Starting over career

[isu22andy]

Mid 30s been in district sales management in Ag for 12 years, 10 years at one company and 2 at the other. ( Relocated otherwise I would of stayed at the first) Got layed off from my company a week ago. Wife makes good money. Loved the flexibility of working out of my house and other perks from the company but the corporate bs gets old real quick. Sales going door to door isn't my thing. Anyone start over in their mid 30s and what did they do ? Not against some blue collar work but don't want to wear out my body either .

I like technical stuff, repairing things, don't mind some long drives, not against working outside although I have no degrees or certs in that stuff. Handy with a wrench and not bad with some low voltage wiring work . ( Rewired a couple boats ) Decent around a computer but not a wizzard. Can run any piece of farm equipment and enjoy it . Doesn't have to necessarily be a square 40 hours a week but would prefer not to work my life away with young children. Thinking about throwing a few apps in at the city as that seems like refreshing work but curious what others do that grant them some flexibility with kids and outdoor hobbies.

Thanks for any help and PMs welcome!

 

[TOGIE]

i don't really have much insight nor experience with starting over.

all i know is my dad and even my father in law weren't really settled into the job/industry that would be their true career until their late 30's.

my brother in law encounters a lot of dudes in their mid 30's in the fire academy that are starting over.

in summary, i think it'll work out just fine for you if you find something you wanna do.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

You're in Iowa. Does John Deere have anything that works with your transferable skills?

 

[Steiny77]

Based on the info provided:
* Spent last 12 years in AG sales
* Like technical stuff
* Like hands on work w/ tools

Surely you've run across some companies in doing business the last 12 years and thought "that would be a cool job to have".
Give this some thought, and pursue one of those opportunities as you likely have some contacts, and your foot is already partially in the door.

Good luck !

 

[Potsie]

I was 28 when the 2008 recession hit. I went back to school and finished my degree. Granted, I was single so much easier to make it work financially, but it definitely has been worth the time/money invested.

 

[duckhunt]

You're in Iowa. Does John Deere have anything that works with your transferable skills?

John deere is very slow right now.

 

[noharleyyet]

Perhaps look into a position with your ex employer's best competitors?

 

[Gellar]

What part of Iowa are you in?

Use your connections from Ag sales. I am sure that many of the farmers you worked with have connections off the farm.

Drone applications for ag are huge right now in Iowa.

 

[JLDemo]

Don't worry about the age, worry about your mental health and make sure that your career supports your life, not the other way around.

Lots of Apprenticeships needing filled where you can make great money in a few short years locally.

Depending on where your location, with your skills set, you'd be a great candidate for precision ag equipment installation and sales. I love that industry and it's pretty damn neat, with efficiency being a hot topic, precision ag is going to be around for a long time. Especially if you can operate a drone.

I can help answer questions regarding Apprenticeships and what not. If you have any questions, just ask away.

 

[texwest44]

Iowa has a career information system - these can be very useful tools when it comes to career exploration. They'll provide salary information, education and training requirements and recommended backgrounds, industry growth rates, all kinds of stuff.

Here's a link to the system: https://workforce.iowa.gov/labor-market-information/career-exploration/data

Scroll down a tad, and click on the state of Iowa button:




On the landing page for the state of Iowa, scroll up just a tad, and you'll see a drop down menu with the careers that have available data (there are very many). Peruse around, and see if anything strikes your fancy. You can also filter your search by county.





Let me know if you have questions about how to use these career information systems (CIS) for other states. And reach out to your state workforce program or LMI data people. They have a ton of information, too.

 

[isu22andy]

Thank you for all the replies - I need to update my location ! I’m in SE Minnesota now !

 

[westbranch]

I don't have specific advice based on industry and experience but know several people that have done career changes in their mid-30s. My opinion is always do it and see what happens. I quit my job and moved to a new town 1,100 miles away at 29. Stayed in a similar career but still switched jobs a couple times and things are sitting pretty good now about 8 years later.
My wife is in the process of a big career change from graphic design to nursing. Also in her mid 30s. I have a good job so minimal financial stress, which I think can be the biggest deterrent.

 

[texwest44]

Thank you for all the replies - I need to update my location ! I’m in SE Minnesota now !

Minnesota has a career information system as well(https://portal.mn.cis360.org/), but requires a login. It uses the IntoCareers system, which I personally think is one of the better systems available. You can email [email protected] to get them to help you create login credentials. Very useful tool, it's used by career developers all over the US.

 

[ccc23454]

Can you read a calendar and unlock a gate? Apply at the Forest Service they currently have nobody with that skill set in at atleast two district offices I deal with...

 

[isu22andy]

Perhaps look into a position with your ex employer's best competitors?

Im looking just nothing available yet - Ags been in kinda a downturn lately.

 

[44hunter45]

I have always maintained my client relationships with the thought I may be asking them if they have a job opening someday.

I would run through my CRM lists to see if there are opportunities.

 

[Wild Bill]

Not sure if moving is on the table, but I wouldn't be shy about looking outside of your current area. I believe the unemployment rate in SD is roughly 1.8% and about every business you come across is searching for dependable and willing prospects.
Good luck!

 

[2rocky]

While in the Severance portion of your lay off, put the word out on Linkedin if you are on it that you are open to opportunities. Your sales background is applicable to many other fields. You have lots of contacts, and companies are looking for ways to reach new customers. Look for private sales rep firms who handle multiple vendors. Usually these are smaller one or two person sales reps that help companies break into new areas. Your book of business is your biggest asset right now.

 

[geetar]

I left the automotive repair business to go and work for NC State Parks at 32. I'm just passed the 2 year mark in this job and don't regret it at all.