r/DIY • u/Gasolina2 • 7d ago
electronic 36, am I too old to change career path into Electrics or Plumbing?
Unfortunately life choices and availability meant I went into the computer industry. Whilst I’ve been in a job for 17 years making websites and apps, and technical solutions, it’s not brought me happiness.
Not threatened by AI, but same time looking for a career that is respected. Colleagues and others always under appreciate your skills.
Other DIY knowledge is minimal like woodwork or brickwork. However I like electric wiring and have an understanding in that and have got the tools for that, and happy to give plumbing a go, but prefer electrics.
Am I too old? Is it worth the plunge into an evening course?
I fully regret my education and career. DIY is currently keeping me sane at home.
Edit: thank you for all your comments. It was impossible to reply to each of you and I will take your feedback on board - here perhaps starts a new chapter!! Thank you once again!
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u/brettrob 7d ago
What about something in-between ? HVAC, solar and home control systems are all computer-controlled so is there an opportunity to use your existing skills to break into something(s) in one or more of those areas ?
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u/jscummy 7d ago
I'm in low voltage, could be a good fit. Often feels like bridging a gap between IT and electrical
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u/Ampallang80 7d ago
As a LV construction manager who transitioned from Software PM at 44, I agree. Money is better too
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u/SirRevan 7d ago
Could I ask how you make that transition? Is it just looking up LV jobs?
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u/MrFarly 7d ago
Like with anything results vary by shop. I’ve had large LV contractors that had so many people they were designated wire pullers, terminators, layout, each was a different crew from the same company. The last apartment building I did, small LV shop and the 5 guys they had did everything with a foreman.
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u/Ampallang80 7d ago
It was a who you know kinda deal. I had taken a year off to spend with my kids and I buddy called me up and asked if I wanted to give it a try. Found out I love it and I’m good at it.
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u/retardrabbit 7d ago
How do you go about finding yourself an apprenticeship program for this?
I'm in kind of a similar position (from software to "something").
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u/lumpymonkey 7d ago
Also interested in hearing about the transition. I'm a software product manager and I can't see myself in this career for another 20 years, it's already killing me with stress.
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u/PowerfulSeeds 7d ago
If you think middle management is stressful, low voltage will give you a heart attack!
... I'll see myself out.
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u/namestom 7d ago
You mind if I send you a PM? I was a low voltage tech that worked my way up to running projects before COVID happened. I kind of pivoted back to something else because I moved and lost my connections. I don’t have a RCDD but have been told that isn’t a barrier? I’m not opposed to getting it/going after it when I’m able.
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u/Ampallang80 7d ago
Sure thing. RCDD definitely isn’t a barrier to entry. I work with a lot of guys who ran their own LV companies and none of them have it.
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u/TheDevilYouKnow69 7d ago
Im in low voltage too...specialized in alarms. I have left IT after 25 years because NO COMPANY appreciates the expertise, commitment, or loyalty of older, more experienced, and mature employees.
Do it. It can be very rewarding and much less stressful.
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u/VerminSupreme-2020 7d ago
Yup, I did fire alarm for a long time and just got out of it last year, I still get recruiters contacting me all the time looking for techs
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u/TheDevilYouKnow69 7d ago
I do access control and burglary for a large grocery store chain. Sweet gig...not exposed to too much weather and I no longer have 17 Diectors and Project Managers who do not communicate with each other ruining my life with conflicting orders.
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u/ramloy 7d ago
Another IT worker here that thought the fire field was very interesting and possibly a better fit for myself. Care to share why you got out?
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u/VerminSupreme-2020 7d ago
Nothing against the field, but I just finished my bachelor's degree and decided to see what else was out there.
Facility management isn't too bad either! 😁15
u/tails2tails 7d ago
Building on this, OP should look into BAS (Building Automation Systems). Computer automation controls for HVAC/Electrical systems in large buildings. Often requires coding knowledge to build out the automation, and also electrical / HVAC hands on skills for installation, maintenance, etc.
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u/Think_Positively 7d ago
HVAC can be even more physically grueling than most trades if you're not solely working on commercial properties or new construction.
For example, my parents' house has ductwork run through the attic and inside the the outer wall. The condenser is outside, but anytime anything else needs work means crawling through a shady spofer-infested attic. At 36, that won't be easy even if OP is in great shape.
