launching new products, help setting up new facilities and onto a production leadership role (last 4 years)
Pays above Uk average (touching 40k)
Just had a 12% rise
RPI +2% rises annually
Easy work
Turn up, clock in, do your thing, clock out. Leave the job at the door.
Safe and clean.
Fairly decent job security (usual uk manufacturing risks apply)
Can't help but always think...is this it.
Progression in manufacturing leadership role's arnt for me-the living to work side of things come into it. Being on the end of the phone 24hrs a day.
Sideways move to different area within the business always an option to improve CV.
Negatives about the role.
Shift work - At the mercy of production volumes (been on 3 or 4 different patterns since I joined) it has its advantages but for me personally they don't balance.
Boring - find the role easy and repetitive. After years in production leadership, not much new or challenging goes wrong.Comfy slippers.
Frustration with upper management(probably a common theme) too many cheifs, lacking improvement.
Having to babysit adults and look after them like children (toilet cover and such) - Lots of playground stuff.
Big one - brain drain -feel my IQ dropping by the day as don't have to apply myself.
Absolutely no flexibility in the role. In a post covid world of people working from home, hybrid working, the role offers zero flexibility. Think...4 days floating holiday, struggling to book holiday, nightmare when you have an appointment - obviously very very strict on timekeeping (race to rest area, 10 mins to eat your food then back) enforcement of toilet breaks such.
Why would you stay in such a role? Well because of the money vs effort in the job.
Hopefully people don't take this as a moan but it is cathartic to write.
If you were starting again, looking for a well paid job with good flexibility - what would you do?
Obviously it's a question of skills.
I'm academic and process good analytical and writing skills.
I'm not after making millions but something I can apply myself to and feel like I'm making a difference.
Financially I have a mortgage that we arnt over stretched on even accounting for interest rate rises
Bills are low
No kids
Partner is a teacher so 100% job security in that regard (I wouldn't go near teaching altho the term time only I get jealous of)
So spending some time out retraining is always an option if it was directly leading somewhere, obviously not expecting to just drop directly into the role on my dreams and pick up the same wage.
Trades? Electrical seems to be the highest earner?
A few people have moved onto jobs ranging from window cleaning, plumbing and gardening etc
Main interests/hobbies are anything automotive, motorcycles and just generally being outdoors.
Flamesuit donned, suggestions appreciated.
Went to college - Geography, Geology and Business studies - All A-B grades
Went to university (with no real plan) Geography 2:1.
Worked in retail part time during education then went full time for a year floundering with no direction.
Got a job at a UK based manufacturer after. Friend worked there and money was good.
Been there 9 years, doing various roles ranging from production, launching new products, help setting up new facilities and onto a production leadership role (last 4 years)
Pays above Uk average (touching 40k)
Just had a 12% rise
RPI +2% rises annually
Easy work
Turn up, clock in, do your thing, clock out. Leave the job at the door.
Safe and clean.
Fairly decent job security (usual uk manufacturing risks apply)
Can't help but always think...is this it.
Progression in manufacturing leadership role's arnt for me-the living to work side of things come into it. Being on the end of the phone 24hrs a day.
Sideways move to different area within the business always an option to improve CV.
Negatives about the role.
Shift work - At the mercy of production volumes (been on 3 or 4 different patterns since I joined) it has its advantages but for me personally they don't balance.
Boring - find the role easy and repetitive. After years in production leadership, not much new or challenging goes wrong.Comfy slippers.
Frustration with upper management(probably a common theme) too many cheifs, lacking improvement.
Having to babysit adults and look after them like children (toilet cover and such) - Lots of playground stuff.
Big one - brain drain -feel my IQ dropping by the day as don't have to apply myself.
Absolutely no flexibility in the role. In a post covid world of people working from home, hybrid working, the role offers zero flexibility. Think...4 days floating holiday, struggling to book holiday, nightmare when you have an appointment - obviously very very strict on timekeeping (race to rest area, 10 mins to eat your food then back) enforcement of toilet breaks such.
