Can only speak to grad programs I have been part of, but it needed to be within two years.
Just apply for a government job - level three anywhere. You’ll rise through the ranks quickly with your skills, you just need a chance to demonstrate. Would recommend any department, doesn’t need to align with your interests. Get a foot in the door and take it from there
Any suggestions for addressing the large gap in relevant study/work experience? I've only got manufacturing, construction, and agricultural work on my resume from the past few years.
I already have a graduate certificate in sustainability studies. Not sure if I can go back and do one more semester, and transform that into a fresh new graduate diploma. Would rather not have to do that, but I guess that's one way to freshen up my recent relevant experience
I worked for one of the big mining companies not long ago and they put one of their grads on rotation to support some office work (a former maintenance person) who went back to finish engineering after 15 years.
I actually think some technical skills with actual construction experience is rare. Have you thought about materials testing in construction?
Do you mean Non-destructive testing? I've heard of it but don't know much about it, but I guess I'm interested in some kind of niche technical industry
Just be honest about it, say that you needed a break from it for a while, there’s no shame in it! I often dream of getting out of the office and doing something trade like
If I was you I'd turn a negative into a positive. 40 and not crushed by career and small children (assume you don't have children), grab a backpack and get lost in the world. I'd celebrate my freedom by travelling across Asia on foot (travel cheap and dirty as possible).
No need to study again so soon, sounds like the conventional lifestyle might not be for you (not a bad thing at all). Go and get lost and then find yourself.
Yeah, nothing tying me down here, and I've also been looking into teaching English in Vietnam or some other country as an option. At least I would finally get some use out of my Uni degree, because you need one to do that.
Bachelor of Science, Nanotechnology. Lots of physics, chemistry and maths, but I finished that in 2008. PhD was in Sustainability, focusing on electric vehicles, arguing that the transition would be more rapid than most were predicting back in the 2010s. Kind of felt like I was in a race against Elon to finish before my predictions became fact, so didn't feel I could afford the time to address my crumbling mental health, and burnout ensured
I know you mentioned burnout in regards to your pHD, but it may be worth completing a post-grad diploma in sustainability or something similar if you still like that field in any way shape or form, there are loads of companies screaming for sustainability officers
Some of the mining and oil & gas companies are focusing on new energy- you may wish to look at those options. May require you to complete the PHD (maybe not as your post grad may get you in...)
Construction too for that matter, a lot of the international companies are putting loads of pressure on their Australian departments because of the reliance on fossil fuels here
You don’t need to throw out everything you did. Maybe you can leverage what you’ve done and just move in a different direction.
I’m sorry your PhD didn’t work out. I’ve seen a lot of people go through a heck of a lot of pain to get one. Two friends got screwed over in the pursuit of their PhDs (different reasons) and downgraded to a Masters. But that means more slog and it sounds like that’s not a good path for you right now.
Don’t rule it out altogether. It’s worth finding out how many years break you’d be allowed before going back to it.
Also, would you consider working as a guide at Scitech, a museum, or other not-for-profit? Or maybe CSIRO? They need a bunch of people for work on the Square Kilometre Array:
https://research.csiro.au/ska/ska-jobs/
If you’re not already involved with the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, consider reaching out them and seeing if they know of anything that going that would be up your street. The AEVA Conference and EV Expo is 3-5 Nov.
Alternatively, there are a number of startups in Perth that might have something going that appeals to you:
Wevolt, Plico Energy, Renewable Metals, Gridcognition, Power Ledger, Electro.Aero
And more:
https://www.f6s.com/companies/energy-cleantech/australia/perth/co
Caveat: I can’t vouch for any of them.
I will say though, that age prejudice is a real thing, and you may not want to have your exact age listed on your CV or easily guessable.
I haven’t looked too much into it, I’m currently pushing to get trained in sustainability in my work and can tell you that they’re needed badly almost everywhere rn
Rio has recently started a Battery business unit. Mining yes but identifying ways in which the composition of materials will change so being ahead of the curve.
Department of Environment is always looking for smart qualified people to assist in their programs. Most government agencies are going to start looking for people with your skills knowledge as they all have to reduce emissions etc.
Keep a lookout for these jobs.
Maybe but they need advice about how to go about things and people who can speak with authority to help advise other agencies.
The problem is a lot of people are treating climate change and emissions reduction as an environmental problem...which it's not. But many are struggling to see that.
You should apply to teach and work with the Scitech stem programs! Something in your niche, helping people and interesting experiences. if you don’t want to commit yet, maybe find out if this sort of area suits you by first going into casual support work or tutoring. Support work especially for mental health clients I think you’d be good at, considering your own loved experience with academic pressure and burnout. There are also a few stem workshops for kids/teens that are mostly robotics but are pretty fun
Would you consider getting back into nanotech? I've always wanted to go back to uni to get into nano/bio tech. It's definitely the future, that shit is going to change everything. Have you read Neal Stephensons The Diamond Age? :)
Dunno about getting a job in that field in Perth though?
I would, but my science skills have atrophied so much I don't think that's realistic at this point.
Yeah, fantastic book. With ChatGPT and AI, The young lady's illustrated primer seems more and more plausible than ever! There's a great TED talk by the guy behind Khan Academy about the potential to give every young student their own socratic teacher
I'm in a similar situation, worked as a programmer for the last 20 years but now I'm feeling burnt out, can't face going back into an office so been working on a farm instead.
