Cut a long story Short, im 43 ive worked for Caterpillar for 19 years now. 3 years as a Labourer and 16 as a CNC machinist. I earn roughly around 32k a year. My job/shifts/personal life and more importantly my mental health is becoming effected seriously by this. I need a new career with similar pay but no experience. Can anybody help please??
I started out leaving school at 16 doing an engineering apprenticeship (I know the CNC/engineering stuff you mention, we are similar ages) but ended up changing direction and I'm in the public sector now - I'm doing nothing like what I thought I would when I left school. Don't be put off by 'a new start' it can be done mate
Hard to say, but don't be daunted by change. 43 is young enough to try something else if you embrace new ideas. If you are really cheesed off, you have at least recognised a problem..Good luck, keep thinking and keep trying!
If you can afford to pay for training try learning a trade in the building sector, plumbing/ plastering/ electrician/decorator etc
Might have to take a slight step back in salary to take a step forward in the other areas that are important to you. If you're a grafter you can build your way back up in salary over the course of a year or three regardless of what you're doing, attitude is nine tenths of the battle. As Oliver's army mentioned public sector, generally speaking, offers a better work/life balance, but you sacrifice a bit in terms of the wage. All depends on what is more important to you in the here and now. Self employed always struck me as the best way to earn your money, but it's riskier innit and all the stress that could entail. You also need skills people would pay for which was always what stopped me going down that route
Shame you don't have a class 1 hgv licence. Day shift salaried at 41k and night shift at 46k .... new drivers taken on too
Wishing you all the best marra, God bless. Wish I could offer you some good advice. Keep your head up and openingly talking to all your family and friends so that they know what you are going through and good friends will support you.
I took a massive career swerve in October last year after I was made redundant. I’d worked in IT for 20 years and was well and truly burnt out. In April this year I started my own business making and refurbing cricket bats. It went very well over the summer but I’m now taking on a temporary job to cover me across Xmas and into the new year when I’m hoping I can go back to cricket bats full time. I’ve never felt happier or more focused on how the next 20 years are going to go career wise. I’m 41 so a similar age to yourself. it can be done - me and the mrs looked at our bills and tried to find ways we could trim our outgoings and came up with salaries etc that we were comfortable with and went from there. You might have to take a step back or sideways to go forwards sometimes. good luck
I can put you forward for £32k working from home, full office provided, got to be able to talk the talk or they won’t progress you at the bottom level, pm me if you want a shot
I'm not sure of any kind of salaries involved, but Automation (warehouse / factory) is about to take off in a massive way. Something to look into unless you "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life" - Mark Twain.
Im a firm believer if you are unhappy in your job change it. Absolutely no point in being unhappy as I’ve found it spreads to other parts of your life.
Sorry I have no suggestions to offer you Tees, but I will offer my best wishes for you moving onward. The fact that you recognise your situation and actively want to do something about it tells me that the right thing for you will present itself. Obs, let us all know how you get on
One question mate do you have an idea what you want to do that’s where I would start, you could actually get a job with more money but in 3 months you realise it’s crap. I’ve changed jobs a few times and never had a problem if you are pretty good at using your hands you can virtually blag any job if you are canny in interviews. Good luck mate with whatever you choose
Good for you recognising the need for a change, It might need some time in further education to have a complete career change, always worth looking at local colleges to see what courses are open to what you want to achieve, even the Open University could be a route....Good luck with whatever your decision is mate.
Catterpillar are a big company, is there no chance of progressing your career with them, but going down a different route from your current role? I'm sure within the company there must be numerous different types of job, and with some re-training you might find the answer there. Mate of mine worked for Walkers on the line for years, and in his words 'became a robot' but after putting in his notice his gaffer talked him into staying and got him involved in the sales side of PepsiCo, the parent company. He retrained and ended up travelling all over as a buyer of machine parts and systems. He loved it, and it kept him there until he retired. Maybe worth asking, as you already have years of experience, it would be a shame to throw it away if your new job was already waiting ' in house'. Good luck
Very good post. Sometimes it's best to have a really good understanding of the company/organisation as those at the top (generally) haven't a clue. Your (Tees) knowledge of the production line will be invaluable to some of them 'upstairs'. Just make sure they know it's your knowledge cos they will pinch it for themselves.
