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  Discussion on 2nd career advice needed
Author Message
Member:
Chrism

Posted on Friday, Apr 21, 2006 - 10:55 am:

Hi All,

I recently was offered a "package" I couldn't refuse from my employer.

At 53, I am considering my options. I'd like to do something with animals, especially horses. In an ideal world, I would be self employed. Money is not my primary objective - earning something to offset expenses is nice.

By way of background, I am an engineer (applied math and computer science) by education eons ago, worked as one for some time, moved to management, marketing, product management. I've a variety of industry experiences due to my old customer base.

Personally, I've been riding for nearly 40 years, primarily in Germanic tradition, including dressage.

I've also a fair amount of training in TTEAM.

So, one idea is to consider becoming certified in equine massage therapy.

What I am researching is what this actually means, if people use an EMT and what regulations might exist in NC about EMTs.

I'd welcome any and all impressions, as well as alternative suggestions.

Cheers. And thanks in advance.
Member:
Imogen

Posted on Friday, Apr 21, 2006 - 1:21 pm:

Hi Chris

I don't have anything useful to say other than "good luck" and I am sure having seen all your thoughtful posts on this board that whatever you decide to take on you will make a success of it.

A couple of years ago I was in a slightly similar position aged 43 after coincidental fall out among my major clients (not with me... one lot changed their regulations, another lot went on maternity leave and I myself got very sick with Guillaine Barre SynDrOme resulting in temporary paralysis from the waist down).

After investigating a number of horse-related businesses (and I had previously run my own documentation business for 20 years so that bit wasn't news for me), I could not work up a business plan for any of them that convinced me let alone the bank manager despite the buoyant Irish economy and vast increase in the number of horse owners in our area.

Instead I ended up doing a year and a half's hard labour in the Apple call centre here in Cork but it worked out well for me in that I now have another job more closely related to my former work running the chiropractor's association in Ireland and part of the reason I got that job was the experience I had in handling complaints for Apple. Pay and flexible working conditions in the new job are a big improvement on what I was doing previously and allow a lot more time to enjoy my 15 year old mare and one year old filly.

So I suppose I'm just saying don't despair if the dream doesn't seem like it will work out as a reality. I really hope you can find something that will work out for you but don't forget while the horses will be there to give you pleasure in your work, it's the owners who pay... how is your patience level with owners in general?

I don't know the law in the US but in the UK and Ireland "equine" chiropractors and physiotherapists are regulated under the veterinary acts and cannot treat animals except under referral/supervision from a vet which I personally think is a good thing although a lot of the time the law is ignored. Is there a specialist horse vet in your area that you have a good relationship with who might discuss the idea with you?

Very best wishes

Imogen
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Friday, Apr 21, 2006 - 10:38 pm:

woohoo... this is going to be the best package you ever got.... I got a similar "package" 4 years ago. and life couldn't be sweeter. i did stay in my field, but i just work from home. and look out the window and there is my horse. Now when clients call and i don't come to the phone, they say "were you out feeding?" yup....

I find the more serious riders utilize EMT's more than someone like me. I did use one for eons back when i first started out with my horse. It was such a good thing for a beginner to do. Watching someone work my horse taught me how to be more hands on. But i don't know how much of a "hotbed" of activity NC is for EMT's... here in Wellington you probably would make lots of money and get worked to the bone. You realize the hard work it really is. And all the EMT's i have ever met, have the ugliest hands, the biggest forearms..grin. it's hard back breaking work, all day every day....

With that thought, have you looked into any kind of management (engineers are so meticulous) with horses? as opposed to the "hands on" experience? Also, would behind the scenes do it for you as much as working with horses all day? Like in the breeding business, or horse insurance, or any of those businesses that work for the horse, but not get your hands dirty.

Whatever you do it will be fun and fulfilling. And its all a blessing to have that second career.
New Member:
Barbju

Posted on Saturday, Apr 22, 2006 - 12:25 pm:

I am 63 years old and have been involved with horses most of my life but seriously for the past 10 years. I am an RN and most recently worked in management for a software company. My plan was to buy horse property here in California and to open a boarding facility. I did buy my small ranch last January and started the boarding facility. I had planned to work for two more years and retire to this wonderful place and live this idyllic life. My employer had other ideas, they eliminated my job last May and offered me a package. I was panicked at first (I've worked since I was 16)but things are working out very well. The business is paying for itself and I am enjoying myself.
This is a very long post to say my advice is to go for it. I don't think you will regret it.
Member:
Chrism

Posted on Monday, Apr 24, 2006 - 9:13 am:

These are all very helpful insights and I really appreciate it.

Some additional information - hubby is not a horse person and does not aspire to a place in the country that ties us down. And, my career goal is no longer to maximize earnings, but to do what I enjoy. Realistically, my "book" would be full if I had a couple of EMT clients per day.
That said, I am healthy and fit.

While I was sad/mad/distressed to be encouraged out at first, I will say I have been REALLY enjoying the freedom of doing what I enjoy, getting full nights of sleep and catching up with friends and chores. I did not realize how anchored I was to my job until the ball and chain were cut off and nearly 60 hours a week were returned to me. And, I no longer have to be available for calls with Asia nearly 24/7.

Thanks, again, for everyone's thoughts and perspectives. I am having great fun exploring alternatives and feel like I am in high school again.

Cheers,
Chris
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