How I completely changed my career at 50 years old

Getting divorced was the best thing that I ever did. I know that it's a bit of a cliché, but this decision was the thing that started it all off for me. A domino effect, if you will.

It all started four years ago. I was anything but happy. I hated my job, I hated my relationship, and I hated that I was doing nothing about it, just letting life pass me by. Until one day, I decided enough was enough. I’m not sure what exactly sparked it, whether I was just at the end of my tether or the inspirational quote that had magically started turning up on my Instagram feed (I swear our phone listens to us), but I decided that I needed to change my life and make myself happy.

So, I started the long and hard journey of divorce and started finding a new career for myself.

Navigating the job market

Being a cashier at Asda for the last 20 years was anything but exciting. Other than the odd shop lifter or false lottery claim, the mundane job of scanning people's shopping was a job to no end. I needed a change. Other than the fact that self-checkouts had started replacing checkout workers, I yearned for something that put me in charge and provided some adventure to my life.

However, I didn’t expect how challenging it would be to find a new career as a 50-year-old. Back when I was job searching 20-odd years ago, it was ever so simple. You walked in with your CV in hand, and the manager would say yes or no. No second or third round of interviews for the most basic level jobs.

After months of applying and applying, hearing nothing back. I decided that it was time to stop, rethink, and approach the job market in a new way.

Finding a career for me

Reflecting on my CV, I realised that there was a lot missing. Other than 3 GCSE equivalents and 20 years of experience as a cashier, I really didn't have much to offer compared to a sprightly 22-year-old who has had several jobs as well as full qualifications. This is when I realised that I needed to get qualified too. But with so many qualifications to choose from, it was impossible to know where to start and whether to look.

Well, you know how I said Instagram listened to us, I logged onto Instagram to scroll, whilst I thought, and an advert for lorry driving popped up. Pondering on my lack of options, I thought that I would fill in the form. Why not? What do I have to lose?

Stepping into my new career

Looking back on that simple moment that I thought would amount to absolutely nothing, I’m filled with regret. Not only did the HGV driving company get back to me, but they also offered to pay for HGV lessons for me!

Starting life on the road, I’ve never been more glad to leave behind broccoli and dish soap for the open road with endless exploring and the peace of just me and my lorry.