I need some career help....

[Rex_Goodheart]

53 years old. Accountant by training. CPA in the past. 10 years removed from any accounting work (burned out on that, but would probably do it again.) Healthy. In good shape. Intelligent, articulate, and fun to be around. LOL. So why did my wife leave me? (This has been a very crappy year). Nobody wants an old man.

What's a good business to start in today's economy? Should I even bother, considering I always wanted to retire at 55? LOL. Life's a bitch... shouldn't be this complicated or painful. More nervous laughter: LOL.

[Xipe Totec]

1. Forensic Accounting

That would be a cool segue to the experience you already have.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_accounting

Plus, you could bust some fat cat repugs while you're at it.

[Rex_Goodheart]

4. My sister-in-law suggested the very same thing!

Maybe it's a sign? I wish I believed in such things. Thanks for the link... I just might look into that.

[hickman]

2. 2006 really sucked didn't it?

Do you need to work? If not I'd just go have fun for awhile.

[Rex_Goodheart]

3. That's the thing...

I'm not really sure I absolutely need to work. I have just enough money for it to be a puzzle. I'm thinking I SHOULD work, since my son does.

[hickman]

5. Volunteer. I'm going to next year.

I retired from Ford in August but I need a second job for a couple years to be financially safe. After that I'm going to volunteer. One of the local papers sometimes lists the organizations who need help.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

6. 53's not old. You could dabble in auditing.

My consulting company is always looking for contract auditors. You just have to be smart and have some common sense and communication skills. Accouting background is a big plus.

Most people don't have the stomach for subcontract work, or just can't afford to pay their own benefits, but if you're not already working, I would consider hiring yourself out for this kind of work...

Esp if you can brush up on the Accounting, there's tons of auditing work.

[gr8dane_daddy]

7. What is it in your past you loved doing, either work-related or not?

I had an entrepeneur (sp?) coach tell my conference that about finding a career path.

[benny05]

8. Certified Financial Planner

Wouldn't take you long to get it as you redo some awfully messy tax returns.

[gr8dane_daddy]

9. Also, think about getting your PhD?

Accounting and Finance PhD's make good $$ (starting salaries can be upwards of $170k). If you don't mind me asking, are you a minority?

I know the "I'm too old" mindset may set in but many of the doctoral students I spoke with at a recent conference started in their fifties.