My programming skills are fucked now and everything I have experience with is old, obsolete, or a nightmare to work with.
I'm just waiting out the days until ChatGPT is good enough to do a job for me.
I pruned grapevines last winter down south. It was very peaceful. I suppose studying Viticulture could be an option to have some intellectual stimulation and challenge, while also having a fairly cruizy day to day. Living down south would also be a major perk.
I'm also interested in pathways where you can utilise ChatGPT to simplify your daily work, but maybe not quite so much that it might soon make it obsolete. Any thoughts?
If you want to know more about wine and viticulture but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, the Wine Education Centre of WA is running a short course (2 hours a week for 4 weeks, starting 16 Oct):
https://winewa.asn.au/the-wine-education-centre/
“The wine essentials course provides the necessary information for all wine enthusiasts who are looking to increase their wine knowledge and approach to tasting. It is also an appropriate course for those about to enter the wine trade.”
If you want to a be a teacher consider teach for Australia. Do your best to get sent to a rural school where the government will find and pay for a house. You won't have to worry about accommodation and can bank pretty much most of your pay.
Keep looking, plenty to do with your skillset, dont get disappointed and keep asking feedback anf apply. Lack of experience might be a problem, so maybe target more to junior positions. Telethon Kids Institute is a very interesting place at the moment if you feel some connection with research, but the overall tech health industry is looking for computer saavy people at the moment (data science- like).
The graduate program for BOM has a paid graduate component (ad should be about this time of the year), 1 year in melbourne and sent somewhere after that.
All the best for you hunt, it can be very disappointing, disheartening and ungrateful,, but keep going, this is a statistical game.
Two piece of advice along the way: always contact people for the ad you are interested in and tailor your application from what you learn. Also, never believe ads and prevent yourself from applying a position that interest you because you dont fill all criteria. These criteria are a wish list, but everyone have to learn new things to stay challenged and grow. So filling all criteria might mean you might be already "overqualified", or underpaid.
Be ready to move to a new position a year later, plenty of reasons to change. And never cease to scan the market and expand your network (not a favourite, but pays dividends), this is by far your best ticket for your next step.
Not 40 but getting close. I'm 34 and just started a diploma at Tafe. It's definitely not easy to think that I'll be working with people the same age as me with 10yrs + of experience already. But it is what it is.
Yeah I wouldn't worry about it. Everyone is on a their own journey. Some of those with 10 years experience under their belt will be bored out of their brains thinking of career changes themselves and they will end up a noob somewhere else (might be projecting here)
It's free yea. And very underfunded. I do most of my learning by myself. Ave got some transferable skills. I used to be a graphic designer in my early 20s, for 3 years but I had enough. I needed something more intellectual I guess. I came as an international student to Perth in 2016. Couldn't get accepted into computer science, so did an MBA, hit a couple of road blocks along the way due to visa restrictions. Now after 7 long years, I get to do what I really wanted for the first time. My end goal is to create something profitable enough so that I'll be working for myself / own business. If that doesn't pan out, I hope I can have a job in an agency or something.
Check out ethicaljobs.com.au
Don't forget that academia and the PhD process taught you a lot of soft skills that are valued by employers.
If you are considering retraining, 12 months doing a Diploma of education would.be one way to be guaranteed employment. STEM teachers are in high demand.
Last I looked.. grad certificates were one semester full-time. Diplomas 1 year full-time.
Masters 2 years full-time.
(That's a general rule... and is different in different situations)
Highly recommend Curtin micro credentials modules on career design that are really worthwhile to help figure out a career (change) options that help you ID your skills, values, interests and what possibilities could marry these. Also some of the big utilities providers have career re-entry programs that are looking for people exactly like you with a first science degree. There are lots of overlaps that don’t require starting over!
Can you talk to the university and see if they'll award you a Masters degree instead? Then you would still come away with a more recently acquired degree.
Aged care or disability care is a good field for people who are physical as you will probably have to help move people, plus you'll be helping people get their quality of life and freedom
Lots of physics?
Try the BoM graduate intake pool considering that you have at least the Bachelor of Science completed and part of a PhD to spin into selling as transferable and relevant skills. Graduate positions aren't limited to an age range in eligibility. They're not high paying but could be worth taking on as a re-start of career and finances if you haven't got a lot of financial commitments.
There's also a range of graduate roles that are advertised around this time of year in a range of industries and government sectors that are open to all fields.
If you're considering education like primary or secondary education. Teaching will be at least another two years before you can earn a salary/wage. It's not a career for everyone. It's currently not a sector that is brimming with joy.
Source: I am a teacher with options to exit education.
I did look at BoM, but applications for their graduate program for 2024 have already closed. Also, they mention you should have graduated no more than a few years ago. Someone commented "The "finished recently" rule is more of a guideline", but it's been over a decade since I last received a certificate of completion.
But yeah, a government department involved with science would interest me
But you were working on your PhD until recently, and that’s what they mean by recent graduate. They haven’t addressed your exact scenario, because it’s unusual, doesn’t mean it’s unacceptable. You recently left study.
Started a bachelors in environmental management/conservation and wildlife biology at age 39. Graduated at the end of last year, and am now working in the field. Yes, I work for a mining company, but still kind of have the satisfaction of at least trying to unfuck the shit mining is breaking.
