(dons Flame retardant suit)
Join the Police. (yes I know some people would rather stick pins in their eyes - but hear me out).
Reasons:-
1) You are 40 and therefore hopefully have a lot of life skills, i.e been there seen that done that. Nothing makes up for a lack of common sense, especially in the Police.
2) You have a background in IT. Now I know you don't want to work in IT, but the Police, particularly the City of London, have Financial Investigation and Computer Misuse departments - you've probably got some excellent skills that would fit working as a Police Officer within those departments.
3) Not a lot of foreign travel involved - but the wages are good and so is the time off. If you're based in the South then these two factors should allow you to travel, albeit under your own finances, on a regular basis.
4) Work with a lot of good looking women. Lol - you're supposed to be working not chatting them up, but as a Police Officer you are going to be out there in the public eye and get to meet some amazing people. Not all of them are going to be your girlfriend but many will end up as friends. The more people you know, the better your chances of finding someone
5) Work with some nice cars. Ok they're all the same colour, but there are some really nice vehicles on most Police Forces fleets. Driving Courses are excellent, plus if you're good enough then specialisation into Traffic / Crime Car etc., becomes a viable career path.
6) Doesn't need any start up capital - they pay you. Wages rise quite rapidly even as a PC - take your exams and rise through the ranks - more money simple as that.
7) Recession Proof - definately. If you do your job well and don't abuse your position then you're unlikely to get sacked.
The only downside you have is that at the age of 40, you're probably not going to be able to get to get a maximum Police pension, which I believe is now only achievable for new entrants after 35 years service.
Now I know some people will say what the hell do you want to join them for? They're all corrupt etc., yep I will agree there are bad apples within each Force, but hey I know some really bad *(insert any profession you care to mention here). That's another debate entirely though - the OP wanted some ideas and hopefully the above can be taken on board.
