Too late to go back to school and switch careers?

[project15]

I'm 25. Married. Have a house. Baby on the way. My job is steady for now, but it's boring. I work in software. I've been doing this for the past 3 years right out of college. For some reason, I was thinking about wanting to be an air traffic controller, however, it looks like it requires 2 years in school and then you have to work your way up the ranks to get the salary I'm making now (maybe 3 years). I was thinking about doing this a few years ago too, but never looked into it since my career in software was starting up.

Should I just forget about this and continue in my unfulfilling corporate job? It would be a huge financial risk over the next 5 years until I start getting experienced in the job and promoted. But it seems like it would interest me more and also allows me to retire at 50 with a pension.

[kork13]

As the song goes, "...it's not too late, it's never too late."

My job is somewhat related to air traffic control, and I also have a good friend who just got into ATC a couple months ago (we're both 23). Trust me, the FAA is desperate for young, interested new controllers. Does your wife work at all? Would you be able to afford the job transition? I staunchly believe in the "love it or leave it" attitude for jobs.... You have to enjoy what you're doing, or you won't do your best at your job.

You're still young, with plenty of time to establish yourself in a new career field that you actually enjoy. I'm a little bit biased, but I say you should do it if you really want it and your wife will support you. If you want it, you'll find a way. I control military aircraft operations, and I promise, aircraft control is ALOT of fun.

[MonkeyMama]

I was going to say, "It depends." But you are only 25! I don't think I'd sweat the age. These days so many young people have no clue what they want to do in their 20s.

My spouse is planning to switch careers when the kids are in school (he's been home a long while). I never thought much about him returning to school in his young 30s - so many people in my college were in their 30s and did fine.

(Though I often caution anyone over 40 from trying to enter the field I am in - it's a tough road if you are not "young.").

[maat55]

You might read: 48 days to the work you love.

[Like2Plan]

I'm 25. Married. Have a house. Baby on the way. My job is steady for now, but it's boring. I work in software. I've been doing this for the past 3 years right out of college. For some reason, I was thinking about wanting to be an air traffic controller, however, it looks like it requires 2 years in school and then you have to work your way up the ranks to get the salary I'm making now (maybe 3 years). I was thinking about doing this a few years ago too, but never looked into it since my career in software was starting up.
.

If you are interested, you should go for it.

Here are some links for your consideration.

How to Become an Air Traffic Control Specialist

How To Become an Air Traffic Controller Path 2: You have no prior air traffic control experience


Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition Air Traffic Controllers

There is good job security with a govt job. Also, the money is probably going to improve for new guys with the new contract, if ratified.
FAA AND NATCA REACH LANDMARK LABOR AGREEMENT


The final thing is there are a lot of folks who are pretty close to retirement age who will be retiring within the next few years. Link to article:
JOBS: A Scramble to Add Air Traffic Controllers

[goldentraders]

I think we are very much opposite since i got a degree in aviation, and now working on stuffs related with softwares... I should be enjoying it more perhaps if i practiced my profession... But then I'm stuck to this since baby came. anyway, you're only 25, you have so many things to discover.. go ahead continue your dreams... Good Luck!

[cschin4]

25 is not too late to go back to school. However, let me offer you a few words of caution. First, you are married with a baby on the way and probably recently bought a house. You have ALOT on your plate. And, you should have considered this prior to all these events as you could have put off buying the home until you finished school, etc.
Also, your wife, marriage and new baby should be your Number 1 priority. Going to back to school and working will suck up a lot of your time that you won't have to spend building the early years of your family and relationship. That is time you will never be able to get back.
And, reality check. Don't look to your job to fulfill your life. Yes, it is a part of your life but not all of it. I have seen too many people run off to pursue a "career they will love" only to find out that love was blind and job is job no matter what. I have a great career but I don't "love" any job. I love my family. I love my dog. Jobs come and go. I have a great career today but if I have to dig ditches or flip burgers tomorrow so be it and I will be happy to have a paycheck.
What I am trying to say is look at the aspects of your job. Does it have regular hours that would allow you time home with your family? Do you have decent health benefits? Do you opportunity to move up the ladder or at least continue in a stable job for a long time?
Going back to school may also result in upheaval and put you in a precarious financial situation, it may put pressure on your wife and marriage and who knows if you can find a job even if you do go back or you may have to move, etc which is going to cost money to sell your home, etc. etc.
Listen, I am all for going to school if you BOTH are on board with that and you realize that it isn't going to be easy, that you may not really like it as much as you think, and that you may be sacrificing time that you cannot get back.
To me, the best job is one that affords me a decent income and allows me to live the lifestyle that i want. And, for me, having a stable job and ample time off and flexibility is what I want. You may want something different so you and your wife need to decide this together.

[ktmarvels]

I'd also say 'go for it'. While you are researching some more on what it takes, start saving like you'd be losing your income. That way you'll know if you can do it financially when you go to school (although there are loans that could help cover some of the gaps) and then you'll either have money for school or a decent EF saved for while you are living the dream.

Good luck!!