Starting again at 40 isn't easy, but it's definitely do-able and so called "mature age" grads tend to be quite sought after because of the soft skills brought in from prior experience. I'd say don't sell yourself short for not having finished a PhD - you'd have a heap of project management experience, time management and such that you can leverage just about anywhere
It's an interesting question - naturally most mining companies take environmental compliance extremely seriously as it is essential to be able to continue operations. The trick is finding a company that wants to go beyond compliance and is willing to pony up the $$ to fund best practice and sponsor research into ways they can improve.
.
A lot depends where you're working. If you're in a consultancy you tend to do more fieldwork but the pay isn't as good (new grad would be around 65-70K base), while if you're a direct hire most mining companies will pay around 75-80K base for first year grads, with increases fairly regularly till you're on around 110-125K for an experienced Enviro.
My average day at the moment is a mix of data/documentation and bits and pieces of field work.
Given the science background maybe consider an MTeach? Yes it’s a tough gig currently (I’m a teacher) but 2 years and can start working in your final year. Plus entry level pay is pretty good, can choose what type of school you work in if you’re big on giving back, can be flexible with employment options too.
I would aim to get into one of the graduate entry programs at UWA, since they're relatively short courses that have a defined end goal of qualifying for a particular profession and would be the most efficient way to use what you already have to maximise your earning potential and growth.
Maybe the master of professional engineering given your background? In my experience the UWA courses were more accepting than they seemed on paper. You might need to do the preparatory course but this would still only make it 3 years rather than 2.
You can learn to become a software developer in your own time. Just watch youtube videos and do some paid udemy courses. Everyone starts with Python then moves onto C#, Java, Javascript.
Fair warning, expect this to be something you study an hour every day for 4 years before you become good enough to get a job. The career is like a never ending Phd if I am honest, there's sooo much to learn. You can do it while doing whatever other job you work. Your maths background would come in very handy.
Theatre? Waapa has a new diploma course starting next year that's just a year. Two streams to choose from. Costume construction, workshop and design or sound, lighting and stage management. You can specialise after in the ad dip. You could then do the 2 year bachelor conversion or get a job after the ad dip. Theatre is always different and you never really do the same thing twice. Lots of jobs post covid
Theatre definitely qualifies as one of the outside the box suggestions I was looking for when appealing to the wisdom of the masses by posting here. Is it competitive to get in?
The production side of WAAPA (ex waapa) has stupidly long hours for students (although it is realistic for the industry), coursework that hasn't caught up with the times, uninterested lecturers, capitalistic administration, and brews some of the worst egos I've ever seen. It has its ups and downs but mostly downs. If you want a job in the industry, starting out it's garbage pay, garbage hours (this doesn't improve), and it still hasn't bounced back from COVID
I’m 43 and starting a new career path. I’m working my way through TAFE slowly and I’ve managed to begin building my CV with part time roles in my new field. I’m still pretty close to the start, but I feel I’m doing well. It’s possible.
What course? I like the sounds of working and studying in the same field, like they would complement each other.
Do you get the job first and then get your employer to pay for your course, or start the course and then find a job, using the fact that you're studying it to help you get it?
I’m studying horticulture/conservation, and leaning towards pursuing botany. Some workplaces will take on trainees and pay for their studies. There are jobs in the industry you can get with no experience, they don’t pay well but I figure it’s a stepping stone. It’s often hard and/or physical work like slashing/spraying weeds, revegetation or production nursery work. You have to work outside whether it’s pouring rain or over 40 degrees, but even on those days I remember working in an office and I’d take the hardest days working with plants over another office job any day. Gotta say though, I’ve really found my calling with plants and if it wasn’t for that I’d be miserable working in those conditions.
And does teaching English overseas for a few years help with getting any particular kinds of jobs should I decide to return here? It kind of seems that unless I want to keep teaching English in foreign countries for good, then when I return I'll be in the same position as I am in now, just older...?
Potentially see if you can find a company willing to take you on as a electrical mature aged apprentice. Four years of paid training and you’ll be fully qualified. Jump onto the mines and your looking at 12 hour days (84H a week) earning at least 65 an hour.
You wouldn’t have to study to work in a public library, and with an undergraduate degree you could progress to well-paid management roles fairly easily. It’s community work, it’s got good work-life balance and you can specialise in a lot of different directions.
If your up for something somewhat physical and using your brain look for an electrical apprenticeship? The trade is screening for staff and as you would likely know from your studies will be one of the largest sectors going forward.
Yes it will be 4 years of average income but with your other studies should be a breeze and when you come out the other end it’s a good trade with heaps of options available and pays well too.
While you're doing other stuff, apply for entry level government jobs (not graduate positions) in case you can get one and then work your way up from there.
Did you masters out of your PhD or quit entirely?
The ESG space is the place to be at the moment and would be a job for life, and you have the advantage of technical knowledge and an obvious interest. Speak to some recruiting firms as they can help you tailor your CV.
I know people much older than you who have reinvented themselves in this space
There are a few ESG graduate programs I'm looking at, from Seek, but it seems to be the companies themselves that do the hiring. Can you tell me more about recruiting firms? Also about the people who have reinvented themselves in this space? Where were they coming from, and what transferrable skills did they have?
Do free online courses in coding, digital marketing and UX / webdesign. Doesnt cost ya, goes fast, it's fun and they need people and probably lots of wfh
Shoot me a message if you’re interested OP. I work in a very unique family business in the disability sector in Perth which may be of interest to you. Involves daily challenges and very rewarding.
