Podiatry career change

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Hello Podiatrists

I am considering a career change to Podiatry but by the time I finish the 4 year degree (in Australia) I will be 40 years old
Would I be able to get a job at that age or should I not bother?

Thank you

 

Hello halifax & :welcome: to Podiatry Arena.

My own experience. I graduated in 1998 age 32. Although there were indeed many young students on the course there were also a large percentage of mature students also.

Possibly a good idea to contact the university you wish to apply to for details on percentages of mature graduates.

Good luck,

Mandy

PS. You'll still be younger than I am now when you graduate & I'm not dead or retired .......:drinks

 

Halifax, it is never too late to do something you will enjoy! Many employers look favourably on more "mature" employees and podiatrists are in high demand so you are not likely to have trouble getting work. Make sure you have chatted to several podiatrists working in different fields so you have a full understanding of the profession, if you think you will like it - go for it!

Jayne

 

I was a mature student and loved getting my teeth into something I loved. I found it very interesting and therefore did well. Due to the lack of NHS jobs I've gone straight into private practice and am really enjoying it!
Go for it!!

 

I graduated in 1988, aged 35, and now look where I am!

 

I was going to say something about that ... but thought the better of it :butcher: :drinks

Halifax - we have lost of students in our cohort >30+

 

I was 36 going in and 40 when I finished in 2000 at Latrobe having done 4 yrs. I really enjoyed the study, I'd still be there if I did not have kids. I've had jobs all over the city in private and public, now I'm a country pod in east Gippsland and loving it. I've done all sorts of things for a living and this is by far the easiest, least risk, lowest investment, most reliable and least impact physically. If it 's what you want to do, get into it, you'll make a living unless the princess index is too high.
regards Phill Carter

 

First cohort at Newcastle (3 year course) was average age 41, oldest student 63. quite a few in their 50s. about 10 school-leavers, and a lot, a lot of just completed a degree in Sports science and couldn't get a job! Ex nurses and ambulance officers, a couple ex-detectives, and some really odd professions....I wish I had known about this job when I was 20 ish. The class started with some 50 students. I don't know how many have graduated, some are still doing the course, a credit at a time....when you are older, you have a life.
I actually enquired at 20, for a course in chiropody, and was dissuaded from applying because' we want to keep it a male profession, if it becomes a female profession, the wages will go down' QuQ London Foot Hospital circa 1983. Truth!

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. I feel better now : )

 

Halifax,
When I trained, (which was quite while ago) nearly half the students were "mature". One progressed to be a Senior Lecturer.

Go for it !

Good Luck

Catfoot

 

Good evening Craig, nice win on the weekend, not too early to get a bit excited about 2011

 

I am sure you will get many varied opinions on your question.....should you go to podiatry school at age 40? Sure, why not. Many, many moons ago when I graduated, we had a gent who was 52 at time of graduation. BUT...he was a retired US Army Colonel who had a full pension and realistically should not have had to work. Would not be surprised if had the G.I. Bill pay for part of his schooling. I am sure he did alright. In my situation, I graduated in 1985...long story...went back to residency in 2005...completed 2 year program in 07 and have been gainfully employed. Doing fine. Never going to make a million $$$ but the bills are paid. Now, in retrospect, I would have done things much differently.
However, too much water has passed under that bridge to worry about it. I think that in today's day and age, in all medical professions, there is a trend for many "older" students to enter school, and ultimately the workforce. I know of one gal who left a career as a teacher to go to med school, and now is finishing a peds residency. I also know of another gal who did a PMS36 residency and a 2 year fellowship, that is toying with the idea of jumping ship to Nursing, and ultimately heading for CRNA. If I had to do it all over again, would I? Nope. Nursing...CRNA...That is where I would go. Being 40 should not stop you from doing anything. Podiatry or otherwise.

