For those who are above 50 years old here: Best Trade to earn a living until retirement?

[VenomVeins]

In another thread it was mentioned that money doesn't mean as much anymore and that a career change with a paycut was fine as long as they got more family time.

Since my brother did the same thing a few years ago after he injured himself and had to learn a new trade that wasn't so physically demanding (he also has kids he wanted to spend more time with) and my father did nearly the same type of thing by paring down the shops he owned from 3 to 1 to spend more time with us.

So I want ask you 45-50 and over guys:

Did you do the same thing, and if so, what Trade did you go into, and why?

 

[Booky]

51 years old, been a draftsman for a steel building company for the last 20 years. I sit behind a computer all day using software programs detailing out material (frames, bracing, secondary, sheeting and trim) for steel buildings (offices, schools, churches, stores, arenas, storage and distribution centers, etc.). I then send the material off to shops to fabricate and ship out to a job site. The job is Great because I am always working on something different and never get bored.

 

[KEVINS]

Over 50 here. I'm all for doing a job that is more satisfying and less strenuous but having as much $$ as possible when I retire is more important. I won't sacrifice my well being for more $$ but if I'm at a "regular" job that's not totally crappy and it pays decent I won't take less $$ to have something more fun.
I actually go to great extremes to make sure I'm doing as much as possible to save $$ for retirement. Any $$ that I don't absolutely need to live on and enjoy a few things in life goes into securing my retirement.

ks

 

[James Snover]

Writing. I know an author, Mackey Chandler, who was a mold maker. he had to quit that for health reasons. He's 70, now, sells his science fiction stories on Amazon. Been doing that for eight years, now. He's making more than he did as a mold maker, now. And made a name for himself as an author. The great thing about Amazon is you don't need a publisher, agent, or anything else associated with traditional publishing, and trust me, the accounting is a LOT more transparent than with any traditional publisher.

And trust me on this: if you have any amount of imagination at all, you can make it as a writer. And there is a market for everything, from teen paranormal romance to dinosaur porn, I kid you not.

 

[tistan]

Writing. I know an author, Mackey Chandler, who was a mold maker. he had to quit that for health reasons. He's 70, now, sells his science fiction stories on Amazon. Been doing that for eight years, now. He's making more than he did as a mold maker, now. And made a name for himself as an author. The great thing about Amazon is you don't need a publisher, agent, or anything else associated with traditional publishing, and trust me, the accounting is a LOT more transparent than with any traditional publisher.

And trust me on this: if you have any amount of imagination at all, you can make it as a writer. And there is a market for everything, from teen paranormal romance to dinosaur porn, I kid you not.

My uncle does the same thing. He is a little over 50, and has been writing sci-fi since he was a teen. I remember him going through all the hassle and expense of trying to get published, and in the end he got turned down every time. Then Amazon came a long and he doesn't need a publisher anymore. Now, instead of paying to write, he gets paid.

 

[Outlaw99]

Im 47. Was a sheriff most of my adult life. Loved the job. I didnt like 16 hour days sometimes 7 days a week. To earn a good living you have to work extra duty. That life takes a toll on your body and your mind. You miss every single family event from holidays, birthdays, everything. I left that in 2005 and went in to business with a friend in a rent to own franchise....hated it. Sold my interest and went into dealership F&I management. Here we go with 14 hour days 7 days a week, no time off, missing important family events. But i did it, it was a great salary, hard to walk away from. My health was suffering, my blood pressure was stroke level. One day i walked out and decided i was done punching a time clock. Went and got my real estate license and decided to go into business for myself. That was 3.5 years ago. I have an office, but work mainly from home. I have doubled my business every year so far. Meanwhile, i make my own schedule. I never have to ask for time off. I haven't missed a holiday in 3.5 years, nor a birthday or anniversary. Im free to do what i want during the day. My blood pressure is the best its ever been in my life. I spoke to my brokerage about opening my own franchise in Hawaii and got a thumbs up just want me to get a few more years experience under my belt and get my broker in charge license. Its hard to get used to not getting a paycheck every week. But when i do get paid, sometimes its for months at a time. Last year i made half my old salary off one deal. Literally had 36 hours on a deal and made a 6 month salary. That will lower your blood pressure real quick. I would not trade what i have now for anything. This business isnt for everyone. But its perfect for me. My quality of life is un measurable now.

