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Changing careers after hitting the big 3-0 can be exhilarating as it opens doors to new opportunities and challenges. You are still new in your career at this age, and it’s easier to make a job change now than in your 40s and 50s. But if starting over worries you, remember that you aren’t alone on this path.
One LinkedIn survey of 2000 U.S. workers revealed that 66% of millennials and 72% of Gen Zers (aged between 27 and 42) were considering changing careers. However, the road to finding greener pastures elsewhere has several bottlenecks that may throw a wrench in the works.
This article will highlight and give pointers on overcoming the challenges during a post-30 career change.
The thought of leaving a comfort zone is the first barrier that career changers aren’t ready to overcome. The truth is that getting a comparable salary for an entry-level position in another field is an uphill task.
Solution: You may need to budget and save before starting over to overcome this challenge. There are also several financial aid options, scholarships, or part-time study programs that can help lift the financial burden off your shoulders.
The old saying “It’s not about what you know, but rather who you know” has perhaps never ringed so true. But professional networking has become so integral in career transitions that Deloitte’s “Future of Work Practice” report shows that 80% of job vacancies are filled through professional or personal connections.
Solution: According to career consultant Raelene Campbell, one of the worst mistakes one can make is to try to go it alone. “So don’t waste much effort, money, and time by not reaching out to professional networks in your target field.
Switching careers may sometimes mean entering a new field without direct experience. Employers may frequently hesitate to hire candidates without a track record in the industry.
Solution: You should spend a little time identifying transferable skills that you possess and that your new employer may find applicable. For instance, if you have worked in retail for many years, you could use those skills working at the front desk of a busy legal practice. You can also consider stepping down the career ladder to get the necessary experience through volunteering, internship programs, mentorships, and free online resources.
While starting things over at 30 may sound invigorating on paper, adjusting to a new company’s culture, methodologies, and dynamics is tough. You may even start doubting your career change decision.
Solution: Embrace every challenge as a stepping stone towards personal and professional development. Remember to develop strong professional networks, rely on mentors who inspire and support you, and be open-minded and understanding while dealing with possible changes. The good news is that you can overcome your doubts by harnessing your strengths during a career transition.
Some people find their calling right from high school, while others make a few false starts before getting it right. It’s alright; we all make mistakes, and it’s never too late for a do-over - even in your 30s. If you believe in yourself, chase after your calling, and put in the work, things will fall into place in your career change after 30.
Changing careers after hitting the big 3-0 can be exhilarating as it opens doors to new opportunities and challenges. You are still new in your career at this age, and it’s easier to make a job change now than in your 40s and 50s. But if starting over worries you, remember that you aren’t alone on this path.
One LinkedIn survey of 2000 U.S. workers revealed that 66% of millennials and 72% of Gen Zers (aged between 27 and 42) were considering changing careers. However, the road to finding greener pastures elsewhere has several bottlenecks that may throw a wrench in the works.
This article will highlight and give pointers on overcoming the challenges during a post-30 career change.
The thought of leaving a comfort zone is the first barrier that career changers aren’t ready to overcome. The truth is that getting a comparable salary for an entry-level position in another field is an uphill task.
Solution: You may need to budget and save before starting over to overcome this challenge. There are also several financial aid options, scholarships, or part-time study programs that can help lift the financial burden off your shoulders.
The old saying “It’s not about what you know, but rather who you know” has perhaps never ringed so true. But professional networking has become so integral in career transitions that Deloitte’s “Future of Work Practice” report shows that 80% of job vacancies are filled through professional or personal connections.
Solution: According to career consultant Raelene Campbell, one of the worst mistakes one can make is to try to go it alone. “So don’t waste much effort, money, and time by not reaching out to professional networks in your target field.
Switching careers may sometimes mean entering a new field without direct experience. Employers may frequently hesitate to hire candidates without a track record in the industry.
Solution: You should spend a little time identifying transferable skills that you possess and that your new employer may find applicable. For instance, if you have worked in retail for many years, you could use those skills working at the front desk of a busy legal practice. You can also consider stepping down the career ladder to get the necessary experience through volunteering, internship programs, mentorships, and free online resources.
While starting things over at 30 may sound invigorating on paper, adjusting to a new company’s culture, methodologies, and dynamics is tough. You may even start doubting your career change decision.
Solution: Embrace every challenge as a stepping stone towards personal and professional development. Remember to develop strong professional networks, rely on mentors who inspire and support you, and be open-minded and understanding while dealing with possible changes. The good news is that you can overcome your doubts by harnessing your strengths during a career transition.
Some people find their calling right from high school, while others make a few false starts before getting it right. It’s alright; we all make mistakes, and it’s never too late for a do-over - even in your 30s. If you believe in yourself, chase after your calling, and put in the work, things will fall into place in your career change after 30.