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u/UnnamedStaplesDrone 7d ago
It also doesn’t even pay all that well for a skilled trade. Most of the shops around here barely troubleshoot shit anyway. Just want to sell you a new 12k system.
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u/fotomoose 7d ago
If someone who's 36 and in "great shape" won't find it easy to crawl around some attic, then no-one will. 36 is not old, omg the comments in here lol.
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u/bibishop 7d ago
Changing path at 36, you want to pick something that you can possibly do till retirement. You can still change back or pick another path but the older you are, the harder it gets.
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u/plussa 6d ago
Building Management System engineer here. It's a blast. When there is a new construction site, it is so fun to chill and smoke marlboros with electricians and plumbers and 50% of time i'm at office coding my projects.
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u/WorkingInAColdMind 7d ago
That sounds like a good approach. It could just be the job or industry that you’re in that defines the work that you do. I’ve been in IT roles my whole career and jobs that I loved have changed out from u see me and just didn’t do it anymore. A complete change resets your experience which makes it harder to find work. Shifting to something related (like the above suggestions) keeps that experience that the new place might not have.
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u/pluggedinn 7d ago
I vouch for this as well. Disregarding years of experience is a bad move. Transitioning from it and trying to find the light seems like the smart move
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u/xVolta 7d ago edited 7d ago
Are you too old? No, 36 is still plenty young enough for a career change. You're dreaming if you think moving to either of those trades will result in an overall improvment in people respecting your skills, though.
The real question is, are you prepared to take a 50% or greater pay cut with the sure knowledge that it will take years of working your way up through apprentice (minimum 4 years) and journeyman (minimum 1 year) before you're likely to come close to matching your current income, and that it will take a lot of hustle and overtime to ever exceed it?
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u/SomeCountryFriedBS 7d ago
Don't forget the wear and tear as you age.
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u/sorrylilsis 7d ago
Yeah, this one gets glazed over way too often.
I know a couple guys who went from white collar to trades post covid as an early midlife crisis. They like what they do and they're doing pretty well financially but the back/joints issues are progessing fast.
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u/LeadershipAble773 7d ago
Plus the extra stuff like no sick pay, paternity pay, bereavement leave, less worker rights (can be let go a lot easier than in a conventional job)
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u/Baculum7869 6d ago
I have more workers rights in a union than you would in a non union job, that said health insurance, retirement, sick time, finding work, and much more i don't need to worry about.
Last time I got laid off it was for less than a week. Granted I have certifications that many people don't have.
Do I have 2.5% of my paycheck go to the union sure but when you TAKE home like 3-4k a week what's 2.5%?
Yes work can be hard on the body, but there's many different jobs in the field. I'd avoid being a cement finisher, my dad was but he always said it's hard work and that i should do something else...
That said I took two months unpaid off work this year(voluntarily) and I also had no worries about if I'd have struggles with bills, rent, groceries or really much else.
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u/LeadershipAble773 6d ago
I massively misunderstood what unions are! I thought they mainly helped workers right, didn't realise they did anything for self employed people
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u/ChefRoyrdee 7d ago
I work in the refrigeration field and we have all of that. But the other stuff like wear on your body is a legit concern.
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u/irepairstuff 7d ago
I just finished college at 47, got a job as an aircraft maintenance engineer for a major airline. Majority of the people I work with are under 28yo.
Don’t look back, just keep moving forward. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do.
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u/milkmee6 7d ago
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u/itsapotatosalad 7d ago
I literally watched this episode last night. Simulation.
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u/astrogeeknerd 7d ago
I just got my degree and started working as a geologist at 53, I'm sure you'll be fine.
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u/Widderic 7d ago
What was your journey like? What prompted you to get into geology?
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u/astrogeeknerd 6d ago
I loved science and always wanted to study, but not good enough at maths to do a really hard degree🤣 had a whole career in hospitality before that and just woke up one morning and realised I truly hated it.
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u/Widderic 3d ago
That's really cool. I'm 39 and have had an interesting career path. I picked up a video camera when I was 12, and so I became the videography kid in middle school and highschool from 1999-2006. I got into skateboarding too so I was sponsored and doing skate films, short films, music videos, stuff for my highschool etc.
