Changing Careers in Your 30’s

Take stock of your current career

The first step in changing careers is to take stock of your current position and figure out what's not working for you. Ask yourself what you like and dislike about your current job. How do you like the environment? The people? The type of work you’re doing on a daily basis? Think about your strengths: are you able to use them each day at work? Consider what you’re not getting in this job that you’re hoping to get from your next job. Maybe some of what you’re seeking is less time at work! It's important to be honest with yourself about why you want to change careers and what you hope to gain from the transition.

Identify your transferable skills

Many people think about themselves professionally in relation to their content area, then they unknowingly limit their job searches to positions in that field. As you start exploring new career paths, take a close look at the skills you've developed in your current job. Many of these skills may be transferable to other fields, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Make a list of your transferable skills and think about how they could be applied to a new career. You may be surprised to realize the broad range of expertise you can bring to a new role just by expanding your thinking about what you do.

Research potential careers

Once you have a good understanding of your current career and your transferable skills, start researching potential careers. Look for careers that align with your interests, strengths, and goals for the bigger picture of your life. Use online resources such as job boards, industry associations, and professional networking sites to learn more about different careers. For even better information, reach out and talk to people who work in these fields to get a better sense of what the day-to-day work is like, what the job market is like, and what kind of training or education is required. 

Consider getting additional education or training

If you're considering changing fields or are seeking a different type of role, you may need to get additional education or training to qualify for new positions. This doesn’t necessarily involve going back to school for a graduate degree – often certificate programs give you what you need in much less time. It’s important to be honest with yourself about how much time and money you’re willing to invest in upgrading your skill set. 

Update your resume and online presence

As you start exploring new career paths, it's important to update your resume and online presence to reflect your new goals. Make sure your resume highlights your transferable skills and any relevant education or training for the types of positions you’re seeking. Update your LinkedIn or other social media profiles to reflect your new career interests and start building connections in your new field.

Seek out mentors and support

Changing careers can be a lonely process, so it's important to find people who can support you. Look for people who have made similar transitions or who work in the field you're interested in. They can offer advice, guidance, and support as you navigate your new path. You may also want to consider working with a career coach to help you stay on track.

Talk to new people

Networking is key to any career change. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with people who work in the field you're interested in. Let people know you're looking to make a career change and ask for their advice or if they know of any job openings. You never know where a conversation may lead, so be open to meeting new people and making connections. Remember to follow up with people after you've met them and stay in touch over time.

Changing careers in your 30’s can be a challenging experience, but you’ll find the reward on the other side to be well worth it. If you’re thinking that it’s just easier to stay put, remember that you still have a long work career ahead of you. Know that you can successfully transition to a career that's better suited to your skills, interests, and goals.