[Like2Plan]

Just to piggyback off the links I've already posted....
"Applicants must be under 30 and have either a minimum of a high school diploma and three years of full-time work experience or four years of college. (Some combination of the three can be acceptable as well.)

About 70 percent of applicants have come from the military’s air traffic control system or have completed the F.A.A. Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Program, offered nationwide at 13 colleges and universities.

Those selected to continue the process take a test; if they pass, they receive 12 weeks of paid training at the F.A.A. Academy in Oklahoma City, where they learn fundamental air traffic control procedures. Candidates must also pass medical and drug exams and receive security clearance. After that, on-the-job training begins. It takes an average of three years for a controller to complete it and become certified. "

Quote from JOBS: A Scramble to Add Air Traffic Controllers

Anyway, if that 70% figure is accurate--that means 30% are hired that didn't graduate from the F.A.A. Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Program or have prior military air traffic control experience....

Once hired, the training the FAA provides is rigorous and takes years to complete, although not everyone makes it through the training.....
link to Air traffic control education, training, ect?
The washout rate quoted in the previous link was 50%-- I don't know how accurate that number is these days. An average number will not mean much because it depends on your specialty (tower, tracon or enroute) and the level of facility to which you are assigned. Obviously, having higher traffic volumes and a higher level of complexity will make it trickier to get through the training even if you have a certain knack for the job ... but, here is another article:
Controller wash-out rate and training issues heat up the FAA-NATCA debate.

And a link to a forum discussing wash out rate

[Exile]

25 is not too late to go back to school. However, let me offer you a few words of caution. First, you are married with a baby on the way and probably recently bought a house. You have ALOT on your plate. And, you should have considered this prior to all these events as you could have put off buying the home until you finished school, etc.
Also, your wife, marriage and new baby should be your Number 1 priority. Going to back to school and working will suck up a lot of your time that you won't have to spend building the early years of your family and relationship. That is time you will never be able to get back.
And, reality check. Don't look to your job to fulfill your life. Yes, it is a part of your life but not all of it. I have seen too many people run off to pursue a "career they will love" only to find out that love was blind and job is job no matter what. I have a great career but I don't "love" any job. I love my family. I love my dog. Jobs come and go. I have a great career today but if I have to dig ditches or flip burgers tomorrow so be it and I will be happy to have a paycheck.
What I am trying to say is look at the aspects of your job. Does it have regular hours that would allow you time home with your family? Do you have decent health benefits? Do you opportunity to move up the ladder or at least continue in a stable job for a long time?
Going back to school may also result in upheaval and put you in a precarious financial situation, it may put pressure on your wife and marriage and who knows if you can find a job even if you do go back or you may have to move, etc which is going to cost money to sell your home, etc. etc.
Listen, I am all for going to school if you BOTH are on board with that and you realize that it isn't going to be easy, that you may not really like it as much as you think, and that you may be sacrificing time that you cannot get back.
To me, the best job is one that affords me a decent income and allows me to live the lifestyle that i want. And, for me, having a stable job and ample time off and flexibility is what I want. You may want something different so you and your wife need to decide this together.

I partly disagree with your advice about fulfillment. One should not let a job take over his or her world. BUT I also recall an ad slogan from a couple years ago "When you love what you do, you're alive." That is so true. If you're not happy in your job, it spills over into your personal life. I know. I've been there.

[cschin4]

"When you love what you do, you're alive." That is so true. If you're not happy in your job, it spills over into your personal life. I know. I've been there.

My job satisfaction comes from doing my job and doing it to the best of my ability. I can enjoy doing any job. And, there are aspects of ANY job that are frustrating and annoying but also positive aspects as well. I think the notion that one must "love" their job is a just bad advice. I really dont' recall my father or anyone from his generation going about saying "I love my job". Their job is "what they did" and they did it well. There is NO job that I "love". I greatly enjoy many aspects of my work. Real life involves real responsibility, some of which is boring. I have seen people destroy their family lives and finances chasing a pipe dream. Not saying that is the case with the OP. But, it is easy for everyone hear to say "rah, rah" and cheer him on. It is easy to tell everyone "yeah, go back to school and chase your dream", etc. However, but his life is no longer only him and his considerations. He now has a newly purchased home, a new marriage and a new baby on the way. It would be FAR, Far better for the OP to concentrate on loving his new home, wife, and spending time with his new child and being grateful he has a good income and means to support them which allows him to do just that. I think he should continue to look into what is required for this schooling and take steps in that direction if the BOTH so desire to do so. And, I think he should wait awhile until he gets his new home established before putting too many t hings on his plate.
Just my opinion. I have lots of marriages fall apart as people get caught up in things and don't put the time into their marriage and family. Obviously, there are people who can do both but it is difficult. But,I am sure his family would want him 100% focused rather than worrying about the next test and being distracted etc. A job is a job. Nobody lays on their deathbed wishing they spent more time on the job.

[shubh]

Seeing the current job market condition, I would not advice you to switch over the job. You can expand your career in software field also. There are many online options to improve your expertise and qualifications, that wouldn’t disturb your current job. It will give you sufficient time to look after your child. At the later stage, you may start online business .