Career changes at age 30: what you need to know | FlexJobs (2023)

Changing careers at 30 can be a big step, even a leap of faith.

With a decent amount of work experience behind me,change something at this stage of lifeit can seem risky and exciting at the same time.

Deciding to leave your current career to pursue something new could be the absolutely right choice for you.

However, it may not be your job that is making you unhappy, but your work.

Before you swap your suit and tie for a chef's apron, take your timeFind out what is really causing your distress. And if you decide to change, take the time to understand where you are before you give up.

Reasons for changing careers at 30

Sometimes we dream of making a career changeWhat we really dislike is our work. Maybe you and your boss don't get along, or you can't stand your nosy colleagues. Sometimes the company makes decisions that you don't agree with, but the decisions don't affect you. These are problems with your job and not necessarily with your career.

If you and your boss are basically best friends, the company does everything right, and you love all of your co-workers but still dread Monday morning, then the problem is probably your career.

take some time andcheck your current jobto find out what's bothering you. It's something you can fix withoutchange your whole career? Or do you need something that your current job can never give you?

You need a new challenge.

Maybe you're "seated" in your job. You know all the processes and procedures. In fact, it has simplified so many existing processesthere is nothing more to optimize. You come to work, sit down, know exactly what chores you have to do, when to take your lunch break, where to go for lunch, and by 5pm sharp you're done.

A bit boring, isn't it?

Maybe this is what you desirenew challenges. If you feel like you've learned everything about your job and have nothing left to "fix," maybe it's time for a change.

This step does not have to mean the start of a new career. Consider staying with the same company, buttransfer to another position. This allows you to complete a whole new set of challenges but keep your benefits (and potentially your salary level). If you have nowhere to go, a few new projects outside of your typical responsibilities could be just the challenge you need to reignite your growth.

You have new priorities.

Maybe you had a baby. Or you have an elderly parent. Or your spouse is in the military. There are a million things that could happen that will force you to reevaluate your priorities. Perhaps the corner office is no longer your destination. Or you don't like where your current career is taking you. Whatever it is, your new priorities and current career are simpledon't be in line anymore.

You want to pursue your passion.

When you were little, you probably wanted to be everything from an astronaut to a zoo keeper. As you matured you discarded some of the more outrageous ideas (professional dinosaur) anda little more realistic(Contador).

But choosing something realistic doesn't mean it's your passion. Maybe deep down you've always wanted to create a comic book or do stand-up. No matter what your passion is, you've decided not to waste any more time and you're going to try.

You're just not happy.

Sometimes you choose a profession thinking it will give you anything you want. Then you get to the top of that field and realize that it doesn't make you happy at all.

Although it's a mistake to think that a job can bring happiness,You have to like what you do. If you dread every Monday morning because you hate the idea of ​​going to work, it's time to reevaluate your career path.

Pros and cons of changing careers

Before you embark on anything, you should weigh all the pros and cons of changing careers in your 30s. While you don't let the inconveniences stop you, don't forget to consider the following.

Cons: You probably have years of experience in another professional field.

Possibly the first fight that comes to mind when thinking about acareer changeat 30Leave your years of experience behind. You probably left high school or college about 10 years or so. Maybe you've really honed your craft or worked your way up to a leadership position. A fresh start can feel like defeat.

Cons: Employers may want someone with experience.

It's the problem many recent college graduates are familiar with: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get that experience. If your new career field has nothing to do with your old one, you canencounter difficultiesApply to jobs without relevant experience.

Cons: May require additional time.

Unless your new career field doesn't require experience and you're confident you can get a job, you probably will.Find extra time in your schedule to exercise. Think about where you find the time.

This could mean working at your current job until 5pm. M. and then spend evenings or weekends gaining experience in your new job. You may have to give up your free time and sacrifice time with family and friends to achieve your goal.

Cons: You may have to take pay and benefit cuts.