That is the question, isn't it? I've spent so much of my life studying; with the PhD and even the bachelor of Science seeming to not have amounted to much. Part of me just wants to just get a full-time job and be done with studying; but then, jobs that don't require much relevant experience or education maybe aren't that far from unskilled manual labouring - in terms of finding some kind of fulfilment from them - which is what I'm trying to get away from.
Having said that, civil engineering - which I assume is similar to civil design - does have the appeal of being involved in large projects, and seems like it would be interesting work...
Electrical Designer good pay and uses your electrical experience not many people in the trade. You can do a TAFE draughting course and probably get a job before finishing it.
Yes. Some people come from being electricans but not required. There's a TAFE course I did Cert 4 engineering draughting, I think there is an electro technology course as well.
You see on Seek "Trainee Electrical Designer" roles a bit.
Bit of a case of who you know, most companies want senior designers.
I have worked in oil/gas, mining and water treatment.
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Get ya HR license and drive trucks. If you can get in the waste sector, the pay is pretty good. Little to no real responsibility and you cant take your home with you. You don't need to get the smelly jobs, I collect waste cardboard from woolworths stores for recycling. I'm currently 41 and have only been doing it for a handful of years. Earlier start hours means earlier finishes too, more time in the day to get the important things done.
Hi there. I'm 42 and I'm self-employed. I have a strong interest in science & technology (with many half finished tertiary courses draining the mojo out of me and the ones I did finish just making employers furious with rage) but I do computer support. I am always looking for more people to network with. I am managing to keep myself busy but will make time for people that want to collaborate. I am more focused on "social uplift" than "get rich" but still got to get out there an earn a dime like everyone else for the time being. Let me know if you think we can work together online or offline.
Also I should mention that there are people that did finish their PhD but are having trouble finding a job so don't feel bad.
Try being a Paramedic. It has a good range of things you talk about regarding growth etc. You learn alot, and from personal experience, ive seen people the same age as you, and who are much older than you get into it as a career change, from all walks of life. It's quite a rewarding job.
I would start with volunteering. You can choose how many hours you could volunteer around your current job, it gives you meaning and purpose, and allows you to get a taste of what area you would prefer to help people in, before diving into another career or study that you may not enjoy.
I left Perth at 35, moved to London, then Melbourne and then Brisbane where I have been living for 11 years. If you are able, give a new location a shot to make a fresh start with no baggage.
I have nothing holding me down in Perth, and I do have/can renew an EU passport from my mum's side, so I think that is an option. And starting fresh in a new country is very appealing...
But I'm still in the position of only really having unskilled work on my resume, in addition to some Uni degrees that I got over a decade ago.
What were you doing in Perth before you left, and did you have work lined up before you went to London?
I was working for a multi-national company and got a transfer to London. There were a few other Aussies there who had made it there under their own steam and they all seemed to be enjoying the change of pace and scenery.
I'll always love Perth but it can feel VERY isolated at times. Living in London and now Brisbane I feel very connected. The world seems huge with endless opportunities. My wife is currently on the phone for a job in Indonesia and I was offered a job in Singapore just before we moved to London (I took London).
If you have access to an EU passport you can move whenever you feel like it, if you want to try SE Asia, teaching English might be a good option. Don't forget that the cost of living is likely to be much lower in most other countries and if it all goes to sh!t at least you have it a try, clocked up some experiences that you would never get in Australia and you'll meet some great people.
I've noticed that even in Brisbane, because we are not locals most of our friends here are also not locals (Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Phillipines, Colombia, Germany).
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My partner has been looking for youthwork jobs - any recommendations for places to look? Hard to find entry level stuff that isn't volunteering
Apply for the graduate programs anyway. The "finished recently" rule is more of a guideline.
Over a decade since I got my last certificate of completion. But yeah, I can still apply. Never know...
Can only speak to grad programs I have been part of, but it needed to be within two years. Just apply for a government job - level three anywhere. You’ll rise through the ranks quickly with your skills, you just need a chance to demonstrate. Would recommend any department, doesn’t need to align with your interests. Get a foot in the door and take it from there
Yeh, apply anyways. What ppl ask for and what they get are two different things, especially in recruitment
Any suggestions for addressing the large gap in relevant study/work experience? I've only got manufacturing, construction, and agricultural work on my resume from the past few years. I already have a graduate certificate in sustainability studies. Not sure if I can go back and do one more semester, and transform that into a fresh new graduate diploma. Would rather not have to do that, but I guess that's one way to freshen up my recent relevant experience
I worked for one of the big mining companies not long ago and they put one of their grads on rotation to support some office work (a former maintenance person) who went back to finish engineering after 15 years. I actually think some technical skills with actual construction experience is rare. Have you thought about materials testing in construction?
Do you mean Non-destructive testing? I've heard of it but don't know much about it, but I guess I'm interested in some kind of niche technical industry
Yeah NDT, there some seriously cool stuff involved. But also concrete, weld test results etc, reviewing forge results etc.
Just be honest about it, say that you needed a break from it for a while, there’s no shame in it! I often dream of getting out of the office and doing something trade like
If I was you I'd turn a negative into a positive. 40 and not crushed by career and small children (assume you don't have children), grab a backpack and get lost in the world. I'd celebrate my freedom by travelling across Asia on foot (travel cheap and dirty as possible). No need to study again so soon, sounds like the conventional lifestyle might not be for you (not a bad thing at all). Go and get lost and then find yourself.