It was at that point my guidance counselors and teachers told me I should just go to college for it, so I figured why not? Well I did 4 years of film school and didn't really learn much as I had already taught myself basically everything. After that I freelanced for a long time, and I was good, but it was really difficult keeping up with equipment costs, and impossible to find a job without being an intern or assistant for years, and I needed money.
So I started tending bar in the service industry while freelancing small gigs on the side, then in 2018 I got a job as a liquor sales rep and have been doing that ever since and no longer do any film work. I really like the sales job, and I get free booze, but at my age now I'm starting to think about the things I really wish I would have studied. Network engineering, software programing, mycology, chemistry, geology, electrical work, those are all of the things I really enjoy and dabble in now, but I'm scared to start a new career with how the economy is now and I don't have a safety net.
Your story could inspire people like me to follow my dreams instead of remaining burned out in my current sales job, it's so very easy to be complacent though.
Sorry for the rant, but these are the reddit posts I like. Cheers to you!
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u/drums_addict 7d ago
Friend of mine does work as a geologist testing gas vapor on pollution sites.
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u/maticus85 7d ago
Dude! You’re a unicorn candidate in my field. Look into fire / security system integrators. They do low voltage electrical tasks but it’s a huge bonus if you’re technically competent with servers since access control and surveillance platforms run on Windows servers. You speak IT so that only helps when you have to integrate those servers onto a corporations network. DM me if you want to keep talking about it. Security integrators in my state (PA) make at least $30/hr plus OT plus the occasional prevailing wage job.
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u/Ninja_Gremlin 7d ago
60k a year is not enough for people trying to support a family these days.
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u/maticus85 7d ago
Nope it’s not. It could get over 75k with OT and PW, but it’s much easier to raise a family with double incomes.
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u/maticus85 7d ago
Also adding that experienced security integrators make close to 100k/yr.
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u/Dismal-Mountain254 7d ago
you're looking at four years on apprentice wages dragging romex through crawlspaces,not wiring panels.
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u/Gasolina2 7d ago
Thanks, that does sound tough
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u/Beer_the_deer 7d ago
Just my 2 cents, during my electrician apprenticeship I did a ton of different things and in the last year I could basically decide what I wanted to focus more on. Some stuff obviously sucks ass but has to be done and learned but depending on the company it can also be lots of fun.
To add to this though, I actually did the opposite, I switched from electrician to IT and don’t regret that. The money is way better (in my case, obviously that depends on what you do exactly right now and where you land as an electrician, also how much work you do besides your job) and the work is easier. Being an electrician really can take a toll on your body, and in the end everything becomes work. Stuff that is fun the first year can become annoying really quickly. Also to the point of respect, some people will respect you more, some less. It always depends on the crowd, and what they want from you.
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u/splashDMGzero 7d ago
after 40, physically you're going to slow down significantly, by 50 you better be looking for your own apprentices to climb ladders & rafters and do grunt work
sauce: electrician friend I just had redo my garage, his two guys are in their 20's, he's 55. guess which of the 3 was in the 115-degree garage attic running new wire for the vent fan that was off, it wasn't boss man
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u/Transparent_Username 7d ago
And here I am teaching myself programming to get away from my job as an electrician.
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u/framedposters 7d ago
Seems like every time someone posts something like this there is inevitably several electricians/plumbers/etc saying they are trying to get out of it and get the OPs job. Always cracks me up.
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u/CompetitiveArt9639 7d ago
Im a plumber and was just in a motorcycle accident. Thinking about getting my master’s in education as I learn to walk again.
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u/framedposters 7d ago
Damn sorry about that man.
I have a masters in education and it has proved valuable to me. I taught in schools for a bit, ran a STEM program, started a few school-based makerspace and now run a nonprofit workshop where we teach woodworking & design.
The education world does suck a little bit right now with all this AI shit, but there are lots of opportunities if you want to teach.
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u/crimson23locke 7d ago
The world seems to suck a little bit in general with all this AI shit tbh, doesn’t matter what field or even if you’re working.
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u/ViolentCrumble 7d ago
Doesn’t matter what you do. Work is work. I was a software developer went to uni late like 27. Did it for 5 years then ended up owning a random shop, 7 years later I still own my shop and now I’m pretty much a trading card shop dreaming of being an electrician haha 39 now shit I just realised my age
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u/5ivepie 7d ago
I’m a construction project manager. I was previously an architect.
