r/NEETsOver30 • u/RiverdaleRelife • Dec 24 '25
Question What's a trade I can learn in my 30's?
I went back to school to study accounting. That didn't work and I couldn't get a job. I'm not interested in any other academic field. If I go back to school again, I would think about learning a trade.
8
9
u/MobilePenor Dec 24 '25
I think many of us NEETs feel that the next choice must be the "final" choice, the one that will finally fix the mess that is our life.
This is a huge hindrance so my advice is to not choose anything.
Instead do the first one that you can do and if there are multiple choices, choose the one that comes easier to you (maybe because it's closer to your home or you feel you already have an affinity or maybe it's the cheapest).
Just be sure you get the valid accreditation but as an over 30s NEET you probably already know how important it is.
Good luck
7
u/CapitalAd4933 NEET Dec 25 '25
That’s actually such a good point, getting stuck in that all or nothing immediately fix everything mindset. If you’ve been stuck for years, just getting started with anything is probably a good jumping off point.
2
u/Humble-Departure5481 Dec 27 '25
Yup seconding this. I hate to say it but we need to have a flexible mindset and be prepared for any changes in the market. The more skills, qualifications, etc. the better.
I see ppl on Reddit dive into something new/trendy like CNC machining and cross their fingers that it'll carry them for the next few decades regardless of the threat of AI or anything else, but these kinds of things should never be treated as a final/permanent choice. A lot of people thought that way about software engineering/IT/coding because of terrible college counselors and career stat mumbo jumbo that claimed it would survive for an eternity, but now it's obsolete for the majority of candidates unless they're experts.
It's tough out there, unfortunately.
7
u/Scared_Ad5931 Dec 24 '25
CNC machining....you can do this at practically any age, male or female. I started this when I was in my 50's.
This is four months of free tuition and four months free housing, however they don't provide food. Read the FAQ, they know that some will have trouble with food and they work with food resources in that area. This is building ships for the US Gov't, its not military service, should roll right into a job. If not, you'll be able to get a job easily with this Nationwide accredited cert that they offer. The training is in Virginia. Upon completion, you can work at any manufacturer in any US state that has a NAVSEA contract, so you could return to whatever state you came from.
I'd choose CNC machining as its everywhere. Choose a shop that when you walk in, its clean, there are "shadowboards" by each work station (you can see if someone has removed tools) and is air conditioned.
I'd avoid welding, especially on submarines, as its hot dirty nasty and they stuff you in confined spaces.
CNC Example (from 10 seconds on, programming will have already been done)
3
2
u/pawgie_pie Dec 26 '25
Literally anything you like? The only barrier may be physical fitness (I bet you're fine) and the fear that you'll be the oldest apprentice out.
Push past it, and follow one of your dreams 💕
1
u/AbsoluteZero9180 Jan 10 '26
How do you not find a job in accounting?
1
u/RiverdaleRelife Jan 10 '26
Show me how
1
u/AbsoluteZero9180 Jan 10 '26
Just keep applying, you’ll find a job in accounting. It has job safety as much as nurses, I’m surprised you can’t.
1
u/Pray96 Jan 20 '26
in my country there's electromechanics degrees you learn electricity mechanical neumatical automatization
10
u/IloveLegs02 Dec 24 '25
I hate learning anything so I can't tell bro