 

Age is nothing but a number. In this country, it is illegal to discriminate. You will get work, privately or NHS.
One of the students who was on my course was 50 when they started. If you really want something then age is irrelevant. The course is difficult, so I would focus my energy on that.
Good luck to you.
:santa2:

 

Stage not age! Its all in the mind, I only wish i had my 21 year old body to complement my advanced wisdom and obvious maturity

 

Hello there, I'm 47 and I graduated from my podiatry course in the UK when I was just short of 45. It took me 4 months to find work because I wanted to work in the National Health Service but because I was willing to travel more than an hour in the morning I did eventually secure a great job. After almost a year there I then took myself and my 3 youngest children off to Australia and worked in Melbourne for a year on a 457 VISA. You need enthusiasm, passion and stamina. If you have that you can do absolutely anything. Your age WILL NOT stop you. Jump right in. You will love it and you will be able to get a job.

 

Hi Halifax,

I too am seriously considering a career change into podiatry and by the time I qualify I will be 46 (gulp!). However, the way I look at it that still leaves me a full 20 years in practice. Go for it - after all the longer you prevaracate the older you will be before qualifying (I have been thinking about this on and off for probably a decade...).

Good luck!

 

Sure, why not.
Here's some research that may help you:
http://joboutlook.gov.au/pages/occupation.aspx?search=&tab=stats&cluster=&code=2526

http://joboutlook.gov.au/pages/occupation.aspx?search=&tab=stats&cluster=&code=4116

http://joboutlook.gov.au/pages/occupation.aspx?search=&tab=stats&cluster=&code=2525

http://www.skillsaustralia.gov.au/PDFs_RTFs/SOL/2526Podiatrists.pdf

Also, try ibisworld
Regards,
Owen

 

You're dreaming we are going to have to work until we are 70 or 80!

 

OK, so I've applied to start Podiatry next year. Fingers crossed!

Thanks for all the replies and encouragement.

 

Good move Halifax!!! If it's something your passionate about then you would always regret not giving it a try. I'm in my 1st year and enjoying every second of it!!!

:santa:

 

If you graduate at age 40, you can still practice for a good 30 years if not longer. If you can afford the time and funds to go to school at this junction in your life, then go for it. See yourself as fortunate to have the ability to make a career change.

Steven

 

Heh, heh you're probably right Carolthecatlover!

Any ideas where I should apply in the South UK anybody?

 

Any ideas where I should apply in the South UK anybody?[/QUOTE]

How far south are you??? Doesn't Southampton do it? I'm at Northampton and can recommend it, but not hardly south! lol

:drinks

 

Good Luck Halifax...where is it you are wishing to study? For what it is worth considering the wealth of opinions you have already received, I'm 39 and going into my 2nd year at QUT. Personally, if you have the drive to do well like most mature-aged students do having to sacrifice a great deal to study, then you will reap the rewards.
I have done quite well in comparison to some of the other younger students, but needless to say, they add a breath of fresh air to the study environment.
I spent almost 20 years working in a career that I knew I didn't want to do any longer...I woke up and only through the support of my wife I am lucky enough to be making this late career change. For me no regrets...none whatsoever....sure it's hard work but I know failure comes with the added baggage of having to go back to what I left! Not to mention the financial setback....I have a daughter (3) and one on the way....2nd yr will be tough I am certain...BUT i know where I want to be!
I found it easier to communicate with lecturers and teaching staff and they recognise your decision to be there at Uni is a big one...make yourself known, build some positive relationships with positive like-minded students and you will be on the right track.
Best decision I have made, certainly no use thinking I could have done it a great deal earlier on. All the best! Let me know if I can be of any help....
Cheers,

BJ

 

Out of curiosity did u study podiatry at the QMU? I am going there this year and was wondering if you could give the pros and cons of the course? Also what do u mean by the lack of NHS jobs??? Is it difficult to find a job in the uk? Any feedback would be wonderful! Thnx

 

Hi,
I studied at QMU.. pros - the students and some staff.. cons - some of the staff and where it is (and how much I learnt after leaving!!! ) I found some of the course very frustrating, but maybe that was just me!
They say it's a full time course, but after working full time you realise it's not even slightly full time. I treated it like a job and studied during the day, giving me my evenings and weekends to spend with my family. I think it worked well..

I live in Edinburgh so there aren't any NHS jobs here at the mo so I went straight into private practice - if you're able to move about the country then you'll be fine!!

Hope this helps!
Lucy

 

Hey, You will have 25 years of working life left. If Podiatry floats your boat and you can't find a job, create your own. I did and haven't looked back. Just remember 40 is the new 30.
Regards
Jo from shoe-crew