<p>More specifically, what formal training/qualifications did you achieve after the age of 40 that paid off in better work or a new career?</p>
<p>Anything from a 2-week donut making course to an MD …</p>
<p>Trading stocks.
Trading options.
Learning about the open source development community.
Vector Extensions in x86 architecture.
Nutrition.
Exercise efficiency.</p>
<p>I learned the basics of HTML and web design at age 50. Not formal training (I learned on my own) and no new career, but it did enable me to volunteer to run the websites of two non-profit organizations, which I love doing.</p>
<p>I learned how to write grants and get funded.
I learned how to create a statewide plan about a health issue I am interested in, getting buy-in from many partners and collaborators.
I learned how to actually form a 501c3 non-profit corporation and get it approved by IRS.
I am continuing to learn and improve skills in motivational interviewing.
I learned how to reinvent myself and switch from law to public health.
I learned how to conduct lung health clinics throughout the state with many different partners.
I learned how to coordinate and have annual education days for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers.</p>
<p>These things have combined to enhance my new career in public health.</p>
<p>Went back to grad school & (finally) got my MS in IS so that I could be a librarian. Second career :)</p>
<p>I went back to school and became a registered nurse.</p>
<p>How to use BIM Software (Revit). What a pain in the butt.</p>
<p>How to RUN! Helps me relieve stress and do better at work!</p>
<p>I was a trained classical pianist and by attending music classes and lots of practice, I learned how to improvise and play different styles on the piano. I retired from my MBA career in business and now work part-time as a professional musician - I finally got to follow my dream!</p>
<p>I learned about exercise and weight-lifting and reversed my osteoporosis. </p>
<p>I also had my second child at age 40 and 10 months, and I learned a lot from him.</p>
<p>These posts are all nice…</p>
<p>Sportsmom42…you play jazz now?</p>
<p>Drive a race car
Markets go down and come back regularly–let it ride and double down when it’s way down if you can
40 to 60 goes by very fast
You will get older and slow down–do it now</p>
<p>I tried out for Jeopardy and won a bunch of games and money - all after age 40. What I learned was that it’s possible to go out and actually make things like that happen. That it’s not just something that happens to Other People or TV People, but to real, everyday people like me. Before learning that I never would have attempted it. It seemed impossible then.</p>
<p>I finally finshed my B.S. and am now applying to a teacher training program. I hope to become a high school English teacher someday and I am sure I will learn a lot from my students.</p>
<p>–Got a grad degree in an entirely new field and started an entirely new career.
–Learned how to design websites using HTML/XHML/XML. (Which had nothing to do with the new degree.) Also learned C++, SQL and JAVA programming. (Which also had nothing to do with new degree)
–Learned how to read medical journals and decode “doctor-ese” so I could assist DH in researching cancer treatments.
–Learned how to manage my own finances (after DH died), including how and when to fire financial advisors, buy & sell my own investments (“Buy Low. Sell High”), and deal with building contractors.
–Learned to forgive my mother for being a very difficult, selfish and hypocritical person.</p>
<p>I became a pilates teacher!
and finally learned how much better I feel when I exercise regularly</p>
<p>I began a whole new career in an area I knew NOTHING about. I have learned the magic of using Excel for financial spreadsheets.</p>
<p>Dstark, I’m still aspiring to playing Jazz on the piano…that’s yet a whole other level of improvisation!</p>
<p>I turn 50 this summer and am keeping my fingers cross that my husband will FINALLY buy me that baby grand piano I’ve been waiting for my whole life! Actually, I’m sure he will if I ask nicely. :)</p>
<p>Sportsmom42…nice… :)</p>
<p>WayOutWestMom…looks like you have gone thru some very serious stuff…</p>
<p>I like your spirit.</p>
<p>My “little” sister got her BA and Masters in her 50s. I’m so proud of her! And both degrees have advanced her in her career.</p>
<p>@dstark–I went thru 6 years where my life was more dramatic than anything you’d ever see on daytime TV (that list doesn’t even touch half of all the bad stuff that happened)</p>