Midlife career change

I’m a teacher in QLD, and looking at the SEEK data, I’m basically a bit below with your average city-based sparky — around the $100k–$110k mark. I know there are many in domestic/industrial who clear way more . If I push into a Head of Department or Lead Teacher role, I can make $140k, which may be more in line with an electrician.

The FIFO electrician numbers ($150k–$180k+)live rent-free in my head.

Sometimes I wish I’d gone hard into a trade and FIFO when I was 20. No mortgage, no kids — I could’ve banked 70% of that mining money and set myself up early. Invest it, smash a deposit, build momentum ( but most likely in my 20s I wouldn't have been that good with money )

The itch is still there though — not because I hate teaching. I don’t. I’m genuinely content and see a solid future in it. It’s more the idea of that short-term mining boost to knock years off the mortgage while I’m still young enough to grind.

With a young family now, I obviously can’t go back and start a 4-year apprenticeship. I’m curious if there’s a way to tap into the mining premium without retraining from scratch.

Has anyone broken into mining later in life without a trade?

Ideally something that:

– Doesn’t require a 4-year apprenticeship

– Still commands that $120k–$150k+ mining range

– Is somewhat realistic with a young family

Or is this just a classic “grass is greener” phase I need to let go of?

I think trades are good because you can make so much money while young and then run a business or go to uni later in life.

I really wish I had my current mindset when I first left school - I basically spent my 20s just travelling and having fun .

This could also be a midlife crisis ...

Overall I know I'm lucky I have a career, a house , a wife and kid.