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• Is 32 too old for a complete career change?
• My job made me ill – now I don't know what to do
At the start of each week, we publish the problems that will feature in this Saturday's Dear Jeremy advice column in the Guardian Work supplement, so readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy's own insights. Here are this week's dilemmas – what are your thoughts?
Problem one: Is 32 just too old for a complete career change?
For the past two years I have worked as a Tefl teacher in Spain. Prior to this I worked as an acupuncturist and massage therapist, but this proved to be less than lucrative and I struggled to make it to the end of each month. English teaching was intended to be a quick fix – as a native English speaker in the unemployment epicentre of Europe, and considering my work history, it seemed my only option.
I would like to change career direction and enter the business world. I have no corporate experience so, to get my foot in the door, I have started studying for a BSc in business administration (while still teaching). I am 29 and will be 32 when I graduate if all goes well. I am aware I will probably need to start from the bottom, but is it realistic to attempt such a drastic career change? Graduate prospects for my degree seem positive, but at 32 will employers still consider me or will my mixed bag of work experience and qualifications tell them to steer clear?
Problem two: My job made me ill – now I don't know what to do
I spent 20 years in law, working my way up from clerk to barrister to senior management. I hated being a manager and suffered severe depression, leading to sickness absence then early retirement. I am 44 and don't know where to go from here. I know my health would suffer if I returned to law or management.
I would love to work for myself – I'm very focused and conscientious – but doing what? My skills are the analysis of complex material and strong communication skills – I was often complimented on the clarity and structure of my written work. My biggest drawback, I believe, is great difficulty in networking: I find it very hard to combine work with socialising.
I wonder whether I should pursue an MSc in a subject of interest to me, in the hope it will lead to a new career. Alternatively, should I seek a portfolio career of membership of public sector boards? Or is there a way of setting up a business of my own using my skills?
What are your thoughts?
• For Jeremy's and readers' advice on a work issue, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@guardian.co.uk. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or reply personally
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