Almost 40 and desperately need help with new career..

[keenan]

Ok, I am pretty embarrassed to say this, but I am 38 years old and I have nothing to show for it. I have done manual work my entire life and I have made a good living from it, but I have now succumbed to arthritis in both shoulders and hips and I need to start thinking long term. Well, I should have started thinking long term a decade ago, but here we are..

Anyway, I am here now asking for advise on studies. More precisely what exactly I need to study to get myself into an IT role as soon as humanly possible.

I was thinking something in the direction of first line assistance or anything that will get me close to a starting salary of £25K annually.

Please, if anyone can give me some advise on where to start this new journey I would be forever grateful!

 

[keenan]

Where are you? What can you do? What do you earn now? Never too old to find success, just needs a different approach

I live in Croydon. I've been building PC's all my life and dealt with whatever ups and downs goes with it. The problem is I have never know exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I currently earn around £25k/year, so I want to try and maintain my current lifestyle or improve it what I'm at it

I'd definitely suggest completing both CompTIA A+ and ITIL v4 (New one only just replacing V3), will help you massively if you can afford to do them.

Any MCSA Content is generally good with it being a Microsoft Certification, service desks like this one as well as ITIL.

Thanks for the info, I will definitely look into this!

 

[keenan]

You any good with tools? Can you change a lamp? Unblock a toilet? You can get yourself a job as a building maintenance man for around £27k+ fairly easily. I can put you in touch with some agents if you want, but you must be prepared to travel to London and the first few months will be hard whilst you learn the ropes (unless you're already quite good at spannering).

I am yes, growing up in SA my dad had his own appliance company, so I was earning spending money fixing household appliances from a young age. I have done everything from bin collecting, home renovations, plant room upkeep and even general maintenance on building sites.

I would appreciate any and all help, thank you!

 

[keenan]

Send me your CV, I'll have a look and put you in touch with some folks, I know some fairly well and the industry is screaming for staff at the moment. You'll have to edit it to really, really emphasize your history in handy stuff but you'll have a job in no time. I started at £25k 10 years ago and now earn double that, as long as you're willing and keen there are many morons' heads to stand on to get a leg up.

I really appreciate all the help! I'll get busy with creating my CV tomorrow and forward it to you.

Thank you once again!

 

[keenan]

Always a pleasure boet, nou gaan ek lekker braai

Haha, well done! That's awesome!

 

[keenan]

@keenan I've sent you an email, but please send me your number. I spoke to my guy who's got a handyman role going for £25k at the moment, but we need to move quick.

Thanks Diddums, sorry for the late reply. I was sleeping and just got up as I'm doing overtime tonight. On my way to work now, but just replied to your email.

 

[keenan]

I do look fantastic in a skirt.

That is yet to be seen! I'll update everyone here within the hour.

 

[keenan]

Well he turned up early, was presentable, rather polite and friendly, and I gave him a task which he completed rather well and considerably better than most I could've given the task to, so no complaints here

I'm going to put him in touch with some agents to get him out of manual labour work and in to something a bit more relaxed and if played well, a bit of a career.

It was great meeting you today and a lovely change of pace! Also, tanks for the kind words, it means a lot

 

[keenan]

Well @keenan attended here again today to carry out some work for us, I can't speak highly enough of him, he jumps at every job, arrives early and well presentable and never complains. If anyone is looking for someone to help out with some odd jobs, give him a shout

Like I said earlier, I had loads of fun today! Absolutely love the atmosphere.

That drill bit though .. now that almost had me going

 

[keenan]

@Diddums had me over again this weekend and it was another fantastic learning experience! I had an absolute blast and sincerely appreciate all the time and effort he is putting into helping me find my feet in this new environment. I can not thank him enough for his dedication, the amazing lunch on Sunday and the many, many coffees from the café..

 

[keenan]

..

 

[keenan]

That look of relief on your face when the whiteboard lined up was a photo moment! Good work as always, you're a machine. It's rather satisfying to see you learn the ropes more too, I was tempted to help you with the whiteboards but I wanted to see you get on with it and you found a much easier solution to a problem than I would've found, I was impressed

We may need you on the weekend of the 29th, I'll let you know.

Haha, I blame that moment of overwhelming relief on the lack of sleep

Thanks again, it was a great weekend!

In regards to any further work, just let me know and I'll definitely be there..