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[HillbillyHotRod]

Gigolo.

 

[Felix C]

My uncle does the same thing. He is a little over 50, and has been writing sci-fi since he was a teen. I remember him going through all the hassle and expense of trying to get published, and in the end he got turned down every time. Then Amazon came a long and he doesn't need a publisher anymore. Now, instead of paying to write, he gets paid.

Congrats to him. I publish military history books. Started two years ago. Not enough revenue to displace regular work. Gives me something for the future.
As for the OP's question. Building/Construction/Architectural products salesperson.

 

[tones_RS3]

Great thread idea.

My job isn't too stressful thankfully as I am getting up there in age myself. I will be 46 this month. Luckily it isn't too physically demanding either.
I had an even easier job and was getting paid more than I am now before the recession in late2008/2009, but those days are gone. Slowly working my way back up to the pay rate and getting close.

 

[Buckwheat 1]

Gonna have to wait until my next life for a career change. Electrical prostitution is the only thing I am good at.

 

[TheShadow]

I actually like flipping burgers...

 

[RedVenom48]

If you can sell, automotive repair service adviser

 

[Zemedici]

Im 47. Was a sheriff most of my adult life. Loved the job. I didnt like 16 hour days sometimes 7 days a week. To earn a good living you have to work extra duty. That life takes a toll on your body and your mind. You miss every single family event from holidays, birthdays, everything. I left that in 2005 and went in to business with a friend in a rent to own franchise....hated it. Sold my interest and went into dealership F&I management. Here we go with 14 hour days 7 days a week, no time off, missing important family events. But i did it, it was a great salary, hard to walk away from. My health was suffering, my blood pressure was stroke level. One day i walked out and decided i was done punching a time clock. Went and got my real estate license and decided to go into business for myself. That was 3.5 years ago. I have an office, but work mainly from home. I have doubled my business every year so far. Meanwhile, i make my own schedule. I never have to ask for time off. I haven't missed a holiday in 3.5 years, nor a birthday or anniversary. Im free to do what i want during the day. My blood pressure is the best its ever been in my life. I spoke to my brokerage about opening my own franchise in Hawaii and got a thumbs up just want me to get a few more years experience under my belt and get my broker in charge license. Its hard to get used to not getting a paycheck every week. But when i do get paid, sometimes its for months at a time. Last year i made half my old salary off one deal. Literally had 36 hours on a deal and made a 6 month salary. That will lower your blood pressure real quick. I would not trade what i have now for anything. This business isnt for everyone. But its perfect for me. My quality of life is un measurable now.

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I’ve got a few friends that made this jump, and some customers as well. How do you differentiate yourself from the tons of other agents out there? Just curious

 

[Machdup1]

Get into IT in a large Helpdesk. If you have a work ethic and are willing to learn it’s an easy gig.

 

[Buckwheat 1]

I’ve got a few friends that made this jump, and some customers as well. How do you differentiate yourself from the tons of other agents out there? Just curious

They differentiate themselves by becoming listing machines and let the other sell the house.


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[Outlaw99]

I’ve got a few friends that made this jump, and some customers as well. How do you differentiate yourself from the tons of other agents out there? Just curious

Its not easy for sure. Its slow to get started. 20% of the agents generate 80% of the business. You have to network and lead gen every day. So far so good with me. Im a people person. There are no strangers. Be willing to get up early and go to work so to speak. Out of my class of 90 people, Less than half passed the test and out of those, most have given up and washed out. If you truly are hungry for it, youll find a way.

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[03cobra#694]

Jesus, the site is ****ed up. I try to reply and it slings me all the way to the bottom.

 

[03cobra#694]

I sell stuff people want, not need. Almost 59 and do okay. I drove a truck before I do what I do now. Almost 2 million miles. I actually miss it sometimes. Way less pressure driving.

 

[PhoenixM3]

I’m gonna keep making movies.

 

[Zemedici]

I’m gonna keep making movies.

Movies?