Am I too old to start training for a deck officer?

[anya232]

Hi

I'm 32 old female. I have a well paid job in financial services but I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel in this job, I'm a stress case and I would love to leave the 9 to 5 routine

Do you think it would be madness to start a cadet training at 32 and leave behind a good job?

Thank you for your advice

[desdons]

Nope, not madness and you sound as if you were in exact same position as me. (I'm 32 and worked in financial services). Applied to companies and started my cadetship in January. If it's something you've been thing of for a while then go for it. You're probably too late for this September's intake however think about it some more and start applying in a few months for January 2015 intake.

The hardest thing will be money. A cadet wage is approx ?650 - ?750 a month for 3 years so make sure you're aware of this and can afford to live off this as well as savings/loans etc!

[Blondie]

34 years old here. Young enough to start a new career, old enough to know what you're giving up.

Salaries vary, I struggle on the relative wealth of an RFA cadet's salary. (Approximately 16k to start)

[Clanky]

Many companies are starting to realise the benefits of employing older cadets and 34 is certainly not too old to get to the top of the profession.

The biggest issue will be surviving on a cadet's salary for 3 years.

[size4riggerboots]

Go for it! We had cadets at college in their 40s... (Just remember that a cadetship and the subsequent job may well be at least as stressful as you current job, albeit in very different ways!)

Best of luck whatever your decision

[jagfettes]

Hi

I'm 32 old female. I have a well paid job in financial services but I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel in this job, I'm a stress case and I would love to leave the 9 to 5 routine

Do you think it would be madness to start a cadet training at 32 and leave behind a good job?

Thank you for your advice

Having just finished flying with the RAF to embark on a life at sea, I find myself in much the same position.

I'm 29 years old and will be taking a 70% pay cut for the next 3 years, so I understand your concern.

My two pence worth - give it a go. Life is an adventure so take a gamble and don't look back.

Whatever you decide I wish you the best of luck.

Jamie