[USER]

A request for advice.
Please throw me your ideas as I am feeling desperate and tired of feeling stuck. I am a former website manager (15 years experience), primarily working in academia and for nonprofits/associations).

While I enjoyed the flexibility that tends to come with working in the nonprofit sector, it also involved a trade-off in terms of compensation (like PTO) — at my peak, I made approx. $70k.

I resigned from my last “W-2” job (a healthcare-focused non-profit) during Covid, largely due to burnout from long hours, a lack of support from management, and because of the aforementioned compensation factor.

For the past few years, I’ve been self-employed in pet care; my earnings were roughly equal to my prior salary, though I have also had to pay for my own health insurance, and have to account for self-employment taxes.

While there is certainly an upside to being my own boss, the long hours, inconsistent/unpredictable schedule, constant “hustling” to bring in new business, and the work itself are leading me to feel burned out again.

As a result, I’m considering a career change, but have some anxiety about returning to a more “traditional” employment situation.

I’m seeking work that is less physically taxing than my current work, and preferably with limited digital screen use because of some health considerations (chronic migraines and dry eye – which were also a contributing factor to leaving my previous employer).

As a 46 year old woman, I also worry about ageism as I’m considering re-entering the job market.

I have been relatively frugal, and have continued to contribute to IRAs and HSA while self-employed. I have no debt and ~$300k net worth. I have about $15K (approx. 6 month expense buffer) in my emergency fund.

I’m looking for viable career alternatives that meet the criteria below, and also taking into account the current economic climate.

Looking for something:
In demand, stable, not likely to be displaced in the near-term by AI or other factors
Reasonable working hours
Safe from Ageism

Income of at least $70k (but preferably more)
Would consider pursuing additional education/training, but prefer no more than a 2-year degree program
A 401k match of AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, Medical/Vision/Dental, PTO

X-Ray Tech and Respiratory Tech are the only careers thus far that seem to match this criteria, but open to other areas, so looking for ideas.

What else should I consider? If I chose a path that required additional training/education, how would I pay for schooling?

Loans, scholarships, apprenticeships, continue pet care part-time, and take on digital/website contract work to pay for living expenses while completing a program?

What else do I need to consider to make it safely to retirement while living a full life?

Thank you for reading and insights you may offer.

[Chris]

X-ray tech? So, you’re ready to go back to school? Cos you need a qualification in radiologic technology and certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Ageism is unavoidable, unfortunately. You want to make around $70K but that’s also what school leavers are getting and they are half your age. + the health issues that you mention.

I think you may need to recalibrate your expectations.

[James]

Radiologic Technologist is a great career I’ve been doing it for 20 years, but it can be very demanding.

If working in a hospital it’s a lot of lifting and moving of patients.

Long hours and shifts that may be evening or overnight or weekends starting out.

Just a few things to consider. Burn out is very real across the field of medicine, from the top down really.

[Jamie]

If those careers check your boxes then I’d reach out and try to set up a bunch of informational interviews with people in those careers.

I saw you asked when you were at an appointment, but you won’t hear the cons when people are at their job.

I did that when I did a career switch and it was super helpful.

It also gave me very realistic expectations and helpful tips to pick a specialty.

[Irina]

Did you look at your local government open positions? They have great benefits and a predictable schedule.

Even if some pay a smaller starting salary, they usually have yearly raises.

[Irin]

If you’ve already burnt out twice, healthcare is the last field to turn towards.

We’re so engulfed in burn out in ourselves and our colleagues that we don’t even recognize it anymore.

It just seems to be the normal state of existence.

On the bright side, you could be 80 years old and walk with a cane and still get hired in a healthcare field.

[Jessica]

You know you. I do this (talk with people about their careers all the time).

By the way: I am a business owner and work corporate jobs. It feels nice to be doing the same work in corporate that my business does.

Feels like I’m just expanding the same network and table. I hope you find a synergy like this if it’s desired.

You’re not alone—what you’re describing is a crossroads many mid-career professionals face, especially those who’ve carried burnout, uncertainty, and physical limitations for years.

The good news is: you’ve built a solid foundation. You’re financially stable, experienced, self-aware, and open to re-skilling.

[Author]

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