Hi Everyone: I have a problem that keeps going through my mind, and I would love any opinions I can get. I work for the government in my home town and I hate it. I would love to go back to school and learn how to become a pastry chef but feel that because of my age (53) I am to old to start over. I love looking at all of the cakes and the different ideas that are address here. I make cakes at my job and everyone always asks why am I still here. If it were you, would you make the change?

If you can financially, I would not let your age matter.

I agree, if you could financially afford to make the switch - GO FOR IT!! My mom just graduated with her master's degree and she is only 60. If you can't leave your job just yet, try to take a few classes and work on it from there. You should always be happy with what you are doing!!

If it is what makes you happy, I have two words for ya hun,.......DO IT!!!!
Just cause you been aroung the block a coupla more times than I have doesn't mean that you have to stop doing what you love. GO FOR IT !!!

Thank you. I am definitely going to start taking more cake classes and work on doing what will make me happy in life. Thanks, again.

Many pastry chefs and cooks suggest before making a life change and spending thousands on classes that you should try to apprentice somewhere or do part-time work in a bakery/restaurant to get a real feel for it (the hours, the legwork, the fact that you won't get to do the fanciest or most fun dessert for awhile). This way you will know if you really want to pursue it, especially since the salary is not that great, or keep it as a side business/hobby.

I'm not trying to put a damper on it but just wanted to give you some thoughts.

I am thinking about doing the same thing but as a side business initially. For me, it will be an income supplement for retirement (I'm 51). Although, if I could get the business solvent then I would consider quitting my current position and doing desserts/cakes fulltime.
Go for it!! Life is too short!!!
ncdessertdiva

You are still young! Do what makes you happy!

Life is too short to be stuck in a Job you hate, I say GO FOR IT!

You are never too old to go back to school and learn.

But you can be too old to be on your feet all day earning near minimum wage as a new pastry graduate with culinary school tuition to pay off.

Intern/apprentice first. Find out the pay scale.

Gee, I am just happy to see there are a few others in my age group here, haha!
I would have to say I agree with all. I don't think you should ever let age stop you but I do think it would be a good thing to get a feel for the amount of labour involved. I know physically it is hard on the "young'uns" and that gets harder when we are over 45, I do believe. But if you are in great physical shape I say go for it. It is also true that you can start at the bottom end of the pay scale even with a culinary arts degree, worse with starting out as a baker and if you have to put in a long apprentice in your area. The hours are long and not the usual either.
It is definitely worth looking into and I think to get a feel for the amount of physical labour, a part-time job in a bakery or restaurant may be a good indicator for you.
Hugs Squirrelly

I'm 37 but only had my first baby--her birthday is in 2 weeks but going to school was something I should have done at my sister's insistence 4 years ago (pastry). I may not do the whole nine yards but once the bro or sis is out (none en route yet) and both in school (whew, years from now!), I'm going to do something about it. DO IT!

If I were youI would go for it. If making cakes is your passion at least you would have a job you were happy with. I make cakes on the side because I enjoy doing it. I am a RN at a hospital. I love being a nurse, but I love making cakes also. The bad thing is--I'm from a small town and a bakery would never make ends meet here. I would have to work at a bakery in another town and make minimum wage--so I better stick with nursing. But if I were you and could afford it I would go for it

Your never to old for anything! I am 50 and yrs old.Many yrs ago I ran a small business out of my home. I just made up flyers and business cards and left them under winsheild wippers.. I don't think classes are necessary when it comes to making cakes. After the few you do for people you get more inspired and learn different techniques on your own. When I was in HS at the age of 14 I took up baking it was a vocational school. Since then I have never put down the bag until about several yrs ago when I adopted my children. I at the time did pretty good for myself selling cakes, but then it just became to much! It was only my two hands and the phone never stopped ringing. Since then I have moved, and now am teaching my 11 yr old daughter. I had allot of bakeries in my town to but I did not let that bother me. Word of mouth is the best way. Even though it's allot of work at the end you made a customer very happy and from that it get a feeling of over all gratitude!!

Go for it!!

sister~

You're never too old, if it's really what you want to do. Trying out an internship or apprenticeship before you resign, is a good idea to give you a feel of what it is like in the industry.

If you can afford it, go for it. Age is never an issue!