Retraining at 48: ‘I’m proof there can be a new chapter when you least expect it’

Like many people returning to education later in life, Dawn Holton made a number of personal sacrifices while completing her studies.

Balancing family life, work, college projects and exams often meant late nights, long journeys and giving up personal time, but she says every challenge was worth it in the end.

Having worked as an SNA for over 15 years, she had made a radical decision to train an auctioneer, embarking on an intensive course.

It was a massive commitment that saw her put her life on hold for two years.

But now graduated and having launched her own business, Holton Homes and Properties, she hasn’t regretted it for a moment and says she’s the happiest she’s been in her entire life.

Originally from Midleton and now living in Kerry Pike, the mum-of-two worked in retail originally.

“I worked in Gasoline for around 15 years, but after I had my first child, Jade, I wanted something more compatible with family life, and I worked as an SNA in St Paul’s Special School,” she said.

She loved her role there but felt ready for a new challenge.

“I started doing an interior design. Then I thought about staging properties for sale instead. I was about to contact some auctioneers and I just thought, ‘hang on, why don’t I become the auctioneer myself!’” she said.

And that’s exactly what she did, embarking on an IPAV course in Dublin to get her estate agent’s licence.

With typical honesty, she said it was the most difficult thing she’s ever done in her life.

“There were 100 of us at the start, and by the end of second year there were just 54. The workload was huge. I hadn’t been in college since I did business studies in RTC! I was 48 at the time – I didn’t even know if my brain could actually take in the information!”

For a time her life was: school, dinner, study, on repeat.

“Each semester there was a project, and an exam in Dublin. It was like your Leaving Cert, it was taken that seriously. Having said all that, despite all the sacrifices, the guilt, the exhaustion, I always loved it, it was a really positive and very rewarding experience.”

And her dedication paid off as she earned an IPAV award for the highest marks in the course.

It was while still doing the course that she decided she’d open her business.

“Starting my own business wasn’t about not wanting to work for someone else. It was about wanting to build a business that reflected my own values. I wanted to create a service where people felt supported, listened to, and genuinely cared for throughout the buying and selling process. There are so many incredible women leading successful businesses today, and I wanted to be part of that community.”

With that decision made, she also did the LEO ‘Start Your Own Business’ course on a Monday night and a tax course another night.

“I didn’t even know how to use Excel, so that was another course! Then, while I was off school during the summer, I used the time to start preparing my branding ideas, signs, photos, etc. The idea was the minute that I’d get my licence, I’d be ready to launch Holton Homes. I graduated in June, 2024, and launched in August.”

Since launching Holton Homes and Properties, Dawn has successfully sold and managed a growing number of properties across Cork and continues to expand the business.

“It is a difficult business to be in, but I’ve never not had a house to sell since I started. What I have to offer is the life experience, I can take calls at 9pm at night, I’ve the flexibility to work outside office hours, to show homes on a Sunday morning after people drop kids to training.”

Reflecting her enthusiasm, she joined Network Cork before she ever had her licence.

“I went along in June and I remember people asking what’s your business when I didn’t have one yet - that was funny! I found them great, seeing other women in business do well was inspiring. It can be different for men – we have our work, our children, the household and all that comes with it so it was great to see people juggling all that.”

Winning Emerging New Businesswoman at this year’s Network Cork awards was ‘a lovely acknowledgement.’ And it was a proud moment for her daughter Jade (24) a primary school teacher in Dublin, son Zach (14), and her husband Colin, a pharmaceutical operator.

“Genuinely, If I can do this, anyone can. This is the first thing I’ve done for myself, and at 52 years old I’m proof that there can be a new chapter in your life when you least expect it.

“We’re all living longer – I could have another 20-odd years in this career and I hope to because I adore it. I have to say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my whole life, and that’s the truth. It’s been a rollercoaster but it’s so worth it. The sky is the limit.”

Looking back, Dawn says the biggest lesson she learned is that it is never too late to start again.s

She hopes her story encourages others who may be considering a career change, returning to education, or starting a business later in life.

“Age should never be a barrier to pursuing a new goal. If there is something you have always wanted to do, go for it,” she said.