Career change at 52?

[Lamplighter]

Originally Posted by orthodoc

Get the kids through college and/or on their adult paths
and then switch careers if you still want to. You only have a few years left
with the kids still at home - don't miss them.<snip>

Sure, do what you need to do to make you feel you have done right by your kids.

But realize too, the economic world has changed, and graduation from
high school, or from college, does not mean they won't be back !
You may have a household of kids coming and going for several more years.

If you keep procrastinating until the kids are "settled", you may be so close
to retirement you would have good reason to be afraid to make significant career changes.

Who knows, maybe your wife wants to make career changes too.
If she has been a stay-at-home-Mom, she may want to pursue some of her dreams too.
Several long, private discussions with her now may find the better paths.
If you do change careers, you will need her support... and she, yours.

But staying in a job that is not satisfying is not the path to a contented
marriage or retirement, especially if the reason is "for the sake of the kids"
Fear and regret are far worse than the temporary stresses of making
the changes that are best for you and your wife.
Your kids will survive.