32F – Getting into underground mining?
Hello, looking for some advice about getting into underground mining.
I’m 32F, no kids and don’t plan on having any. I’ve worked in the mining industry for 3 and a bit years, with the last 8 months working on site in a technology role.
I’ve been thinking about making the switch to an entry-level underground role. Part of it is seeing how quickly AI is changing technology and wondering what my career will look like in 10–20 years, but I’ve also realised I really want a more hands-on job. I enjoy being on site and would rather be out doing practical work than sitting behind a computer.
I’m comfortable with FIFO and being away, and I’m happy to start at the bottom. I’ve also nearly paid off my mortgage, so I’m in a position where taking a pay cut initially to change careers isn’t a huge concern if there’s good progression long term.
There’s also not much room for progression where I am currently — people tend to stay in their roles long term, so opportunities to move up or into something different rarely come up, despite having our annual reviews and discussing development goals etc
Has anyone made a similar switch or started underground in their 30s? How hard is it to get a foot in the door with no underground experience, and do you reckon it’s worth making the change? Thank you