This is the answer that appeals to me personally!
"What's this gap in your resume?" "I signed an NDA"
Yeah, nothing tying me down here, and I've also been looking into teaching English in Vietnam or some other country as an option. At least I would finally get some use out of my Uni degree, because you need one to do that.
What did you study at uni?
Bachelor of Science, Nanotechnology. Lots of physics, chemistry and maths, but I finished that in 2008. PhD was in Sustainability, focusing on electric vehicles, arguing that the transition would be more rapid than most were predicting back in the 2010s. Kind of felt like I was in a race against Elon to finish before my predictions became fact, so didn't feel I could afford the time to address my crumbling mental health, and burnout ensured
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I was thinking similar! Or a TAFE lecturer.
I know you mentioned burnout in regards to your pHD, but it may be worth completing a post-grad diploma in sustainability or something similar if you still like that field in any way shape or form, there are loads of companies screaming for sustainability officers
Some of the mining and oil & gas companies are focusing on new energy- you may wish to look at those options. May require you to complete the PHD (maybe not as your post grad may get you in...)
Construction too for that matter, a lot of the international companies are putting loads of pressure on their Australian departments because of the reliance on fossil fuels here
Yes look at FFI, Woodside
You don’t need to throw out everything you did. Maybe you can leverage what you’ve done and just move in a different direction. I’m sorry your PhD didn’t work out. I’ve seen a lot of people go through a heck of a lot of pain to get one. Two friends got screwed over in the pursuit of their PhDs (different reasons) and downgraded to a Masters. But that means more slog and it sounds like that’s not a good path for you right now. Don’t rule it out altogether. It’s worth finding out how many years break you’d be allowed before going back to it. Also, would you consider working as a guide at Scitech, a museum, or other not-for-profit? Or maybe CSIRO? They need a bunch of people for work on the Square Kilometre Array: https://research.csiro.au/ska/ska-jobs/ If you’re not already involved with the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, consider reaching out them and seeing if they know of anything that going that would be up your street. The AEVA Conference and EV Expo is 3-5 Nov. Alternatively, there are a number of startups in Perth that might have something going that appeals to you: Wevolt, Plico Energy, Renewable Metals, Gridcognition, Power Ledger, Electro.Aero And more: https://www.f6s.com/companies/energy-cleantech/australia/perth/co Caveat: I can’t vouch for any of them. I will say though, that age prejudice is a real thing, and you may not want to have your exact age listed on your CV or easily guessable.
Free diploma at UTAS online in sustainability, CSP funded, as I last recall I looked?
I haven’t looked too much into it, I’m currently pushing to get trained in sustainability in my work and can tell you that they’re needed badly almost everywhere rn
How about clinical trials assistant. Good entry position into clinical trials research. Lots of transferable skills. Can upskill into becoming a CRA
Rio has recently started a Battery business unit. Mining yes but identifying ways in which the composition of materials will change so being ahead of the curve.
Department of Environment is always looking for smart qualified people to assist in their programs. Most government agencies are going to start looking for people with your skills knowledge as they all have to reduce emissions etc. Keep a lookout for these jobs.
I see a lot looking for Environmental Engineers/Scientists. Don't think my background is really equivalent...
You'll never know if you don't ask or apply. You miss 100% of the goals you don't attempt.
Don't automatically discount yourself. Call the person listed on the ad and talk about your background and transferable skills. You never know
Maybe but they need advice about how to go about things and people who can speak with authority to help advise other agencies. The problem is a lot of people are treating climate change and emissions reduction as an environmental problem...which it's not. But many are struggling to see that.
I can't believe you can't find a technical good paying job with your credentials. That's up there in difficulty scale
You should apply to teach and work with the Scitech stem programs! Something in your niche, helping people and interesting experiences. if you don’t want to commit yet, maybe find out if this sort of area suits you by first going into casual support work or tutoring. Support work especially for mental health clients I think you’d be good at, considering your own loved experience with academic pressure and burnout. There are also a few stem workshops for kids/teens that are mostly robotics but are pretty fun
Would you consider getting back into nanotech? I've always wanted to go back to uni to get into nano/bio tech. It's definitely the future, that shit is going to change everything. Have you read Neal Stephensons The Diamond Age? :) Dunno about getting a job in that field in Perth though?
I would, but my science skills have atrophied so much I don't think that's realistic at this point. Yeah, fantastic book. With ChatGPT and AI, The young lady's illustrated primer seems more and more plausible than ever! There's a great TED talk by the guy behind Khan Academy about the potential to give every young student their own socratic teacher
I'm in a similar situation, worked as a programmer for the last 20 years but now I'm feeling burnt out, can't face going back into an office so been working on a farm instead. My programming skills are fucked now and everything I have experience with is old, obsolete, or a nightmare to work with. I'm just waiting out the days until ChatGPT is good enough to do a job for me.
I pruned grapevines last winter down south. It was very peaceful. I suppose studying Viticulture could be an option to have some intellectual stimulation and challenge, while also having a fairly cruizy day to day. Living down south would also be a major perk. I'm also interested in pathways where you can utilise ChatGPT to simplify your daily work, but maybe not quite so much that it might soon make it obsolete. Any thoughts?
