Career changes are stressful, exciting, and justifiably emotional at any time, but there’s something about making them on the big 3-0 that can feel counterintuitive. After all, society tells us that we should have it all done by our thirtieth birthday, so the idea that you might have gotten your career wrong might be an unfortunate reality. On the other hand, the prospect of being able to explore a new career that feeds your soul can be encouraging. After you have passed through your 20s and gained the understanding of adulthood, it is a good thing to think if it is possible to change careers at 30 and if these feelings are worth exploring and starting again.
Can you change careers at 30?
Yes, you can make a complete career change at 30. In fact, it’s the best time to make a career change because you usually have fewer responsibilities than you would at 40 or 50. Naturally, this can make it easier to invest in yourself. , Start a new career, and be successful as you spend the next 30+ years earning money from something you love before you retire.
Changing careers at 30 can lead to the best years of your life
Life is too short to be happy, but if you’re going to work for a living, it might as well be doing something that brings you satisfaction. When you are 30 years old, you know yourself and your priorities, how you work, and what you want in life. This clarity of thought can help you find a new career path that aligns with your goals, values, and what ignites your soul. For example, if you value your vacation time, you’ll know that you’ll want a situation that promotes work-life balance when it’s time to find a job.
Plus, at 30, you have about 10 years of work experience under your belt, and employers won’t discount your experience or the important skills you’ve spent the last decade developing and honing. There is also a strong chance that you will not start your new job at the entry level; there must be at least group Transferability in your repertoire (even if you have a long list). Similarly, the professional network you used to build your 20s can also help make the transition easier, and will be useful if you need references for future employers.
Questions to ask yourself if you are looking for a career change in your 30s?
A career change is a big deal, so it’s important to take the time to analyze and find out the real reasons behind your desire for a change. Doing this will help give you the confidence you need to step it up and move forward.
- Am I good at what I do?
- Do I enjoy what I do?
- Is my workplace toxic?
- What about my current job is not working?
- Do I feel challenged in my current role?
- What do I like?
- What do I see myself doing with the rest of my life?
- Am I willing to take a pay cut and work my way into a new job?
- What kind of work do I already have the skills for?
- What are my life goals?
- How will a job change affect my finances?
- Can I stay if my current job changes?
- What will I gain by quitting?
- What will I lose by quitting?
- Am I following passion or money?
- Are my expectations right?
- What do I want my life to be like in 5 years?
How to change your career in 30 years
1. Review your current work
In Everygirl’s podcast episode about career transitions, our content editor, Ashley, shares how she made the transition from a full-time nurse to a career in media and content creation, and suggests exploring for yourself first. for your current job before doing this. change. An honest self-assessment will help you determine what is missing from your current job and determine what kind of career you want to pursue.
Think about what led you to the field and your current position. Was he motivated by lust? Did you choose it because the elders considered it a “good choice” in your life? Consider any interests that led you to this job, as well as your likes and dislikes. Be sure to write all of this down in a list or add it to the pros and cons template to keep track of everything.
2. Discover your talents and passions
It’s also a good idea to make a list of all your skills and passions. Once you’ve done that, go through the list and think about career paths you’d like to explore and what your transferable skills are (think: communication, flexibility, time management, etc.). Chances are, many of them will help you with your next job. Getting a good understanding of your skill set, what you’re good at and what lights you up will make finding the right job easier.
3. Decide on your new career path
Use your notes from the first two steps as a reference and start thinking about new career paths. Assess your strengths and weaknesses, your personal interests, and your long-term needs in your next full-time job. This can include better benefits, a more robust retirement plan, flexibility, the ability to extend service levels more quickly, and more. With this information, you can determine which career path you would like to explore.
4. Find your new job
There are many jobs in every industry, so it’s important to do your research and look at key job descriptions, average salaries and requirements, and common career paths for each job in your chosen field. This will help you better decide what career to pursue, understand the relevant experience and skills you may have acquired for the job, and what you need to achieve in order to qualify. Also, be sure to research the companies you may want to work for, and if you’re looking to branch out on your own, be sure to do your research. big and the best way to do it right and everything you need to get started. .
5. Keep your resume fresh
Having a fresh resume is not a bad thing. After all, you never know when employers or other professionals may need you. So, regardless of your experience or whether you have all the skills needed for your dream job, update your resume to include all the relevant skills and experience you currently have. do have. Then share it on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, FlexJobs, personal website or portfolio, or link to your social media.
6. Gain valuable experience and acquire new skills
Consider the skills you need for your dream job, and look at different ways to get it. This can include things like going back to school for a while and working your way up to a new position or enrolling in a vocational training course, reading self-help or textbooks, and studying people you look up to. your dream job. In addition, freelancing, volunteering, internships, and job shadowing are also great for this, which can help you build your professional network in your new job.
Similarly, improving your skills in your spare time is also beneficial. If you like to write, start a personal blog; If you want to become a graphic designer, download Canva and give it a try. The list goes on, and the options are truly endless—we live in a world where gaining experience and skills is easier than ever, so be sure to take advantage of it. very well.
7. Prepare your money
A career change can be financially difficult, so if you’re getting ready to make the transition, now is the time to prepare. Check your income, living expenses, bills, and monthly savings; see if there are any ways you can adjust your budget and put more into your emergency fund or areas you can cut back on to reduce your total monthly expenses. You may change your life for the time being, but having a large amount of money makes it easier for you to get into a new job and adjust to any changes in your finances.
8. Get yourself out there
Putting yourself out there can be scary, especially if you’ve been working for a while, but doing so will give you the confidence to apply for new jobs, accept new opportunities, and go out. into the woman you want to become. Market yourself on social media and reach out to your friends, family and professionals in the company you want to join; let them know what your career plans are, and ask them to kindly keep you in the back of their minds for potential opportunities. Taking on a slow job can be empowering, but marketing yourself will get you more attention and can help you land your dream job faster.
Don’t be afraid to apply for a new job – not getting the job is the worst thing that can happen. At the very least, you will contact and put in front of the right people, and have the opportunity to make ideas that can help you later when you have developed the necessary skills and gained the necessary experience.
9. Don’t burn bridges
Finally, don’t burn a bridge between your current job and your current employer. Keep working until you land your dream job, and once you do, make sure you tell your manager right away and give at least two weeks’ notice. Thank them for everything they have done for you and express your happiness for what the project has taught you; send your colleagues an email telling them this too. Likewise, be sure to train your replacement, and go over and organize your work file before you leave.
Career change doesn’t happen overnight, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Take advantage of the fact that they save time by starting slowly. Dedicate yourself to the pursuit of your passion and give it your all. In no time, you will be exactly where you want to be in your career.