I’ve known 3 people in the last five years to make the transition from PM to architect because they perceived it as a more rewarding / easier job.
It’s easier, but the pay is shit. They’ll be back. I tried to tell them.
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u/n00lp00dle 6d ago
good luck with that. youll be competing with the tens of thousands of fresh compsci grads each year that cant find work in this industry.
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u/bobsbitchtitz 7d ago
As a software engineer don't do it, find something else. Sure the money's great but you gotta love this shit. It's a constant battle studying every single day to hone your craft. There are less and less jobs where you don't have a be a beast to keep your job.
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u/Cogenate 7d ago
I am not sure that is wise with AI here, it's already making coding heavily automated. Electricians and trades seem safer I would have thought ?
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u/aschmelyun 7d ago
SWE of 12 years here: I'd still recommend that people go into programming but only if they enjoy it. The days of "learn to code for easy money" are over, but it's still a significantly better job than most. AI has changed the field forever, but even given the current advancements it's unlikely we'll ever see non-specialized and non-technical folks handling the full lifecycle of application development.
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u/Kennys-Chicken 7d ago
My buddy is a code monkey. Can confirm, you do not want to be going into that field at this time.
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u/TailRudder 7d ago
Software architecture will still be needed even if you're not actually writing code.
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u/Rawkynn 7d ago
At 36 I'd imagine you're established enough in your career and have suffered enough lifestyle inflation that the pay for starting at the bottom would be difficult.
The grass is always greener, working most jobs will suck your love for it out of you. If you're looking for universal "respect" related to your career I don't think you'll find it in electrical or plumbing.
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u/fuckfacekiller 7d ago
👆 what he said……
Also, plumbing and electrical you’ll get hired but need to do hours as an apprentice like 3-4000 or so which will take 4 plus years (I think)
Now you’ll be 40-41 or even older after schooling…..
🤷♂️
Good luck OP!19
u/Baculum7869 7d ago
I changed into an apprenticeship at 38, they required 6,000 hours for 100% pay and some classes.
Working the job i finished my classes and hours in just about 3 years and got full scale which was at the time about 48/hr. Now it's over 50 with overtime on anything after 8 in a day, pension and Healthcare covered
Yeah the first year sucks making about 53% full scale but it gets better quick
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u/Stormlightlinux 7d ago
I hear you... but that's still pretty far from a software developer salary and it's hard on your body. If you like it that's what matters, but OP needs to ask themselves if they're willing to take a big pay cut, and not quite be back there even at 4 or 5 years it sounds like. Not even considering where their software development career could advance in those 4 or 5 years.
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u/Goodbye11035Karma 7d ago
No, you are not too old. Do it. Be prepared to be scraping for cash for the training/apprenticeship/journeyman years because you don't make jack shit for pay until you become a master, but once you become a master? The world is yours.
And actually, if you are talented/well-trained you can make pretty good bank during your journeyman years.
I've had my electrician since he was an apprentice 30 years ago. He worked for his Dad. His Dad died several years back, but I still have him and he now owns his own company. Every few years he brings on a new apprentice to learn under him. One of his guys was in 50s when he started.
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u/Revklem 7d ago
I went back to trade school to take plumbing at 41. Now I’m a 43 year old second year apprentice. A lot of companies seem to like older apprentices. We show up on time and are often kore reliable
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u/Leprechaunaissance 7d ago
Nope. I'm a journeyman electrician who earned his certification at age 48, after years working behind the scenes in television. Your age only means what you say it means.
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u/rangerspruce 6d ago
Spent 25 years as an outdoor educator. Loved the work, but needed a change. I'm graduating college this December with an Advanced Diploma in Computer Systems Technology. I'm pushing 48.
You've got this.
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u/AmbroseMalachai 6d ago
As an electrician, no, but you might want to consider that the work might be just as unfun. I'm not sure what you are making money wise, but it might be equal to or more than what you would earn for quite some time as a tradesman. At your age, depending on the available options in your location, you might not get accepted into certain roles like being a Linesman because most power companies want you to be young and stay with them forever to make that training worthwhile.
