<prompt> Human: My dad is in a really tough spot at the moment, and Id like to get some advice on how to handle his situation.He is a great man. But life has put him in a situation where a career change may be necessary.He has worked as a railroad signal engineer for most of his adult life doing contract work. In his line of work, he hasnt ever gotten the opportunity to decide where he wants to live. He has always followed the work.Last year my brother was killed in a freak accident his only other child. And his moms dementia has really taken a turn for the worst. To add, I got married last year, and he knows kids are in the near future and he doesnt want to be away all the time when they finally come.Anecdotally, another thing that I believe weighs on him is that retirement is no where in sight at the moment. He did not adequately prepare, so he is playing catch-up. I understand this makes the idea of a career change even more scary.These situations have really taken its toll on him. He is really unhappy with his job and feels like it is too late for him to make a career change. His unhappiness is effecting his health, and it worries me that it could potentially take a toll on his and my moms relationship.So I am seeking advice to relay on to him...Really all he wants is to be able to have a normal life without having to travel hundreds of miles away from his family every other week. We are currently in the Northeast Oklahoma area, and there no opportunities here for him to continue his railroad signal work.My mom does not currently work, but she is able if need be. They both understand that a potential career likely would result in a cut in pay. Currently he is making 100kyr. My mom is prepared to work as well.How does someone who has been working for 30 years in one field suddenly make a career change? We are in the we have no idea where to even start.  <response>: This may not be what you are asking, but I think first they need to focus on retirement. I think your mom needs to get a job asap, and they need to start catching up on putting away for retirement.Second, I would suggest that they start to reduce their current spending wherever possible. This will not only allow greater retirement savings, but will help immensely if your father has to take a steep pay cut when he changes jobs.I think you would need to get with people with some in-depth knowledge of the railroad industry to find out where your fathers knowledge and skills could transfer to a different job. 