stuck between my age and deciding a course which earns me a good salary.

[Nimra]

here Iam, have worked for 9 years as a graphic designer. ( Loved this field, despite having blood sucker employers, repetitive tasks, designing same stuff with 99 other possible ways) I don't feel comfortable changing the field ow working someother industry.My brain just simply says NO u are not suitable for any thing but graphics.By the way Iam also planning to study from AUSstudy path.


now the another part.since we moved to Australia for some time I did some freelancing for companies back home.in Australia I got failed to get a job despite having strong and
creative portfolio employers just simply didn't believe in my overseas qualification.I called those government employment agencies and they said there aren't v much jobs in this field and if they are, they are only for local qualified people.

All disheartened i became mum at home and now when my family is complete ,I want to study once again and thinking to go for bachelors in graphic design
now its been considered IT industry is just for enthusiastic and young people.( Iam 35 years old but hardly look 28 years :P )

what you guys suggest me its wise to do this degree in this age, employers always asks age in my field though.

if I change my filed of study ( which i don't know what would be because not a singly course fancy me at the moment ) Iam also thinking If i study something new from where on earth i get the experience. I will turning 40 in five years

where on earth i go what to do Ism so stuck and this deciding thing kept me so unhappy from past several days.

[Nai]

Think of it this way - you will probably retire between 65 and 70. That is another 25-30 years after you complete your studies. Think of studying as moving towards something that you can be happy doing for another 30 years and that might help you decide.

[Nimra]

thanks Nai, for very positive advice, my brain goes and search 100s of possible ways and then come back to graphic design.when we were new settlers in Australia and I was failed to get any job i worked few months at IGA just to get the confidence in a new country.and those days were worse days of my life I cried every day in bathroom missing my desk, my work and my fat paycheck which i all left for my hubby to come to Australia.

I believe Iam eligible for Ausstudy now and don't want to miss this opportunity to study.This forum always supported me to tighten my loose ends, rightnow Iam going to search universities offering best course in GD.Though I believe its a hard task managing studies, new born child and toddler and chores, specially when Iam the person who has lost all her confidence and somehow self-esteem too, sitting and wasting at home was the most painful thing for me.

thanks Nai and thanks Belly belly, belly belly folks are always there for me when I needed most.

[MLR1901]

See my post on your thread about austudy

[fionas]

I've given up a near-six figure salary to go back to study and change career. I will be close to 45 and I will be starting at the bottom on about 50% of my old salary competing for a job against people in their twenties.

Why? Because, as Nai said, I will have another 20 years in the workplace and I want to do something I enjoy rather than just something that I've done for years, now bores me to tears but earned me a good living. Sometimes, you just have to take a risk.

I will be in the same boat re gaining experience. How d'you gain experience in a new field? The best advice I've ever seen on this is if you want to be x, just start being x. Practically that means if you want to be a graphic designer, just start doing it. Start designing stuff for people. Ask around, put something on your FB page, check out volunteer websites to see if local community organisations need freebie graphic design.

If I wanted to be a journalist, I'd start freelancing and offering articles to magazines, websites etc.. I'm actually studying to be a researcher. Chances are, I will find it very tough to get advertised jobs. So I'm going to approach people whose research aligns with the sort of stuff I'm interested in and I'll ask them if they need a research assistant. They'll say no, they have no funding. I'll say, that's OK, I will do it for free (to get experience on my CV). Or I can just start researching things I'm interested in under the supervision of a mentor/uni professor etc. etc. My point is, there's more than one way to get into a field.

[AnyDream]

I know it's hard when you've been out of the workforce for a couple of years, it wears your confidence down . I can't imagine how hard it must be to have your experience dismissed because you're a migrant. But I don't think that's enough of a reason to not pursue what it is you really want to do.

I would challenge a few of the assumptions you're making: first of all, many employers are not concerned by your age. If anything, getting an employee who is female, older, from a culturally diverse background is a good thing because it brings a different type of experience and attitude to the work place. I also don't believe that the IT industry only wants young people, often the older ones can think in terms of the bigger picture which is what is needed.

Anyway, I think you should go for it. But try to get the benefit of your existing job experience. Find put if you can get some recognition of prior learning based on your portfolio. Rewrite your resume into a "skills based" format (this sells your capabilities on the first page & leaves the list of employers to the last page. This is good if there are any gaps in your work history). Explore ALL your study options. For example, is there a shorter TAFE course that you could take. Is there software currently being used in that firld that you could take a weekend course in? Are there courses that use or extend similar skillsets that might be in greater demand (eg, web design?). Find out what qualifications will get you into entry-level positions, not all courses/degrees are equal. Talk to people, meet people in the field, always sell the fact that you already have experience but you are topping up your existing skills. While you are still studying, join as a student member of the relevant professional association, they will hold professional events that you can attend, and meet others who sork in the field. And keep an eye on the state and federal government job gazettes. You can always pick up casual work while you are still studying. Once you get your foot in the door, the employer will realize what an awesome asset you really are. Good luck!

[AnyDream]

PS I'm 41, and nearly completing a degree in my chosen field. I have got at least 25 more years of working life ahead of me, so I figure I might as well spend that time earning a decent salary for something that's a good match for my skills and personality. I started a different degree when I first left high school (it was a poor choice and I dropped out after a year). During that time I met a lady who was 73 - who had waited her whole life and now finally was able to study the thing she had always wanted to do. And you could not meet a happier person than she was. I will always remember her, she was the best example that you are never too old. Seize the opportunities you can.

[Sopdet]

I'm in the middle of changing my career path, I will be in my late 40s when I finish this degree. Once qualified It is something I can do from home in future and one that my age will be a bonus (seen to be more experienced/mature etc).

So age isn't a barrier to a change in career or additional studies to further your career.

Personally I would prefer to hire a GD who is older & more mature, than one who is straight out of uni/college. The older GD would bring a new level of maturity to the work I would need them to do. So if it is a career that you are passionate about (which you sound like you are), then keep doing it and enjoy yourself!

[Nimra]

Thanks Marydean
you have almost spoken my mind.I have exactly the same thoughts, My thanks to all of you lovely girls who help to make my decision a lot easier,
yesterday was the day dreaming day for me, because i got to knew what i want from my life and what i want to do, It feels like after hard time Iam finally on my track.
my spirits are so high since morning Iam on phone unis to child day care.
Can't be happier in my life it feels like tons of burden shifted from shoulders,Though its not a very easy path with little kids but I will do it.

Hugs <3 <3 <3

[AnyDream]

It sounds like you have a real passion for GD, that will carry you through the difficulties you encounter along the way. Great to hear you're moving forward!