27 years old and thinking of going back to being a groom?

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Libby_x

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Hi all. Just wanted advice. I am in an 'ok' office job and come out with around £1,200 a month. My horse takes up a huge part of my money. Also paying off a big credit card and still living at home as terrible at organising my life and money.

I am desperate to get out. I have been looking on a site that advertises jobs that as a combo of nannying and groom work... Accommodation and livery often offered as part of the job but wondering if I'll ever have any luck of one that provides that and an ok wage on top? Or am I better trying to find a better office job and sticking it out at home until I get my funds sorted. I miss being a groom and great with kids but don't often come across grooms my age, when do you draw the line?
 
My honest advice?
Pay off your debts first, then decide. I know it's hard. I've been in your situation before, dying to work with horses and get away from the office grind. But horse work pays peanuts and debts don't go away unless you work at them.
 
No, I don't think you're mad - live in yard jobs offer a fantastic lifestyle (if you're someone like me and that sort of thing floats your boat), the only problem with them is that there is no real way out of that lifestyle financially once you're in it. So unless you're happy to do that sort of thing forever....?
 
maggiestar said:
My honest advice?
Pay off your debts first, then decide. I know it's hard. I've been in your situation before, dying to work with horses and get away from the office grind. But horse work pays peanuts and debts don't go away unless you work at them.
Click to expand...

Not all grooms jobs get peanuts, if they include accommodation, bills, the use of a car, keep for a horse plus a decent wage the groom can end up with more disposable income than they would in a low level job outside the equine industry, the OP is probably not contributing much to her parents expenses at the moment so may find herself in a similar position financially but if she was trying to pay rent and household bills she could well find herself in a better position financially by moving to a job she enjoys.

Look at the racing world for a job combining all your skills, there will be a few trainers looking for a PA which will probably pay more than you currently get, give you the horse contact and accommodation on site, they may be few and far between but they do exist and will provide you with the normal benefits of working as well as something credible on your cv. it could also involve child care and some riding/ grooming/ traveling.
Working as a nanny may be low paid as they often take on au pairs rather than qualified experienced people but again there are jobs out there and the perks can be great.

Just to add there are plenty of grooms your age but they will generally be on the top yards getting well paid and treated properly by their employers who know how valuable they are to the smooth running of a professional yard, aim high if you are going to get back into it as that is where you will be appreciated.
 
Hello,

I am slightly older than you but in a similar position, though I don't currently have an office job.
I have just finished at a yard where i lived in, so used to having own space and have had to come back home as don't have enough to rent.

I am stuck between following my love and all I have ever know and continuing with yard work and the way of life living in offers you, or finding a 'normal' better paid job where I would be able to start saving and thinking more of my future.
My problem is I have only really ever know and worked on yards so have very little other experience.

Though as the above poster has said there are grooms out their our age but they have worked their way up and are well appreciated and treated better than your bog standard positions
 
Hi, I did this the other way round. I was a professional groom until I was 27. I had a great time, and my last job was working for an incredibly lovely, well known horsewoman. At 27 I realised I had nothing set aside for my future (pension etc) so I made the heartbreaking decision to come out of the equine industry. I got a job with the civil service as the pay was so good. I had no experience of office work, but am reasonably intelligent and learned on the job. I then was in a position to have my own horse, and pay for it! And pay into a pension fund. That enabled me to take early retirement in 2010 and realise a childhood ambition..to have all day playing with my horses and dogs. Yes, its taken a very long time, but in that time I have worked, saved, have no credit card debts (I only use a debit) and live on a carefully worked out budget. I have three horses, only one in work, I compete once a month, and am so grateful for it all. At your age, I would consider changing jobs for a better paid one, paying off my debts, putting some money away and then take stock. You may decide to stick with better money and improving your lifestyle, or you may decide to return to grooming. Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
Well qualified nannies are quite well paid. If you are looking for a combined groom + nanny position that is potentially well worth it. But you may need to be a qualified nanny first.
 
be positive said:
Not all grooms jobs get peanuts, if they include accommodation, bills, the use of a car, keep for a horse plus a decent wage the groom can end up with more disposable income than they would in a low level job outside the equine industry, the OP is probably not contributing much to her parents expenses at the moment so may find herself in a similar position financially but if she was trying to pay rent and household bills she could well find herself in a better position financially by moving to a job she enjoys.

Look at the racing world for a job combining all your skills, there will be a few trainers looking for a PA which will probably pay more than you currently get, give you the horse contact and accommodation on site, they may be few and far between but they do exist and will provide you with the normal benefits of working as well as something credible on your cv. it could also involve child care and some riding/ grooming/ traveling.
Working as a nanny may be low paid as they often take on au pairs rather than qualified experienced people but again there are jobs out there and the perks can be great.

Just to add there are plenty of grooms your age but they will generally be on the top yards getting well paid and treated properly by their employers who know how valuable they are to the smooth running of a professional yard, aim high if you are going to get back into it as that is where you will be appreciated.
Click to expand...

A combo of some admin work for a race yard but also some yard work and ability to have accommodation and take a horse sounds like a rare find that I might just hunt for. That way it keeps up the clerical skills for if I ever want to get out again, thank you
 
You should do what makes you happy but be aware that jobs that pay a decent amount are rare. I've had two that paid over 26kbut I used to do lots of overtime, take phone calls at all hours (1am to discuss fees plans) and the second I became the live in nanny/ chauffeur for two spoilt children.
Yes I miss the horses and some of the great people I met. But do I miss diva bosses and lack of job security? No way!
I now earn 3 times as much as I did working with horses (on average) I have my horse on livery, have a good pension and a house with my partner.
 
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