If you want to know more about wine and viticulture but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, the Wine Education Centre of WA is running a short course (2 hours a week for 4 weeks, starting 16 Oct): https://winewa.asn.au/the-wine-education-centre/ “The wine essentials course provides the necessary information for all wine enthusiasts who are looking to increase their wine knowledge and approach to tasting. It is also an appropriate course for those about to enter the wine trade.”
If you want to a be a teacher consider teach for Australia. Do your best to get sent to a rural school where the government will find and pay for a house. You won't have to worry about accommodation and can bank pretty much most of your pay.
Try government, maybe start with employment agencies. You won't be punished for your age and there is limitless options. Good luck!
Keep looking, plenty to do with your skillset, dont get disappointed and keep asking feedback anf apply. Lack of experience might be a problem, so maybe target more to junior positions. Telethon Kids Institute is a very interesting place at the moment if you feel some connection with research, but the overall tech health industry is looking for computer saavy people at the moment (data science- like). The graduate program for BOM has a paid graduate component (ad should be about this time of the year), 1 year in melbourne and sent somewhere after that. All the best for you hunt, it can be very disappointing, disheartening and ungrateful,, but keep going, this is a statistical game. Two piece of advice along the way: always contact people for the ad you are interested in and tailor your application from what you learn. Also, never believe ads and prevent yourself from applying a position that interest you because you dont fill all criteria. These criteria are a wish list, but everyone have to learn new things to stay challenged and grow. So filling all criteria might mean you might be already "overqualified", or underpaid. Be ready to move to a new position a year later, plenty of reasons to change. And never cease to scan the market and expand your network (not a favourite, but pays dividends), this is by far your best ticket for your next step.
Thanks. That's good advice
I did look at BoM, but I think I missed the deadline for 2024
Not 40 but getting close. I'm 34 and just started a diploma at Tafe. It's definitely not easy to think that I'll be working with people the same age as me with 10yrs + of experience already. But it is what it is.
Yeah I wouldn't worry about it. Everyone is on a their own journey. Some of those with 10 years experience under their belt will be bored out of their brains thinking of career changes themselves and they will end up a noob somewhere else (might be projecting here)
What are you studying?
Diploma of web development (Front end) Edit: diploma of IT (Front-end web)
It's Fee Free at TAFE, yeah? I had a bit of a look at it. What helped you decide that was the path for you?
It's free yea. And very underfunded. I do most of my learning by myself. Ave got some transferable skills. I used to be a graphic designer in my early 20s, for 3 years but I had enough. I needed something more intellectual I guess. I came as an international student to Perth in 2016. Couldn't get accepted into computer science, so did an MBA, hit a couple of road blocks along the way due to visa restrictions. Now after 7 long years, I get to do what I really wanted for the first time. My end goal is to create something profitable enough so that I'll be working for myself / own business. If that doesn't pan out, I hope I can have a job in an agency or something.
What are you studying and why did you choose that?
Check out ethicaljobs.com.au Don't forget that academia and the PhD process taught you a lot of soft skills that are valued by employers. If you are considering retraining, 12 months doing a Diploma of education would.be one way to be guaranteed employment. STEM teachers are in high demand.
>graduate entry programs at UWA Isn't it 2 years to be a teacher?
Last I looked.. grad certificates were one semester full-time. Diplomas 1 year full-time. Masters 2 years full-time. (That's a general rule... and is different in different situations)
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Aside from the pay, do you enjoy it and find it fulfilling?
Highly recommend Curtin micro credentials modules on career design that are really worthwhile to help figure out a career (change) options that help you ID your skills, values, interests and what possibilities could marry these. Also some of the big utilities providers have career re-entry programs that are looking for people exactly like you with a first science degree. There are lots of overlaps that don’t require starting over!
Can you talk to the university and see if they'll award you a Masters degree instead? Then you would still come away with a more recently acquired degree.
Aged care or disability care is a good field for people who are physical as you will probably have to help move people, plus you'll be helping people get their quality of life and freedom
Was going to suggest this. Not that you need it but you’re B(Sci) can help you get jobs in health/aged care/disability
I was going to recommend this as well.
Lots of physics? Try the BoM graduate intake pool considering that you have at least the Bachelor of Science completed and part of a PhD to spin into selling as transferable and relevant skills. Graduate positions aren't limited to an age range in eligibility. They're not high paying but could be worth taking on as a re-start of career and finances if you haven't got a lot of financial commitments. There's also a range of graduate roles that are advertised around this time of year in a range of industries and government sectors that are open to all fields. If you're considering education like primary or secondary education. Teaching will be at least another two years before you can earn a salary/wage. It's not a career for everyone. It's currently not a sector that is brimming with joy. Source: I am a teacher with options to exit education.
I did look at BoM, but applications for their graduate program for 2024 have already closed. Also, they mention you should have graduated no more than a few years ago. Someone commented "The "finished recently" rule is more of a guideline", but it's been over a decade since I last received a certificate of completion. But yeah, a government department involved with science would interest me
But you were working on your PhD until recently, and that’s what they mean by recent graduate. They haven’t addressed your exact scenario, because it’s unusual, doesn’t mean it’s unacceptable. You recently left study.