Why would you stay in such a role? Well because of the money vs effort in the job.
Hopefully people don't take this as a moan but it is cathartic to write.
If you were starting again, looking for a well paid job with good flexibility - what would you do?
Obviously it's a question of skills.
I'm academic and process good analytical and writing skills.
I'm not after making millions but something I can apply myself to and feel like I'm making a difference.
Financially I have a mortgage that we arnt over stretched on even accounting for interest rate rises
Bills are low
No kids
Partner is a teacher so 100% job security in that regard (I wouldn't go near teaching altho the term time only I get jealous of)
So spending some time out retraining is always an option if it was directly leading somewhere, obviously not expecting to just drop directly into the role on my dreams and pick up the same wage.
Trades? Electrical seems to be the highest earner?
A few people have moved onto jobs ranging from window cleaning, plumbing and gardening etc
Main interests/hobbies are anything automotive, motorcycles and just generally being outdoors.
Flamesuit donned, suggestions appreciated.
Edited by EVOTECH3BELL on Friday 28th April 11:50
Get yourself a Part 66 A Licence. Few years later get yourself a B2 Licence. Work in Line Maintenance for an Airline.
Massive shortage coming down the line. Good (excellent in some cases) money. Responsible. Interesting. Challenging. Problem solving every day. Very clear/defined path to a defined job role.
You'd be beating your current salary in the final year of your apprenticeship if you came and worked where I do, never mind once you have the B2 licence.
Few random links:
https://www.airservicetraining.co.uk/aircraft-engi...
https://www.skybrary.aero/articles/licensed-aircra...
I went a long way round through various engineering and manufacturing roles, finally to end up at an airline and godamn I wish I'd had the guidance and knowledge as a teenager to just go and do the apprenticeship and been earning the same money 15 years earlier.
Massive shortage coming down the line. Good (excellent in some cases) money. Responsible. Interesting. Challenging. Problem solving every day. Very clear/defined path to a defined job role.
You'd be beating your current salary in the final year of your apprenticeship if you came and worked where I do, never mind once you have the B2 licence.
Few random links:
https://www.airservicetraining.co.uk/aircraft-engi...
https://www.skybrary.aero/articles/licensed-aircra...
I went a long way round through various engineering and manufacturing roles, finally to end up at an airline and godamn I wish I'd had the guidance and knowledge as a teenager to just go and do the apprenticeship and been earning the same money 15 years earlier.
Edited by snotrag on Friday 28th April 12:07
Terminator X said:
Find something you love and do that. If it pays well then a bonus.
TX.
I always find this advice strange. Surely it’s the easiest way to turn something you love into a chore? I’m lucky enough to do a job with an element that I absolutely love doing, but even that becomes a faff when you’re being assessed, or you’re in a team with someone useless. TX.
I maintain that the best job is one where you don’t mind it and it pays well enough and gives you enough time off to do the things you really enjoy.
Either that or work for yourself where you make the decisions and choose the direction your work takes you.
TT1138 said:
Terminator X said:
Find something you love and do that. If it pays well then a bonus.
TX.
I always find this advice strange. Surely it’s the easiest way to turn something you love into a chore? I’m lucky enough to do a job with an element that I absolutely love doing, but even that becomes a faff when you’re being assessed, or you’re in a team with someone useless. TX.
I maintain that the best job is one where you don’t mind it and it pays well enough and gives you enough time off to do the things you really enjoy.
Either that or work for yourself where you make the decisions and choose the direction your work takes you.
king day a real slog for them. If your thing is flower arranging then a job in a flower shop surely will rock your world.TX.
What sector of manufacturing ? What do you make ? Maybe a shift to a higher tech manufacturing base might bring your current skills to the party with an added focus on driving improvement or technology advances beyond turning the handle to get product out of the door.
