If you could go back what would you be............?

Computer programmer. I actually became an accountant but I don't love it - too much of a hippy. But I've done quite a bit of (self-taught) programming over the years and I would have been a natural.

I would definitely not go into teaching again as it is now. Enjoyed it when first qualified as able to get on and teach in own way then. Admire anyone who enters the profession these days.

I was an accountant all my working life was mostly spent in Finance but I wish I'd been a detective.

My daughter in law's father was a teacher and then headmaster for many years, He ended up hating it because the kids were so rude and unruly. When he retired he went off to Africa and taught there for a couple of years. He was thrilled because the kids there were so nice and respectful and really wanted to learn.

In fantasy land? I'd have done something more creative, starting with art school instead of university. By now I would be successful as a painter/jeweller or fashion designer and I'd also breed and train horses. My legal and social care work has been rewarding but I think those of my old friends who weren't afraid to do what they were really passionate about have had happier lives.

A geophysicist! I really envy them on 'Time Team' when they survey a field and discover hidden buildings etc. I really wanted to study geophysics and work on an oil rig when I left school but I saw an advert which said no women were allowed on oil rigs. Then I got into Oxford, where geophysics was not an option, and I could not have turned down the place! So I read straight physics, then went into medical physics instead.
Later I went into secondary teaching, as a bursary was being offered to physics specialists. As others have said, teaching was fun and satisfying at first but a nightmare by the time I took early retirement.
Now I volunteer to help with reading at my grandchildren's primary school and I often think I would have enjoyed teaching that age group more.

I discovered how much I’d have loved to have been a midwife when I was 49 and the mortgage meant I couldn’t stop earning to do the training. What a brilliant way to make a living.

I wouldnt change a thing, I have loved being a Nurse all my life.

Reading this thread makes me think that girls have so many more opportunities these days than those of us had who were born just post-war.
The careers which were considered 'suitable' for us back then were teaching, the Civil Service or banks and that is what careers advisers offered.

I always wanted to join the QAs, had all the application forms and met DH. Goodbye to the dream.

When I went with my mother to see the careers teacher, it was suggested that I went into nursing, teaching or office work. This was in the mid 60s. Girls today have so much choice, the world is their oyster, and I envy them that.

There seem to be so many interesting jobs these days. At my girls grammar school in the sixth form we were geared towards university or teacher training. One or two girls went into nursing but they probably left after O Levels. I see people designing and making stained glass, doing conservation work on paintings and manuscripts, environmental work, apprenticeships - none of this was available in the late sixties - or if so, we weren't told about it at school and there was no internet in those days.

I thought I wanted to go into nursing when I left school. I also toyed with the idea of joining the WRNS, and ended up in the Civil Service. That was varied and often interesting, but if I could have my time again I would like to be an archaeologist or a historian/curator.

Along with various career considerations, I achieved my primary goals which were to marry and raise a family. Always non negotiable aims. I think I would do the same again in that regard.

I was flying light aircraft at 12 yrs old and desperately wanted to be an aerobatic pilot with the Rothmans team flying Pitt Specials. Bit sad not doing that or being a long haul pilot. Bit sad I didnt have the courage to be a medical doctor. As it is I’m a psychotherapist and my whole life was choreographed in such a way as it was undoubtedly what I was meant to be. It’s as natural to me as breathing and peoples lives change heal flourish. I am grateful and though I hanker after being a pilot in truth my work has been 1000 times more rewarding than ferrying people A to B or doing air shows!!!

I too had a great career in nursing but would have loved to have taken a degree I literature and been a librarian and lived in a world of books

On the whole, I'd change nothing.

I wish I'd taken more courses at work (office) and perhaps advanced a bit more. Generally, I've been and am still happy at work.

Wanted to be a nurse since I was about 4 years old. Achieved this and very much enjoyed many years in the NHS. But have always loved history and lately had thoughts that I should have been an archaeologist! Bit late now though!

I regret not taking a degree in Law.

I ended up in teaching and management and enjoyed it but FE was, and is, a nightmare.

I now do advice work. It's interesting and challenging but the pay and prospects are terrible.

I'm still hankering after that degree in Law

I would be a High Court Judge because I'm sick of offenders getting ridiculously lenient sentences.
Failing that, I'd like to influence Parliament to change the Coroners and Justice Act to more fairly represent the sentencing guidelines and to instill greater accountability in the Probation Service and companies which run various prisons as neither are fit for purpose and need a much tighter hand on the reins.

oldgimmer1
I did my degree and masters through the OU whilst bringing up my children.
It's doable at any age and, even if not of an age to practice, you would have the satisfaction of completing a long held desire.

grandmac
Never say never.
Ring the OU and see what they have to offer or advice they can give.
If you don't ask you don't get.

Teacher all my working life, but think I might have enjoyed something like publishing, editing or library work. Wouldn't have met DH though if I'd chosen a path different to teaching.

I enjoyed my teaching career, on the whole, but would, given the chance, do something more creative. When teaching, I produced a few dramatic productions which were quite successful. I think I would also have enjoyed radio production work, or even TV. Maybe I'm flattering myself!

Never doubt yourself grannybuy
We can all do much more than we think we can.

I desperately wanted to be a designer but wasn't allowed as my parents wanted me to earn straight away.

Then 7 years later, with my husband's support, I enrolled on a 4 year design course, had several successful commissions but due to his illness, had to give it up just a few months before I qualified.

Now, if I were young again I'd choose that - computerised these days.