re: Starting a new career in your 40’s. Have you done it? Ideas and advice needed.

I’ll admit I only read the first page, but I’m limited on time (2 kids). I started over in my late 30’s; I left the O&G field after 10 years because I watched my kid’s first Christmas on an iPad. I fell into a sales gig, that I never thought I’d be good at, and am doing pretty great at it...although I do miss O&G.

Don’t go offshore, way too volatile and you’ll be starting on the bottom....and competing with people with years of experience on you for the few promotions that are out there right now. At the bottom it’s decent money, but hard work, especially for someone in their 40’s.

Sales is the answer you are looking for. Do you have work ethic, a bit of social skills, and an ounce and common sense? (It seems like you do)...then you are already ahead of 75% of the people in this field.

It’s exhausting and frustrating work (sometimes), but easy to get into and pays well if you work hard.

Work for the government.

Pharmaceutical/drug rep.

Kids are in bed now, so finished reading the thread. Some good ideas here...if I could do it over, working a few years in my 20’s doing HVAC then going on my own and being a business owner sounds awesome.

There isn’t going to be an easy answer to your question. My undergrad degree was in IT, so I got an interview for an IT sales position by playing that up and my “project manager” skills I had from running a deep water rig. Just remember, the resume gets you the interview, and the interview gets you the job. Tailor your resume to what you are applying for, and then crush the interview....no one gives a shite you made a 3.6gpa 17 years ago in some random degree.

I know some absolute idiots that make a killing in medical (tough position to get), but they work hard, know enough to get by, and are liked by their customers...that pretty much sums up any successful sales position. The key is just getting the opportunity to prove yourself, so use those family connections, take an “entry level” position (stepping stone) and just get your foot in the door. Once you are in, it’s up to you to be successful.... that’s what sales is all about.

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Some ‘neck told my son the other day that diesel mechanics can right their own ticket these days and tried to tell him college was dumb. Maybe look into that field.

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I started over at 40 by buying a business that employs diesel techs- this is very true if you work for the right company- I believe ours is one of those.

We also sell the things those engines go in. If you are MOTIVATED- you can write your own ticket there too.

Thanks for the advice Delirium. Really appreciate it. Will be back in the states in about 2 weeks and looking forward to getting started with interviews, etc. I like the medical sales idea as I have experience working in the medical field (management position).

You said Thailand? Get that sex change operation before you come back (I’m assuming you’re a guy), it helps in medical sales!

Good luck with it all. One thing I’ve learned since leaving the rigs and rejoining the “workforce”, there are some useless human beings out there in positions they don’t deserve to be in. You’ll be fine.

In my industry a lot of success comes from territory. I may have to cover all of S Louisiana to reach the level of opportunities that the Houston/Dallas/etc folks have in a 50 mile radius.

The single biggest key to succeed in sales is persistence. You can hone your sales skills, techniques, product knowledge, etc., but you have to have the persistence to overcome objection and try again, and again, and again.

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tugboat

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500k

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I’m looking for someone with your skill set. You can work remotely from home. All expenses paid. I would provide all technology needed. Salary plus commission (very good salary). Pay is easily in your sweet spot. Truly unlimited earning potential. Monday thru Friday. Travel is 25 - 30%. No weekends or holiday travel. Full benefits. 401K with 3% company match. This is B2B sales in commercial banking industry. Advancement opportunities for right candidate. If you post your email I’ll send my contact info. I’m hiring immediately.

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Boondock Saint

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Aww man! That sounds awesome!! You gotta be shittin me!!

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salty1

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Hey man, don’t blame me, you started it!