I worked in construction for 20 years. I thought I was doing the right thing by going back to college to advance my career but it didn't work out like that.

I only got half-way on my route to becoming a surveyor since I simply could not afford the time away from work. So I found myself in a situation where I was better qualified than my boss but not so well qualified that there were many alternatives other than looking for similar work elsewhere.

By then, at the age of 40, I was, in the eyes of potential employers, over qualified for the roles I was applying for or just too old. So I gave up.

After a spell of unemployment while tinkering around with different ideas I fell into web development and started earning a bit of money. I figured I may as well pursue this since there wasn't anyone around at the time to tell me not to. After struggling for a few years I got to the stage where I was earning as much as I was in my previous career so stuck with it.

Some years later I have a lifestyle business that enables me to travel whenever and wherever I like and work whatever hours I want to (within reason). I don't earn a huge amount of money but I do earn enough to live on and save for my retirement.

I'm reasonably happy with the way things worked out.