What about Operational Excellent / 6 sigma skills : ie problem solving and business efficiency / effectiveness. Is that well embedded on your current work place and something to consider as those skills transcribe from Mfg to any business process and any sector.
What about Operational Excellent / 6 sigma skills : ie problem solving and business efficiency / effectiveness. Is that well embedded on your current work place and something to consider as those skills transcribe from Mfg to any business process and any sector.
Edited by Steve Campbell on Saturday 29th April 09:17
OutInTheShed said:
As the OP's partner is a teacher, then dare I suggest teaching?
I was thinking that, as our daughter has the same degree and is already a deputy head. But then he says he wouldn’t go near it, and, based on some of the things he’s written, I’d agree. It would make his head explode.EVOTECH3BELL said:
Went to school, good GSCEs (All A/B's)
Went to college - Geography, Geology and Business studies - All A-B grades
Went to university (with no real plan) Geography 2:1......
..........A few people have moved onto jobs ranging from window cleaning, plumbing and gardening etcl
What's the point of all that education if at 30 your aspiration is to clean windows and do gardening?Went to college - Geography, Geology and Business studies - All A-B grades
Went to university (with no real plan) Geography 2:1......
..........A few people have moved onto jobs ranging from window cleaning, plumbing and gardening etcl
I left a very well paid job. On handing in my notice I was offered a move to Amsterdam, more money.
I stuck with my choice. They still paid my my annual bonus. They didn't pay others. It was a thank you.
My new job was 20k a year. I was 45.
I'm glad I did.
Seriously at 30. Reset, move. Enjoy your life.
I stuck with my choice. They still paid my my annual bonus. They didn't pay others. It was a thank you.
My new job was 20k a year. I was 45.
I'm glad I did.
Seriously at 30. Reset, move. Enjoy your life.
I semi retired at 39 (did the normal - bought a boat, went travelling etc) and now live in my dream place mortgage free - but just the other day I was talking with friends about regretting not following my passion which was to be an airline pilot. So based on my experience - find what will make you look forwards to going to work each day, I'm sure the rest will follow.
Depends where you are in the country but now isn't a bad time to try and get into the oil and gas industry. A shortage of experienced people is on the horizon without a doubt.
LNG will boom in the next decade and beyond.
Graft, flexibility, dealing with idiots and big egos (sometimes), travel, sense of humour, willingness to up-skill at own expense are all things which may or may not be required and come with it depending on what you end up doing and where but one thing is for sure is that it can be an extremely varied and rewarding career path to go down and take you places you would never have dreamed of visiting for holiday (which can be a pro&con at the same time).
LNG will boom in the next decade and beyond.
Graft, flexibility, dealing with idiots and big egos (sometimes), travel, sense of humour, willingness to up-skill at own expense are all things which may or may not be required and come with it depending on what you end up doing and where but one thing is for sure is that it can be an extremely varied and rewarding career path to go down and take you places you would never have dreamed of visiting for holiday (which can be a pro&con at the same time).
Given all you've mentioned, one option I'd be looking into is starting my own business. It doesn't have to be a huge risk either. There are some franchises out there which are low cost, easily trainable and provide a lot of support whilst you get going. I became a little disillusioned a few years ago and headed down this route. I'll not say which franchise, cos I'm not pushing it at all, but I really enjoyed the experience.
I started as a one man band and threw myself into it. It was a challenge and I had to learn a lot in a short timeframe. I was OK at business and finance, but had a steep learning curve on the technical stuff. You may be different but if you've always been an employee, they'll be many things to learn. I do know others in the same franchise industry did fail and for varying reasons, so it's definitely not risk free. But the thing about a franchise is there is a support infra-structure, rather than just going it alone.
Once the biz is up and running, you can then put as much or little into it as you want - my experience was very much you reap what you sow. Once established, I was easily clearing (after expenses, tax etc) £1000pw, and thats starting first job at 9.30am, home by 4pm, no weekends. If I really pushed it (lead up to xmas etc), that figure could easily increase by 50%.
