Kara Bates says it’s never too late to find your purpose. Photos: Supplied.
Kara Bates never planned to become a childhood educator — until she had kids of her own.
“When my daughter was diagnosed with a disability, I wanted to make sure she had the best start in life,” Ms Bates said.
“As a parent, I found I naturally had a connection with kids and decided to work with them. I find it easier to deal with children than with adults. Children are honest, they’re straight up. An adult is more likely to not communicate or tell you what’s wrong.”
After finishing school at Leeton High, Ms Bates worked in retail management before deciding to change careers in her mid-20s.
She recently completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship online through TAFE Digital NSW and has already secured a job as an educator with Goodstart Early Learning.
“Studying online gave me the flexibility I needed while allowing me to pursue a career that truly inspired me,” Ms Bates said.
“I’m loving my job. No day is the same and I feel energised when I come home.”
New data shows more people than ever are choosing to change careers later in life.
The number of people aged 25 to 44 taking up apprenticeships increased by 54 per cent between 1995 and 2025, compared with a 17 per cent increase among those aged 19 or younger — pointing to a gradual shift in the age profile of people entering apprenticeships.
Ms Bates with her children Ryder and Ayla.
Ms Bates said the trend was unsurprising, noting that few people truly knew what they wanted to do for the rest of their lives when they were teenagers.
“You might not find your purpose just after you finish school,” she said.
”You should trial-and-error anything and everything. It might not be until a later age that you find your passion, but backing yourself and trying things will help you find your path.”
The 28-year-old plans to continue her studies with TAFE NSW and hopes to enrol in a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in the future.
“The support I received from the TAFE teachers made all the difference. Their encouragement and kindness gave me confidence to keep going and take on new challenges. If you’re considering retraining or starting a new career later in life, you’ll only ever regret the chances you don’t take, so back yourself and give it a go.”