Changing careers may mean you need to start in oneSalary below what you would like. Take a look at your finances and budget to really determine if it's possible to make less money. If not, think about itdo a side job.

Also, at your current job you may have up to six weeks holiday plus five personal days plus eight weeks sick leave etc. You may have a little more time at the bank. You will lose everything if you leave your current job. And maybe you need to start over at a new job with just two weeks vacation and three days PTO.

Pro: It's never too late.

When you change careers in your 30s, it's important to remember that you have many years of work ahead of you. If you start a new career at age 30, you can earn 10 years or more of itExperience in your new job. And with all the transferrable experience you already have, you may find yourself at the forefront of your new career field faster than a new (and inexperienced) graduate.

Pro: You can earn more money and benefits.

That too is entirely possibleto earn more moneyChange careers at 30. The starting salary in some industries may be higher than the salary for experienced employees in another industry. And when you change industries, you may find that the bonuses and raises are bigger, allowing you to earn more. Or you can switch to a better-paying profession.

While you may not be able to negotiate additional vacations due to lack of experience, the new camp may have more generous vacations and exit politics at first.

Pro: They offer more diverse skills.

While you may not have specific experience, you may have unique skills that only you can offer. Since you've probably been working 10 years or more, you've gained "lifetime" experience that less "experienced" employees don't have.

He also has a track record that (hopefully) shows that he is a reliable and loyal employee. Sometimes these things are more valuable than experience in any field!

Pro: A new career can invigorate your work life.

a commonReasons for a career changeIt is because the previous one is no longer fulfilled. If you dread going to work, feel uninspired, or don't have room for professional growth at work, a career change might be a good idea.Energy boost. Starting something new can be exhilarating and motivating, even if it's daunting. It can be a great change and make you hate or tolerate your job and love it.

Steps to career change in your 30s

When you've decided you can't stay another day at your current job, it's time to plan your career transition.

Find a new job in the same industry.

If you like your industry but don't like your specific role, consider onechange part-time job. Look for a job that allows you to use the skills you already have, butalso allows you to learn new things.

For example, if you've only done the business side of your industry, consider a new position that allows you to explore the customer side. You'll gain valuable skills and new insights into your industry that could make you a more desirable employee in the long term.

As a bonus, you'll be presented with new challenges, and that might ease the itch of switching careers without having to learn a new industry from scratch.

Take it for a test run.

If you decide to change jobs in the same industry or a new career field, try a testbefore committing. You may think your new career or job sounds glamorous. But as you probably know, there is always more to a job than meets the eye.

First, consider volunteering in your new career field. That might mean a few evenings a week or even weekends, but for a few months you can try out your new careerhelp you decide that you are making the right choice, or that you need to reconsider this new career path.

If volunteering is not an option,try to work independently. Some professions (writing, graphic design) lend themselves to freelancing so you can test the waters. You probably won't make much money working for yourself (in fact, it can feel like volunteering!). But it's a great way to familiarize yourself with the area andGather some portfolio piecesif you choose to.

take "working leave".

Sometimes neither volunteering nor freelancing is an option. In this case, consider a “working holiday”.

Spend some of your vacation timecareer exploration. plan somethinginformational talks, attend some networking events and research your new career. Take the time to network and find out as much as you can.

Depending on your contacts, you could "practice" at work to see if you really like it. If you can't make those connections, there are companies that specialize in helping career changers connect with people in new fields to land their desired job.

reeducate.

Researching your new career will help you figure out if you need to leaveBack to schoolto get a degree OR see if you can do an apprenticeship program or even aEntry level certification program.

Successfully change careers at 30

A career change at 30 can be a huge opportunity. But you shouldn't do without it.First, consider all of your options.

Still nervous? Read about a teacher who acareer changeafter 10 years looking for inspiration. Have you decided but don't know where to start? Check out our tips for writing acareer change resume. And consider rubbingFlexJobs offers in over 50 job categories, where you will surely find something interesting. Positions range from full-time to freelance and offer flexibility from fully remote to partially remote.

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