My sister is changing careers at 53! What's your story?

[Ginger]

My sister is now 53 years old. She has been a practicing attorney for many years, but is now studying to be a Lutheran pastor. I think she just always had a burning desire to help people -- but growing up, she just got it in her head that the only way to do that was by being a lawyer.

I'm really proud of her determination, and she is doing very well. She isn't sure if she'll actually accept a regular call at a church -- right now she's thinking of serving chiefly as an interim pastor or maybe in prison ministry, which I really think sounds exciting.

Have any of you made a radical career shift, and how did it work out for you? I'd like to hear some stories.

[3and3and3]

When I was still dating my DH from 200 mile away, I had 15 years in accounting. (which I enjoyed) When we became engaged and I moved in with him, of course I had to leave my job. Where we live there were not accounting jobs available. I have worked since I was 13, not working was not something I could even consider. My DH does have a good salary and I am not financially needed to work other than for my sanity. Most of the jobs available here were in the service industry. i e waitress, bartender. I started waitressing at a restaraunt lounge and soon was bumped to bartending. I LOVE it.
I have since started bartending at a golf course, which works out perfectly. I have winters off and still have the same annual income as when I was working in accounting.
Winters off with Michigan weather is just a HUGE bonus.

[Ginger]

Bartending sounds like fun! I'm glad you're enjoying your part-time employment.

[jazzygal72]

For all my life I wanted to be a nurse. But, because I had my son when i was so young, and had to work to make ends meet I wasn't able to attend school. So I worked for 911 here in my state and sctually loved the job. The worst part about it though was not being able to follow up on the people and see how they were doing. My employer at that time was willing to pay 1/2 my tuition and books if I wanted to go back to school as long as the feild that I was going for was the "service industry." So, I went to school and earned my nursing degree.
I have never been happier!

[newscat]

Wow! I think all of you are very brave! I salute you.
My own industry appears to be dying with the times. I've thought of various things but it all seems so scarey.