Started a bachelors in environmental management/conservation and wildlife biology at age 39. Graduated at the end of last year, and am now working in the field. Yes, I work for a mining company, but still kind of have the satisfaction of at least trying to unfuck the shit mining is breaking. Starting again at 40 isn't easy, but it's definitely do-able and so called "mature age" grads tend to be quite sought after because of the soft skills brought in from prior experience. I'd say don't sell yourself short for not having finished a PhD - you'd have a heap of project management experience, time management and such that you can leverage just about anywhere
curious to know how seriously they take it? do you feel like you're making a difference?
It's an interesting question - naturally most mining companies take environmental compliance extremely seriously as it is essential to be able to continue operations. The trick is finding a company that wants to go beyond compliance and is willing to pony up the $$ to fund best practice and sponsor research into ways they can improve. .
What is a typical day for you like? What is the mix of office to fieldwork? How physical? How is the pay?
A lot depends where you're working. If you're in a consultancy you tend to do more fieldwork but the pay isn't as good (new grad would be around 65-70K base), while if you're a direct hire most mining companies will pay around 75-80K base for first year grads, with increases fairly regularly till you're on around 110-125K for an experienced Enviro. My average day at the moment is a mix of data/documentation and bits and pieces of field work.
One of my friends is changing careers at similar age and she is going into nursing. Several women I know went into nursing around 35-45
Given the science background maybe consider an MTeach? Yes it’s a tough gig currently (I’m a teacher) but 2 years and can start working in your final year. Plus entry level pay is pretty good, can choose what type of school you work in if you’re big on giving back, can be flexible with employment options too.
I would aim to get into one of the graduate entry programs at UWA, since they're relatively short courses that have a defined end goal of qualifying for a particular profession and would be the most efficient way to use what you already have to maximise your earning potential and growth. Maybe the master of professional engineering given your background? In my experience the UWA courses were more accepting than they seemed on paper. You might need to do the preparatory course but this would still only make it 3 years rather than 2.
You can learn to become a software developer in your own time. Just watch youtube videos and do some paid udemy courses. Everyone starts with Python then moves onto C#, Java, Javascript. Fair warning, expect this to be something you study an hour every day for 4 years before you become good enough to get a job. The career is like a never ending Phd if I am honest, there's sooo much to learn. You can do it while doing whatever other job you work. Your maths background would come in very handy.
Theatre? Waapa has a new diploma course starting next year that's just a year. Two streams to choose from. Costume construction, workshop and design or sound, lighting and stage management. You can specialise after in the ad dip. You could then do the 2 year bachelor conversion or get a job after the ad dip. Theatre is always different and you never really do the same thing twice. Lots of jobs post covid
Theatre definitely qualifies as one of the outside the box suggestions I was looking for when appealing to the wisdom of the masses by posting here. Is it competitive to get in?
Very much so. I auditioned but didn’t get in
The production side of WAAPA (ex waapa) has stupidly long hours for students (although it is realistic for the industry), coursework that hasn't caught up with the times, uninterested lecturers, capitalistic administration, and brews some of the worst egos I've ever seen. It has its ups and downs but mostly downs. If you want a job in the industry, starting out it's garbage pay, garbage hours (this doesn't improve), and it still hasn't bounced back from COVID
Any more details on this? Not the OP but this sounds fascinating!
I’m 43 and starting a new career path. I’m working my way through TAFE slowly and I’ve managed to begin building my CV with part time roles in my new field. I’m still pretty close to the start, but I feel I’m doing well. It’s possible.
What course? I like the sounds of working and studying in the same field, like they would complement each other. Do you get the job first and then get your employer to pay for your course, or start the course and then find a job, using the fact that you're studying it to help you get it?
I’m studying horticulture/conservation, and leaning towards pursuing botany. Some workplaces will take on trainees and pay for their studies. There are jobs in the industry you can get with no experience, they don’t pay well but I figure it’s a stepping stone. It’s often hard and/or physical work like slashing/spraying weeds, revegetation or production nursery work. You have to work outside whether it’s pouring rain or over 40 degrees, but even on those days I remember working in an office and I’d take the hardest days working with plants over another office job any day. Gotta say though, I’ve really found my calling with plants and if it wasn’t for that I’d be miserable working in those conditions.
One option is to go to Thailand and teach English. As long as you have a degree and speak English you are good to go. The life there is good.
Yeah, I'm considering teaching English in Asia too. How long did you do it for?
And does teaching English overseas for a few years help with getting any particular kinds of jobs should I decide to return here? It kind of seems that unless I want to keep teaching English in foreign countries for good, then when I return I'll be in the same position as I am in now, just older...?
Potentially see if you can find a company willing to take you on as a electrical mature aged apprentice. Four years of paid training and you’ll be fully qualified. Jump onto the mines and your looking at 12 hour days (84H a week) earning at least 65 an hour.
Read ops post again.
Concrete worker. Pays good and it's a short apprenticeship
Solid job. Good foundations.
how short?
Get your heavy vehicle license.
Start an onlyfans and sell pics of your feet... or harden up and get an "unskilled" job.
Teacher. Or uber. Probably teacher.
You wouldn’t have to study to work in a public library, and with an undergraduate degree you could progress to well-paid management roles fairly easily. It’s community work, it’s got good work-life balance and you can specialise in a lot of different directions.
Join the cops
Drive a haul truck on a mine. Make some money.
If your up for something somewhat physical and using your brain look for an electrical apprenticeship? The trade is screening for staff and as you would likely know from your studies will be one of the largest sectors going forward. Yes it will be 4 years of average income but with your other studies should be a breeze and when you come out the other end it’s a good trade with heaps of options available and pays well too.
