Switching careers at 35 - nervous as hell

Dec 171 min read

I've been in finance for 12 years. Good salary, benefits, but I hate it and I'm never home. Twin boys are 5 now and I want to actually know them.

I'm thinking about going back for a teaching credential. It would mean a salary cut (we can handle it) but summers and school hours = more time with my kids. Plus same calendar as them.

Anyone made a big shift like this? How did you handle the transition, the pay cut, the risk? My wife is supportive but also... this is scary.

10 comments166 views

Comments(10)

KKent R.RegularDec 17

Real talk - have you talked to actual teachers about the job? Like not the Instagram version, the "I grade 60 essays on Sunday" version? Not trying to be a downer but career switches are easier when you know what you're actually walking into.

TTerrence M.RegularDec 17

Thinking about switching too but the identity thing is killing me. In finance you get respect just saying what you do. Teaching feels like admitting defeat. How are you working through that mentally?

TTom E.RegularDec 18

12 years is a long time to be miserable. Teaching salary will be rough compared to finance but the schedule alignment with the twins' school year is actually huge - you'll actually see them grow up instead of just getting a weekly update. Have you looked into what the pay cut looks like in your area?

CCarlos M.New DadDec 18

This is where I'd say talk to your wife about the financial cushion you need. 35 is actually a good age to switch - you've got 30 years to build back up. My bigger question: are you burned out on finance or would a different finance role (like nonprofit treasurer or something) scratch that itch without the 60-hour weeks?

SScott W.RegularDec 18

Real talk - have you done a stint volunteering in classrooms first? Not saying don't do it, just... finance is predictable money and teaching is chaos with 25 kids at once. Make sure that's actually what you want and not just an escape fantasy

KKarl J.RegularDec 18

lol I'm in a similar spot, different industry. The thing that scared me most was losing the identity of being "the finance guy" but honestly that was ego stuff. Your kids won't care that you made six figures - they'll care that you're at their soccer games. Do it.

AArchie M.RegularDec 19

Did the same thing 4 years ago, went from consulting to teaching middle school. Honestly the hardest part wasn't the pay cut - it was my identity being wrapped up in the old job. Therapy helped with that part. But I'm home by 4:30 and that changes everything with my kids

DDale J.RegularDec 20

Your twin boys are only 5 once. That part resonates. The money thing will work itself out somehow - people do it all the time. The part I'd worry about is whether teaching actually gives you what you're looking for or if it's just 'not finance'

HHugh S.RegularDec 19

12 years is a long time to be miserable. That salary probably feels comfortable but you can't get those years back with your twins. Teaching won't pay like finance but the schedule actually lines up with their school calendar - that part is huge

NNolan J.RegularDec 20

lol the irony of making great money to provide for them while barely seeing them. I get it. Teaching credential programs vary wildly by state though - some are 1 year, some are 2. Look into your local requirements first