Changing career in France in your 60s and beyond

I have always believed that it is never too late to transform your life.

Granted, your working life may be shorter than it once was, although my 71-year-old husband, who went back to work a year ago, has just accepted a promotion!

It is the quality of your life that matters, rather than getting fixated on your age and what you perceive as “the end point”.

It would be easy to listen to your inner critic or other people’s negativity and believe that you are “past it”. This is the biggest lie we can tell ourselves.

Age is an advantage, not a curse. Instead of bemoaning your wrinkles or stiff knees, apply yourself to brainstorming what you would like to do – and make it happen.

Life is not a dress rehearsal

My late father was a judge. When he reached the official retirement age of 72, he did not just sit there letting his grey matter go to rack and ruin. Instead, he set up a mediation training business, delivering courses to lawyers throughout the UK.

He was not in the best of health, but that never deterred him. He kept going until his death at 91.

I find that attitude inspiring, and it has hit home for me in recent months because I have been very unwell and am currently awaiting major surgery.

That old saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”, used to irritate me profusely. However, in my case it is certainly true. Driven to near despair recently by my illness, I picked up mindfulness meditation again after a long gap and found it to be of enormous benefit.

In September, I am embarking on a year-long online teacher training course with the Oxford Mindfulness Foundation.

I am 67 and imagine I will be the oldest student on the course, but I do not care! I am really excited about this new opportunity, even if I am also slightly terrified.

If, after your move to France, you have realised that the job you really want is one you have never done, your 60s and beyond can be an unexpectedly good time to reinvent yourself.

Make an inventory of your skills

Start with what you already know. France Travail (francetravail.fr) recommends beginning with a proper assessment of your skills, interests and the employment market rather than immediately choosing a course.

What are you good at? What do you enjoy? What could somebody realistically pay you to do?

At my stage of life, it is thankfully no longer about having to work, but rather choosing to work in a field I am passionate about.

Do not make it all about the money. You do not have to aim for a full-time job, nor do you need to start at the bottom of the corporate ladder.

You could consider consultancy, tutoring, coaching, writing, translation, delivering training or offering specialist business services.

If you are already receiving a pension, check the rules before starting work. France has arrangements allowing pensioners to combine retirement income with professional activity, although the precise conditions depend on your circumstances.

Check your CPF account

You might think you cannot afford to retrain, but your compte personnel de formation (CPF, moncompteformation.gouv.fr) may help. It can fund eligible training during your working life, and France Travail may provide additional funding in some circumstances.

There are also programmes specifically aimed at older workers. France Travail’s Atout Senior combines training with practical experience.

Also, do not overlook validation des acquis de l’expérience (VAE, vae.gouv.fr). If you already have substantial relevant experience, you may be able to obtain a qualification by having it formally recognised.

Stick with the winners

In our village, we are surrounded by expatriates who have completely changed direction in their 60s and beyond.

One friend started a business making and selling organic face creams. Another couple – two former airline pilots – bought a rundown house with land and are making their dream of owning a vineyard come true. The wife is also training to become a Master of Wine.

Surround yourself with people who encourage you to take action – not those who throw cold water over your aspirations because, secretly, they may envy you and lack the courage to change course themselves.

Tips for changing career

• Audit your skills.

• Do not overthink – take action instead.

• Test before investing: talk to others who have changed direction.

• See what traini