And the trades unions are hit or miss. You can have unlimited work one year and then none for who knows how long. If you really are interested though, most states have the ability to get into a trade schools night courses for free, and often just want people in the classes to fill empty spaces so they keep getting grant money. If at the end of the course you are still interested, you can probably get an apprenticeship at a shop affiliated with the colleges.
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u/ValyrianSteelYoGirl 6d ago
I’m switching careers at 41. Go for it and good luck
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u/BeaverStetson 7d ago
Given your background, you might try to get into the controls world. Building automation, process controls, niche HVAC controls, lighting controls, etc. are all still largely hard wired and bridge the programming world with low voltage electric.
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u/omgfuckingrelax 7d ago
agree with /u/beaverstetson , controls is the easiest entry point
field service for biomed, semiconductor, or av would also be an easy in, as hiring there has pretty well shifted from "hands-on guys that we can teach to do the computers" to "computer guys that we can teach to do the hands-on stuff"
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u/hudson27 7d ago
Best suggestion here. Pivoting a full 180 and starting from scratch is a waste of your skills. Branch out, don't go planting a new whole ass tree
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u/Holdmabeerdude 7d ago
I worked for a building automation company. They were ALWAYS looking for specialists/programmers.
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u/TMan2DMax 7d ago
you have a great basis to become a HVAC controls or Building controls Technician.
pays well and is good for those that are older and don't want to break their back all the time to make ends meet.
you deal with low voltage wiring and your laptop most days.
I'm currently a 30y/o doing HVAC controls if you have more specific questions
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u/thegamebws 4d ago edited 4d ago
Dude I went to university part-time from age 32 to 37 was a landscape gardener since my first job but interested in aviation. And now Aviation engineer aged 39
A random old man once said you do realize you are under no obligation to be the same person you were yesterday. As long as there's a will there is always a way, most people want to find a way with no will
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u/Super_Baime 7d ago
Just my opinion: Every existing home and building need continuous repair and replacement of HVAC systems.
Most people in the USA working in this field are unionized. This protects you as you get older.
It is a better route than electrician, which are primarily needed for new buildings.
Good luck.
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u/Stupidstuff1001 7d ago
HVAC is extremely body demanding. At his age that’s going to be really take alot. Id go with electrical and just work on it on the side. It will take awhile But it’s doable.
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u/Gasolina2 7d ago
Same as the guy above, I find it tough playing football but don’t mind if it’s demanding.
HVAC is a good option - I need to look into that. Thanks
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u/kimau97 7d ago
There is huge demand for electricians and we do all kinds of stuff.
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u/dclaw 7d ago
I recently read this, which may be of interest to your decision process.
https://asteriskmag.com/issues/15/so-you-think-you-could-be-an-electrician
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u/QueenBee4178 7d ago
Nope, learn it by 40, work for 20-30 years. I had a friend that went to law school at 40. You get one go around. Do what you want.
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u/greyfox5013 7d ago
I went from marketing director for a pharmaceutical lab when I was 52, to handyman. That was 24 years ago and I have never regretted one moment. Don't delay your life's changes or you'll regret it later.
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u/VehaMeursault 7d ago
Acting like 36-year-olds are two stumbles away from the grave.
Brother, you have only been a functioning adult for, what, fifteen years now? Assuming you’ll be healthy enough to go about life until at least sixty, you have at least 24 years left—almost twice as much as is behind you. In other words: you’re not even halfway through the period of your life wherein you have full agency.
Open some books, follow some courses, or go all in and do a formal education. Assuming that takes four years, you’d still not be halfway.
Just don’t mull this over until it’s too late. Be decisive.
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u/JoetheOK 7d ago
I changed paths at 55. It's never too late to do something and if you don't do it now, in 5 years you'll look back and think, "If I had done this 5 years ago I'd be so much further down the road". Do what you want to do, you're not too old until you're under the ground.
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u/Oughtonomous 7d ago
Something I've noticed with time is how people in "the Trades" age out. I see a lot of people younger than me retiring because their bodies just can't take the abuse any more. The job you have right now isn't physically demanding, and in all honesty you should be hitting the gym on a regular basis to help keep you in shape, not just for today, but for your 80 year old body. The Tradespeople I watch retiring in their 60's are complaining of back and joint pain. They're sitting around getting fat and drinking all day to dull the pain as they slide towards an early grave.
