Is it ever too late to change civilian careers? If you could with no risk involved, which career field would you transition to?

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 10:23:32 -0400

I'm 35, have been working in the retail industry after college/grad school, within Operations. There are other things that now thinking back, I probably would have done different. Is it too late to change career fields in the civilian world at some point? Which professional careers do you need to start out "young" in?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 10:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 10:26:17 -0400

I don't believe it's really ever to late. Change is often good as long as it makes sense. You want to be in a Career that makes you Happy! I really enjoy the life as a recruiter, but I want to transition into my own business owner and leave a legacy for my children. I am part of a business called AdvoCare and have everything in place, but I need to devote more time into making it happen and help other great leaders succeed!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 30 at 2015 10:49 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 10:49:36 -0400

If it isn't making you happy anymore than its not too late to change. Just make sure it's worth the effort if you need re-schooling or certifications to make that change. I think we all choose our career path at that ripe "old" age of 18 or so and some may find their minds change after a while in that career possibly due to job prospects, long term outlooks and career progression, additional educational requirements, etc. My wife wanted to be a speech pathologist and got her degree in communicative disorders with a concentration in education. She end up working as an operating room manager and systems administrator in hospitals for 14 years, stayed home for 7 years raising our children worked 3 years in special education advocacy and is now substitute teaching and working on her special education teaching certification to teach full time. Go figure.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 30 at 2015 11:07 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:07:29 -0400

If I could go back, or do a switch right now, I would get into law, probably do a little bit better in high school, and get into a Tier 1 University such as Harvard.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 11:13 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:13:53 -0400

Its never too late. I am trying to do this as we speak. I would love to get into the emergency management field!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 30 at 2015 11:16 AM

LTC John Shaw — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:16:18 -0400

SFC Nikhil Kumra Never too late to change careers unless you are targeting a profession sport league: NBA, NFL, Professional Lacrosse, you get the point.
At 35 you are just getting started, you have most of your working life ahead of you.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 11:26 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:26:22 -0400

If you aren't happy where you are, there is only one option. Staying in a dead-end career or one that doesn't make you happy is tantamount to self-torture. I chose a hobby as a career and couldn't be happier. I switched in '99 and although I enjoyed what I did, working on govt contracts was frustrating when the political back-and-forth led to layoffs that I had to carry out. When you have a good crew of employees, the worse thing you will ever see is the face of those you hand a packet.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 30 at 2015 11:33 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:33:14 -0400

When I was 16, my first job was kicking visitors out of the local hospital at 2000. I worked up to a nurses aide and central supply tech. It all lead to working at Motion Picture Hospital where I took care of a Stooge, two Tarzan's, Tonto, and others. But I wanted to be an engineer and that's where my life took me. I've wondered on occasion what it would have been like to pursue a medical doctor program and have that career. I think I could have been happy with several different careers. That is secondary to being blessed with my wife.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 30 at 2015 12:41 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 12:41:00 -0400

Sometimes, for instance if you're 55 and decide you want to go to medical school it probably wouldn't make sense unless you're planning on practicing medicine in your 90's.

At 35 though? Not at all. There's always mitigating circumstances, like having a family to provide financial and emotional support to... but Col Sanders didn't start frying Chicken until he was in his 70's.

Response by Elizabeth Malkin made Jun 30 at 2015 12:47 PM

Elizabeth Malkin — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 12:47:02 -0400

SFC Nikhil Kumra, great question and I would argue that it is never too late to try a new career field if a person is unhappy where he/she is or if there is an industry or career field that really applies to a person. RP has found the top 5 internships that could be a great way for a person to try a new industry out, get some great experience on his/her resume and make a seamless transition into a new role. Check it out: http://blog.rallypoint.com/2015/06/top-civilian-internships-programs-veterans-should-consider.html

RallyPoint.com: 5 Internships Programs Veterans Should Consider

Response by SPC Chris Early made Jun 30 at 2015 1:13 PM

SPC Chris Early — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 13:13:12 -0400

i was a light wheeled mechanic in the service, im a mechanic in the civilian world and im currently looking to change me line of work. Im also 35 and as long as im breathing it will never be to late to find a career that makes me happy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 4:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 16:11:45 -0400

It's important that you understand the demand for a particular career field, and are prepared for all the pro's and con's of that field. For example I loved Sociology and Anthropology in college, however I understood that it's hard to find work in those fields and my salary would not be at a level that would be support the lifestyle I want to provide for my family. Despite that I may try to back into the field later on in my career. I'm currently working on a Masters in IT Program Management and once I finish that, might go for applied sociology. Understanding and measuring the impact of IT systems and tools on the workplace would be interesting and it would allow me to continue building on the experience I have gained up to this point.

So I guess the risks can be managed, especially if you move slowly and have a good plan.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jun 30 at 2015 7:08 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 19:08:05 -0400

I too believe it’s never too late to change your career. I changed my military career field a couple of times which led me to a permanent career change as I approached 40, physical therapy. Medicine was the farthest thing from my mind, however it allowed me a renewed military career as an officer and once I retire it will open doors in numerous areas such as private practice and ownership of a clinic, teaching college, research, management, Federal civil service, etc.

Just this past Saturday I attended the graduation of a buddy who graduated from medical school at the ripe old age of 60. It’s never too late to make career changes, however it is important that you know where this new career will take you and what the future potential is for the new career. Therefore I wouldn’t focus on your age as many older adults are making career changes and it’s been happening for years. Make a wise decision on your new career today so hopefully you will not be facing another major career change later.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 8:43 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 08:43:45 -0400

Veternarian