I sold the biz (for a lot more than I'd invested in it) when I reached 55 and I'm now retired. It was a very positive experience, opened me up to quite a few interesting challenges, I could balance work/life in a way that worked for me and I earned quite decent money. It might be worth looking into.
I started as a one man band and threw myself into it. It was a challenge and I had to learn a lot in a short timeframe. I was OK at business and finance, but had a steep learning curve on the technical stuff. You may be different but if you've always been an employee, they'll be many things to learn. I do know others in the same franchise industry did fail and for varying reasons, so it's definitely not risk free. But the thing about a franchise is there is a support infra-structure, rather than just going it alone.
Once the biz is up and running, you can then put as much or little into it as you want - my experience was very much you reap what you sow. Once established, I was easily clearing (after expenses, tax etc) £1000pw, and thats starting first job at 9.30am, home by 4pm, no weekends. If I really pushed it (lead up to xmas etc), that figure could easily increase by 50%.
I sold the biz (for a lot more than I'd invested in it) when I reached 55 and I'm now retired. It was a very positive experience, opened me up to quite a few interesting challenges, I could balance work/life in a way that worked for me and I earned quite decent money. It might be worth looking into.
Hugo Stiglitz said:
I left a very well paid job. On handing in my notice I was offered a move to Amsterdam, more money.
I stuck with my choice. They still paid my my annual bonus. They didn't pay others. It was a thank you.
My new job was 20k a year. I was 45.
I'm glad I did.
Seriously at 30. Reset, move. Enjoy your life.
Nice, good place to live but looks like a nightmare from property prices etc pov (or at least it did a few years ago when I looked)I stuck with my choice. They still paid my my annual bonus. They didn't pay others. It was a thank you.
My new job was 20k a year. I was 45.
I'm glad I did.
Seriously at 30. Reset, move. Enjoy your life.
nickfrog said:
But then you would end up driving a lorry presumably.
That's a very telling reply and demonstrates a lot of whats wrong in the world at the moment. Do you look down your nose at lorry drivers? They are all on 50-60k plus with no student debt. Who's smart and who's daft there? Going through 5-6 years of further education and racking up 50k of debt or more to get a 40k a year job is moronic. It makes absolutely no sense and needs to stop.
fridaypassion said:
That's a very telling reply and demonstrates a lot of whats wrong in the world at the moment. Do you look down your nose at lorry drivers? They are all on 50-60k plus with no student debt. Who's smart and who's daft there?
Going through 5-6 years of further education and racking up 50k of debt or more to get a 40k a year job is moronic. It makes absolutely no sense and needs to stop.
Most degrees are 3 years after college.Going through 5-6 years of further education and racking up 50k of debt or more to get a 40k a year job is moronic. It makes absolutely no sense and needs to stop.
My reply demonstrates nothing of the sort and is not telling of anything apart from the fact that I wouldn't want to drive a lorry as a job. If driving a HGV is your thing than brilliant, absolutely great. It might not be everyone's choice of career. I would personally pay good money to not drive a lorry as a job, but that's just my view.
As for looking down my nose, I don't. That says more about you if you read it that way.
Society needs an array of educational backgrounds, some academic, some technical, apprenticeships etc. Uni can be a fantastic place to improve someone's critical thinking however and broaden one's perspective and aspirations.
Statistically, your earnings are significantly greater if you go to uni, that's a fact. And that very easily offsets for the extra cost. Besides, the current system saves tax payers money compared to before. In other words if you don't go to Uni, at least you don't have to pay for it.
As for the OP, he might choose a new career that requires a degree and who knows where that will lead?
Or perhaps he couldn't have got his current job without one and who knows where that takes him in the future?
PS the average lorry driver salary in the UK seems to be around £32k. https://backlinelogistics.co.uk/10-common-misconce...
Edited by nickfrog on Saturday 29th April 19:57
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