Has anyone successfully changed their career after 40 and is now working in a trade for example and is doing well? Or knows about services, resources, support in the UK?

I did a hairdressing course that was aimed at giving people, mostly women training to get them back in the workplace, it was "part time" and they fiddled it so that it was kept under the constantly changing number of hours people were allowed to work and keep their benefits. Most people on the course were single parents and it fitted in with school hours.

Have you managed to build a career that allows you a comfortable life?

I didn't, due to factors beyond my control, like getting hypermobility in my fingers joints, but I could easily have done.

I didn't, due to factors beyond my control, like getting hypermobility in my fingers joints, but I could easily have done.