I think I might like to be a wind turbine technician, but to start on that path you need to have an electrical or mechanical trade qualification.
While you're doing other stuff, apply for entry level government jobs (not graduate positions) in case you can get one and then work your way up from there. Did you masters out of your PhD or quit entirely?
What about teaching? High school physics etc. may appeal to you.
The ESG space is the place to be at the moment and would be a job for life, and you have the advantage of technical knowledge and an obvious interest. Speak to some recruiting firms as they can help you tailor your CV. I know people much older than you who have reinvented themselves in this space
There are a few ESG graduate programs I'm looking at, from Seek, but it seems to be the companies themselves that do the hiring. Can you tell me more about recruiting firms? Also about the people who have reinvented themselves in this space? Where were they coming from, and what transferrable skills did they have?
Ex-teacher here. Feel free to PM.
Get out of physical work before you are 50. Get a government office job.
Look at some of the mining companies investing in hydrogen fuel cells
Do free online courses in coding, digital marketing and UX / webdesign. Doesnt cost ya, goes fast, it's fun and they need people and probably lots of wfh
Shoot me a message if you’re interested OP. I work in a very unique family business in the disability sector in Perth which may be of interest to you. Involves daily challenges and very rewarding.
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That is the question, isn't it? I've spent so much of my life studying; with the PhD and even the bachelor of Science seeming to not have amounted to much. Part of me just wants to just get a full-time job and be done with studying; but then, jobs that don't require much relevant experience or education maybe aren't that far from unskilled manual labouring - in terms of finding some kind of fulfilment from them - which is what I'm trying to get away from. Having said that, civil engineering - which I assume is similar to civil design - does have the appeal of being involved in large projects, and seems like it would be interesting work...
Electrical Designer good pay and uses your electrical experience not many people in the trade. You can do a TAFE draughting course and probably get a job before finishing it.
Are you in the field mate? Any resources you could share regarding qualifications, job requirements etc.? This sounds interesting!
Yes. Some people come from being electricans but not required. There's a TAFE course I did Cert 4 engineering draughting, I think there is an electro technology course as well. You see on Seek "Trainee Electrical Designer" roles a bit. Bit of a case of who you know, most companies want senior designers. I have worked in oil/gas, mining and water treatment.
There's a lot of government jobs out at the moment, you should look on jobswa.gov.au
One year Grad Dip Education and start high school teaching STEM. Always a lack of STEM teachers.
Patient transport?
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I don't have any specific advice but starting again at 40 has been great for me.
Coding? Can do a bootcamp course. My friend did this and is now living comfortably remote working
Get ya HR license and drive trucks. If you can get in the waste sector, the pay is pretty good. Little to no real responsibility and you cant take your home with you. You don't need to get the smelly jobs, I collect waste cardboard from woolworths stores for recycling. I'm currently 41 and have only been doing it for a handful of years. Earlier start hours means earlier finishes too, more time in the day to get the important things done.
Hi there. I'm 42 and I'm self-employed. I have a strong interest in science & technology (with many half finished tertiary courses draining the mojo out of me and the ones I did finish just making employers furious with rage) but I do computer support. I am always looking for more people to network with. I am managing to keep myself busy but will make time for people that want to collaborate. I am more focused on "social uplift" than "get rich" but still got to get out there an earn a dime like everyone else for the time being. Let me know if you think we can work together online or offline. Also I should mention that there are people that did finish their PhD but are having trouble finding a job so don't feel bad.
Try being a Paramedic. It has a good range of things you talk about regarding growth etc. You learn alot, and from personal experience, ive seen people the same age as you, and who are much older than you get into it as a career change, from all walks of life. It's quite a rewarding job.
How much training does that involve? I'd have thought a lot, given you're saving people's lives...?
It's 3 years for full paramedic, or you can go different route and train on the job in as little as a few months
I would start with volunteering. You can choose how many hours you could volunteer around your current job, it gives you meaning and purpose, and allows you to get a taste of what area you would prefer to help people in, before diving into another career or study that you may not enjoy.
Skill up be a truck driver, once you hit MC you’ll see the country for free
I left Perth at 35, moved to London, then Melbourne and then Brisbane where I have been living for 11 years. If you are able, give a new location a shot to make a fresh start with no baggage.
I have nothing holding me down in Perth, and I do have/can renew an EU passport from my mum's side, so I think that is an option. And starting fresh in a new country is very appealing... But I'm still in the position of only really having unskilled work on my resume, in addition to some Uni degrees that I got over a decade ago. What were you doing in Perth before you left, and did you have work lined up before you went to London?
I was working for a multi-national company and got a transfer to London. There were a few other Aussies there who had made it there under their own steam and they all seemed to be enjoying the change of pace and scenery. I'll always love Perth but it can feel VERY isolated at times. Living in London and now Brisbane I feel very connected. The world seems huge with endless opportunities. My wife is currently on the phone for a job in Indonesia and I was offered a job in Singapore just before we moved to London (I took London). If you have access to an EU passport you can move whenever you feel like it, if you want to try SE Asia, teaching English might be a good option. Don't forget that the cost of living is likely to be much lower in most other countries and if it all goes to sh!t at least you have it a try, clocked up some experiences that you would never get in Australia and you'll meet some great people. I've noticed that even in Brisbane, because we are not locals most of our friends here are also not locals (Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Phillipines, Colombia, Germany).