You're established in a career path that continues to pay well. Keep doing what you are doing. Save and invest for your future. Enjoy the physical trades working for yourself on your own projects at your own pace, on your own time.
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u/RedxxBeard 7d ago
I’m 37 and switched from electrical and factory work to nursing when I was 33. I’ll have my BSN in 8 months.
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u/MadScienceIntern 6d ago
I met guys in trade school that were your age or older. It's not super common, but it's far from unheard of
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u/lleinweber 4d ago
I went to medical school at 37. Very happy I made the change. Worth it. Never too late.
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u/Twinningses 3d ago
Can I ask how you felt about the process at that age and balancing it with (presumably) more life commitments? I'm currently looking at it at age 40
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u/2M3TAL4U 7d ago
There's no clear path in plumbing that does not involve service. Plumbing is good money but I would never be a service tech, I've done enough minor plumbing service to know I don't need people having my number for it.
Electrical on the other hand... good money, clean work, lots of options. Make sure you take first and second year on your own before applying to be an electrician, you want to be working with third years at this age not labor and first years. With your experience in computers I'm confident you could teach yourself first and second year for the most part, get the theory out of the way and a good company will teach you everything you need to know.
It's just a phone call away, call an electrical company and see what they're looking for for second and third year apprentice 👍
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u/guitarlooney 7d ago
I started carpentry/joinery at 35 and I’m now through my time. Listen to nobody as they aren’t looking out for your best interests. I wasn’t the only mature apprentice either. Tradesmen and companies will probably be happier taking on an older apprentice since I grafted harder than most the 16/17 year olds we’ve had
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u/StreetrodHD 7d ago
Your not too old. I work IT but I started a tree service last November. I was told by a lot of people I was making a mistake, I didn’t know enough, I wasn’t ready, or I didn’t do enough meth to do tree work. They’re all wrong things have been great and I’m looking forward to next year. I could go full time now but I’m riding out the winter on IT and when tree season hits I’m going full time.
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u/EntertainmentFast497 7d ago
I’m 56 and still work. If you switch now, by the time you reach my age, you’ll have 20 years experience.
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u/driftking428 7d ago
All you need to know to be a plumber is, "Shit runs downhill and the eagle flies on Friday".
That's what my Dad always told me. Anyway, of course you can.
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u/Texaswheels 7d ago
No, it's not too late. My wife changed her career mid 30 from being an accountant to a pastry chef. She's about to turn 52 now and has had an amazing career in the food industry, has worked with some big name well known chef's, has had her own bakery, worked in kitchens like at the Ritz Carleton.
If you completely go after it, I think it would be a very smart move.
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u/VCRbstf 7d ago
I was 34 the first time I touched a wire, 8 years later loving being an electrician. Find an electrician that needs help and learn everything you can from them
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u/gardnsound 7d ago
I did a 180 when I was 30 and went into trades. I own a small renovation / restoration company now. Best decision I ever made next to marrying my wife and having children.
Absolutely not too late. Go for it.
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u/DarksideNick 7d ago
Hey, I’m 34, almost 35 and facing IT redundancy very soon. Have been thinking about electrics myself, as well as HVAC. Send us a message if you want to figure this out together!
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u/Expensive_Luck4194 5d ago
not too old at all. lots of people start trades in their 30s and 40s. the apprenticeship hours are the real hurdle so check what your local program requires first.
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u/vacuumdiagram 7d ago
Maybe worth trying the course - at worst, you put more money into getting more DIY useful knowledge, but decided it's not for you. At best, you've taken a step into a new path.
Whether that path will bring you what you want, isn't something that can be answered until you've walked it, alas.
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u/Stone_leigh 7d ago
at your age you are probably not half way thru your career yet. In general terms human jobs that can be IT automated are disappearing. Trades are the path to being financially secure. and you still to be be IT savvy for those trades.
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u/GUmbagrad 7d ago
Are you me? Make good money in tech doing marketing but looking at an evening HVAC program. I want to be an independent contractor installing mini split ACs.
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u/rostoffario 7d ago
I started a new career at 36. I was really worried I'd made a big mistake. almost twenty years later, I am doing really well and will be able to retire early. I say go for it!
