Career Change at 30

Hello guys,

I am new to the forum. I left Computer Science college when I was young then I joined the military for 5 years and for another 5 I worked in the Hospitality sector until I got a bad hernia that even after the surgery has crippled me and I am unable to keep proper posture for a long time without hurting.

I has really impacted my psychology, I can't put a fake smile on my face anymore so I am looking for something new. I would like to ask whether it's possible to start as an engineer at the age of 30. What would be the best route. I have never worked in my life for construction.

I would like to hear your honest answer and thank you deeply.

Hi Jei and welcome to the forum.

I don't want to be negative straight off, but has the hernia affected your ability to lift stuff, not just off the floor, but being able to hold things up with one hand whilst wielding hand and power tools in the other is a pre-requisite and if it causes you problems, you could struggle with the physical side of the job.

That said, you may be able to get by using support like a weight lifting belt. I know hardly anything about hernias, so I may be talking carp.

Again, not being negative but..............I go home after a long day and ache like an achey thing, just make sure that you are able to undertake the physical side of things as it is more strenuous than people think.

As above how are you going to work with a hernia problem? I had a double hernia operated on and no probs so far. But assuming you have a plan look at this link. Morris Services - Getting Started - http://www.morrisservices.co.uk/gettingstarted.asp it shows what you need to be an electrician. I know you said engineer but I am guessing you mean electrician. There was a discussion on site once about who is the hardest person on site. And it was concluded electricians were. Why?-because they do the most difficult work running up and down stairs crawling under floorboards crouching in lofts its a bit like iron man triathlon everyday. You up for that? If you are welcome to the trade and of course it is eminently possible and that is the truth! You are young you have your life ahead of you, and now you have got rid of that fake smile and got a real one you should be just fine...I hope?

Hi bud,i have pals with allsorts missing...an eye,a hand,a foot,a lung,toes,fingers...even some with all their "clues" gone...all working,some even happy!

There will be lots of parts of the electrical industry,where you can take part,pleasure and income,from.

There are parts which you may find not so easy,dependant on your physical limitations,but this does not mean there are not ways and means of overcoming these. This is why mankind has thought,tools and apprentices.

I know a plasterer with no left arm from the elbow,a partially sighted sign-writer (although now,he mostly flirts on transfers) and me mum did an English Degree and then her Masters,after she turned 65

Remember,things are NEVER quite as bad as they seem...sometimes it is MUCH worse,but usually,you end up thinking later "What was i flappin' for?"

...I can feel the closing song,from Life of Brian,coming on...

IMO, you will never be able to what you discribe, this job is quite strenuous.It has taken its toll on me.

Thank you for all the answers guys. You are all great. Is it possible to start after finishing the NVQ lvl 2? Will someone hire a 30 year old? Can I work for free for sometime till I learn something. I believe London has many opportunities but I am a little scared.

As with my condition it's that I can't stand still for long hours daily and carry weight on my right side while walking. Funny to say that with proper form I can lift 100kg at the gym but if I have to walk 5kg might be limit. I hope it gets better with time but it's been already 10 months..

Please enlighten me a bit 'cause I am through my darkest hours. It's a big decision to invest in one sector then move onto something different.

My thoughts on this cause I'm a old timer,forget the construction area,they have no thought for its workers,cut throat prices,all trades hate each other including the same trades.Really glad I'm nearly out of it.
If you look at any other job,be it behind a desk or utility workers they get everything so much better than us,& not far behind us on wages,I haven't had a pay rise for 6 years.
Being a sparkle is varied & can be enjoyable on a positive note,commercial,industry or control panel works of employment would be my advice,good luck.