Some people know what their calling will be while still at school. They build their career paths by choosing the relevant universities, training, and employers.
For others, their career choices are not that obvious. You worked hard in your 20s and approached every project enthusiastically. However, as your 30s approached, you realized that you are not that annoyingly optimistic person anymore. Your priorities have changed, and your career path does not align with them.
Pursuing a career change injects new energy into your professional life. Therefore, it is never too late to do that.
Here is how to start a new career in your 30s.
1. Know what You Want from your Career
So, you have already realized that your career is not for you. However, what is next? Just quitting your current job without having any strategy can turn out to be a disaster.
To swap your career, you first need to decide what you want from it. For starters, think about your current profession – your achievements, the positive aspects of the job, what frustrates you the most, etc. Moreover, what are your desires, interests, and strengths?
Only by considering these factors can you determine the right career path for yourself in the future.
2. Improve your Skills and Knowledge
The next step in the career change process is education. If you have no experience in the industry you are entering, research the job descriptions for your desired profession. What skills do employers request? Make a list of skills you need to master to land your dream job.
For example, some of the most lucrative industries, such as IT, are evolving fast. They require you to learn continuously and stay on top of the latest trends. For example, if you want to manage and deploy Office 365 workloads for Microsoft teams, obtain a relevant Microsoft certificate.
3. Connect with Industry Professionals
Networking is an essential aspect of the career change process. It helps you connect with industry professionals, learn new things, and find job opportunities.
For starters, optimize your LinkedIn profile. As the largest professional social network, LinkedIn is the opportunity to connect with prominent industry players. Connect with the companies you would like to work for. Find the industry experts who have the jobs you want.
Share relevant content, ask for mentorship, and seek help on LinkedIn. That is how you will put yourself in front of your future employers, coworkers, mentors, or even business partners.
Next, attend relevant events in your industry. These could be seminars, conferences, roundtable events, and so forth.
4. Navigate your Career Journey Strategically
Finding a new career for yourself can be overwhelming. There are too many questions you keep asking yourself. For example, should you keep your current job while starting a new career? Or, should you quit and focus on your fresh start in the desired sector?
Sure, that depends on various factors such as your current responsibilities, personal life, etc. However, never put all your eggs in the same basket. It is way too risky. Instead, consider juggling your current job with the new one.
That applies to startups in particular. Do not leave your job until your new business starts to generate solid profits.
5. Keep Motivating Yourself
Starting a new career in your 30s is not easy. The truth is – you will often feel discouraged, worried, and anxious. You may keep asking yourself: “How could I ever think that a new career in my 30s is a good idea?”
Remember that it is normal to be afraid of starting a new professional life. However, you are not alone in the process. Many famous people pursued a career change after their 30s.
For example, Jeff Bezos started Amazon at 31. Before that, he worked in computer science on Wall Street.
Or, did you know that Vera Wang entered the fashion industry in her 40s? Before that, she was a journalist and a figure skater.
Dwayne Johnson and Arnold Schwarzenegger transitioned their careers not once but twice.
Find your inspiration in those brilliant individuals and keep rocking.
Over to You
There are no age limits when it comes to quitting your job and making a career change. While the process can be complex, frustrating, and unpredictable, do not let that discourage you.
Instead, plan your career shift step-by-step. For starters, consider your strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and interests. Based on them, choose the right job for yourself. Work on the skills your future employers may require, connect with industry professionals. Most importantly, take time and navigate your career strategically.
