Studying and working after retirement

Have you thought about getting qualifications, and then going it alone?
Or do you want to be paid by someone?

I know someone the other way around.
She didnt do her final exams[in her words, "silly girl"], but still manages to work for different people doing their accounts up to be ready for a qualfied accountant to finish off.

Where I live, the accountancy firm has been crying out for people to work there.
I wouldnt rule out not being able to get a job.
Even with what skills you already have.
Maybe pop into one, and have a chat with someone? To see how things are?

I went back to studying in my 30s after being written off in school, so no it is not the same. However, I do teach A levels as well as on an Access course. Many of my past and present students have been in their late 50s. I even taught an 85-year-old last year, she just wanted to learn sociology no career goal.
I find older students get on really well and are more focused, less distracted then younger students. The access course suits their life style too. If you have no level 3 qualifications you may also get funding.
We are living in an aging population so older women are valued in many work places now. We have just had a newly qualified teaching assistant age 62 join our team it was the first job she had applied for. She is brilliant.
Many females were let down by education and employments system in the past. I think it is wonderful that many are now changing perceptions and challenging stereotypes to retrain and return to education. I say go for it and good luck

Education / learning is its own reward regardless of whether you find a job afterwards. The course itself will be stimulating. Go for it ! 54 is very young to retire, especially these days. I retired at 64 and considered that too young so enrolled on language courses in French, Spanish and Italian. Love it!

I’ve started getting a bit bored so have taken on a couple of volunteer roles. Driving for cat protection and stewarding at the globe Theater. I’m also a bit introverted and this is a good way of getting back into the world . Also the y don’t usually ask for too much commitment. If you’re not in it for the money find something you’re interested in.

Go for it! I wish I’d been financially well off enough to retire as early as you and o think you should study and, in fact, do whatever you like. Good luck

I manage a finance team and am recruiting to an entry type job. We offer a training package that gives funding for AAT qualification so people can work and study (although study is in own time with time out for exams). Age is not relevant just experience and at an entry level job my main criteria is a passion for working with numbers so I don't expect any finance experience. As a 55+ manager myself I appreciate team members with a mature attitude and approach. So maybe employment with a study package might be an option? I also volunteer for a charity doing finance work for them from home doing as many hours as I choose so that too might be an option for you.

I think if you are asking this question you’re jumping the gun! If it’s something you’re interested in pursuing take one step at a time. Ask yourself if you’re brave enough to enrol in an accountancy programme- and if you are then take that first step to see where it leads you……

Do it!
I envy you ☺️

bytheway I’ve always enjoyed numbers (I always say my brain works in numbers not letters) and wonder if it would be a good idea to go back to college and get my accountancy qualifications but I don’t want to just do it for the pleasure of doing it, I want to do it so I can work in that field after.

But am I too old to think I can get work in that field when I’m 60+?

I, too, like numbers, anything with numbers comes easily to me. I do my husband's business books - because I do, but I send my numbers out to his accountant. The accountantcy rules are complex and a bit daunting to stay current, imo. We prefer someone formally trained be in charge of the final products.

Perhaps consider studying accounting for knowledge - knowing that would prepare you for many 'number' endeavors?

As the main breadwinner, I always promised myself I would go back to college when I could afford. Children off my hands (are they ever?) I found I was too busy. My employer did offer re-training which I took but never had the time to turn it into a qualification, as there always seemed to be other demands on my money.
I never stopped learning and Universities (especially the US ones) offer free online modules - although you often have to pay for the certificate at the end. I do casual work at the college and do a number of modules on child safety, GDPR etc. so I am still learning.

Accountancy comes in levels, but some of the higher ones require practical experience.
You should have no trouble getting work though, if money is not your main aim as charities and education sector are always looking for people. There is actually a job role called "part-qualified accountant".

I have found some of the Alison courses quite interesting. If you have no accountancy background you could start here: alison.com/tag/accounting

I completed a history with art history degree when I retired. Now 4 years into a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) 2 years to go. I’m 74. Just like to keep the brain cells working .. not planning to work again! Both degrees with the Open University.
Good luck!

I retired at 60 (lucky me) Did a masters in Therapeutic and creative writing at 64. Trained as a counsellor at 67 and am still teaching writing groups and supporting the bereaved now aged 80. I have every intention of continuing to do so well into the future. You're never to old for a new career.

I am in the exact middle of a BSc now, retraining as a psychotherapist, a career I intend to pursue so long as I have all my marbles. I will graduate age 65.
I'm pretty sure you could do something similar as a bookkeeper?

I worked with a 54 yr old student nurse who had retired from being a bank manager anx my son did his medical training with a man of 54 who had worked in hospitals but decided to be a doctor so never too late. You are just a spring chick 🐥

Becoming a qualified Accountant (they are all "chartered" these days) is a lengthy process. The exams (typically about 16 of them) include not only accounting subjects (of which there are several) but subjects such as Law, Organisations, IT, People Management, and of course Taxation). The cost is not insignificant - tuition fees, textbooks, mock exams and final exams - and the existence of Tuition Providers is limited. Distance Learning may be an option, but not everyone's cup of tea. Plus there is a requirement for approved/verified practical experience - not easy if you are not in employment in an accounting area.

These qualifications are probably not what you are looking for - i.e. a career in the field.

AAT is probably a more suitable qualification, but the main qualification can take a few years and still needs an amount of verified practical experience in the workplace to qualify. However, they also do three "book-keeping" awards that might well be available to study at local colleges and even sixth-forms in local schools. It would probably be worth a look at these (all three apparently take about a year) and then get your CV out to small businesses in your area. With some practical experience under your belt you could them be quite in demand. At the very least it should give you the skills to keep accounting records for local charities and similar.

Good luck.

I am 59 and took semi-retirement in the summer. I was working very long hours as a private music teacher and finding it too much. I am now part time and it suits me very well. I am certainly not ready for full retirement and, being self-employed, l can carry on as long as I wish. I gained my music degree at 21 and my music has been for others ever since. The extra time I have gained means that I can now concentrate on music for me. In the summer l hope to take a Performance Assessment on violin, which is my second instrument. This is where you play to an examiner and get feedback but there is no pass or fail. I will play pieces at a grade 8 level. This has spurred me on to thinking about taking the LTCL diploma on the violin. I am thoroughly enjoying the practice. I also hope to join a high standard amateur orchestra. I am also learning new pieces on the piano, my first instrument. My husband has asked me why I want to work for a diploma as l am in the later stages of my career and don’t need any more professional qualifications. I replied that I wanted to do it for myself and my own sense of achievement. I think this is the thing. It doesn’t matter how old we are, we all need to be fulfilled in what we do.

I got BA hons over 40 years after I left school with just GCSE’s with no exams in between except for getting A levels immediately before starting my degree as necessary for entry to my course.
Anything is possible and it was a challenge but also enjoyable and rewarding too.

Absolutely go for it. People will always be looking for a new accountant to do their taxes…. and other things.

I have a friend who is a volunteer trustee for several charities and does accountancy work for them which he really enjoys

You could definitely go back and learn something new if that is what you want. or you could try volunteering. There may be charities that need help with the accounts and you would be a great help to them. I retired when I was 58 (to look after my mother). She died when I was 60 and I have loved being retired ever since. During the pandemic I volunteered in vaccination centres but I have had no desire to go back to work but you need to do what fulfils you.