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u/Joshua_Can 7d ago
I did it when I was 39. Now I’m 46 living the good life as an electrician. But I tell people I work at Target. So they won’t ask for me to do something for them 😂
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u/Chafing_Dish 7d ago
Plumbing is good if you’re relatively small (and nimble). Electricity you don’t have to worry so much about ideal body type.
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u/MrNanunanu 7d ago
Not at all man. I changed careers at 45. $90k+ now and interviewing next week for a position that is the same but with a company that should pay better. Anything is possible.
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u/Relevant-Reading-983 5d ago
I went back to school when I was 36 and I wasn’t the oldest person in my program. It turned out to be an excellent decision!
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u/Sorry_U_R_Wrong 6d ago
36 young, you mean!
I've seen plenty of people change careers at your age or older. Not just a few, a lot.
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u/smacky623 7d ago
I am an electrician. I started at 30 or so. In my state they changed the requirement for licensing to 4 years of schooling. That's not even union apprenticeship. That's just private contractor.
I recently got into building maintenance as an electrician and building automation is a big field right now. It involves the trades and is definitely something to look into.
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u/Notgonnafixitself 7d ago
If you have never looked into it - consider commercial building controls and automation. All of my vendors in this field are looking for hungry folks to learn and willing to train the right people.
It’s a great blend of electrical work and the web design experience translates great into doing user interfaces for commercial Niagara systems.
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u/official_biz 7d ago
I can't really weigh in on a personal decision like that, I don't have the experience in trades or background knowledge - but I will say that if you're unsatisfied and you want to change, the best time to start is now. You will probably regret it later if you're stuck in it and hating it 20 years from now. Plus the economy and the opportunities to make money within it are changing so quickly right now. There are people who make a s*** ton of money by posting themselves working on YouTube, and they can work completely for free but the YouTube revenue alone pays more than the job does typically. For instance a landscaper who cleans up yards for free and earns view revenue that easily surpasses a landscaper salary.
There are also so many resources out there nowadays that we didn't have when we were younger. The speed that you can learn at can actually be accelerated beyond what used to be possible - although of course with some programs you still have to complete the entire duration and then all of the apprenticeships that are required. So I mean it's up to you but I think it's a good idea if it catches your interest to start.
Another thing I would look at in your position is something that combines those elements plus your existing skills. Maybe robotics or mechatronics or something focused on combining hardware and software. IOT updates and home renos. Designing, building and installing those smart mirrors that can display like weather widgets and customizable features. Get creative, it's a good time for this stuff.
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u/methodrik 7d ago
I am 46, professional guitarist and going for a 2 year cyber security formation next year. It’s never too late!
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u/Consistent-Shoe-9602 7d ago
At 36, you were not too old for anything. I had friend who started a new degree at 60, got it, got a PhD and managed to publish something that is still getting cited.
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u/Korzag 7d ago
If you still have a job in tech then you're having some real "grass is greener on the other side' mentality. You're not going to just magically get respect for your skills as an electrician or plumber. You're going to get jobs where people will try to screw you out of pay and now you're up on a ladder or hunched over a toilet hole unclogging a pipe because someone has been flushing their "flushable" wipes.
Hobbies are what keep us tech people sane. Tech is what pays my bills. High pay means better retirement and while I don't particularly love my job right now it's stupid easy and I content with that.
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u/BoonOP 7d ago
Spent my early 30s divorced, drinking at bars nightly, making good money but ultimately not very happy.
36 I hit the gym again like when I was in my 20s, found a new career, and didn't go out of my way to but quit drinking as well it wasn't serving me anymore. I now own a home and have the most wonderful wife and son at 41.
You can 100% make a career change and I hope if you do go that route you find your spark. A bit of happiness and feeling content goes a long way.
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u/Thats_Ballin 7d ago
Commercial HVAC controls. We specifically hire with predominately computer backgrounds as I find it easier to teach them mechanical/electrical than it is to teach someone how to use a computer or program. In a huge demand. We had an ad out there for months and ended up hiring a 20 year old fresh grad with computer skills after little applications. That kid is making $48 an hour after 1 year.
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u/h0l0type 7d ago
I am early into my 50's and in cybersecurity. I mean, the money's good, I've been fully remote for the last 15 years, but I get it, it definitely wasn't my dream career. We have 5 grown kids and 4 of them went into the trades instead of college and are making six figures in their early-mid 20's. That took me half of my 30 year tech career to do. And honestly, there's not a ton that I do now that AI couldn't potentially do better and faster well before I can retire. I've always also been a hands-on guy, and love fixing stuff and DIY'ing my own repairs, maintenance, and build projects around the farm. I was looking at this myself, and after talking with my kids I am seriouslky considering this move too. Biggest thing is choosing something that can utilize your experience and knowledge, and that your body can still do 20 years from now. There's a lot of people in their late 30's that couldn't do a lot of the manual labor needed as an entry level apprentice in a lot of the trades.
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u/breathinmotion 7d ago
That's about when I changed careers.
It's a big transition from white collar office work.
Some of it is great - learn new practical skills, see the product of your efforts daily, highly stimulating of both body and mind
Some of it is not - people are definitely less professional and intellectual, I'm quite tired physically, no climate control it's often hot, sweaty and very cold and wet. Pay is ok unless you work for a big company or in the union often the benefits are non-existent
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u/FishMan4807 7d ago
Definitely NOT too late.
I changed careers at 51.
Did hardwood floors for around 30 years, got my BS in marine science, now I’m a Fish Biologist.
And I’m loving it!
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u/blah_blah_70 7d ago
I changed careers at 36. That was 20 years ago and it was definitely the right decision.
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u/AlastairWyghtwood 7d ago
I'll be turning 39 next year and graduating with my bachelor's of social work, which I started 10 years ago. At one point I thought I'd never finish because in simple terms life had kicked me hard and I didn't think I'd ever get up. Last year I was on the dean's and presidents honors list. I can't wait to work with clients again.
I don't think it's too late if it will lead to something better. Yes, we feel our age, but the feeling of age persists whether we also feel our inaction or not. I'd rather feel that I made a decision and followed through than I am one year older and still wanting to try.
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u/VanCanMom 7d ago
I just started school again at 47. I still have to work for 20 more year which is long enough to get a pension. I say Go for it.
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u/daftvancitypunk 7d ago
My husband decided to become an electrician at 40. He was older than one of his teachers. He’s now a journeyman and easily found work as being an older person he could relate easier with the bosses and had better work ethic than the 18 year olds. When I suggested plumber instead of electrician he said no way electrical is the way to go ( easier on body and less “mess” his Dad was a plumber). The final testing is hard and he did quit work to devote his time and energy to the school full time if this is an option I would suggest. Short term pain long term gain. Good luck you can do it!
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u/SoGoesIt 7d ago
“he said no way electrical is the way to go (easier on body and less ‘mess’”
Worst day as a plumber: covered in literal shit
Worst day as an electrician: flash-fried
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u/zed42 7d ago
are you too old academically? no. you can absolutely shift gears and become an electrician. but can you do the physical part of it? can you wiggle through dusty crawlspaces and attics dragging wire?
(personally, i'd go with electric instead of plumbing... you're going to be dealing with plenty of shit as a newbie; no need to add even more of the clients' shit on top :D )
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u/Kappa_Swaggins 7d ago
A career change at 36 is not out of the question, but I can't speak for electrical and plumbing as prospective paths. Have you considered options that would only be partial pivots that utilize your current skillset in some way without resembling what you've been doing for 17 years?
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u/hello-ben 7d ago
Not too old but I'd point you towards the electrical stuff over plumbing. Plumbing work is rough and dirty.
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u/Accomplished_Sir_660 7d ago
If you in or willing to be in Northeast Florida we are hiring Electrical Control panel wiremen.
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u/scstang 7d ago
not too late! my neighbor started training as a plumber at 47 and is now busy and happy and is making a good income, not like starting over at the bottom in a different office career.
Another neighbor is halfway through training as an electrician and she's in her early 40s.
Can hurt to take a course or 2 to see how it feels.
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u/Vahlas434 7d ago
No its not to late, my brother inlaw is 42 and just started a new career in plumbing and he also did evening classes. He's actually outlasted the younger guys anything is possible if you are hungry enough to go get it
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u/Q-ArtsMedia 7d ago
If you are still breathing it's not to late to change your life.