6 Steps to Changing Careers in your 30s

Most of us spend years thinking about what career path we want to go into.

We learn applicable skills at school and hustle our way up.

By the time we are in our 30s, society usually expects us to have our careers figured out and well on our way to climbing the corporate ladder.

But what if you dread the sound of your alarm clock?

What if you no longer want to be in the career you thought you wanted to be in your 20s?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Research shows that a lot of us are in the same boat when it comes to feeling dissatisfied with our jobs.

However, it is not too late to make a change and reassess your goals and passions in life.

We spend most of our adult lives working. Why spend it feeling unhappy and unsatisfied?

With planning and a strategic approach, you can successfully navigate this transition.

Here are 6 steps to changing careers in your 30s.

1. Take a Self-Assessment

The first thing you need to do is take a step back and reflect on your interests, skills, values, and what you enjoy doing.

Consider what aspects of your current career are dissatisfying and what you would like to pursue instead.

For example, in your current job, you may detest speaking in front of people, but you enjoy being creative.

Look into avenues that ignite that creative outlet.

Jot down what you want your life to look like, where you want to be, and what you want to have.

This will help gain clarity on your passions and goals, bringing you closer to what you are destined to do.

2. Research and Explore

This is the time to have a little fun and explore what options are out there that align with your interests.

Once you know what you enjoy doing, delve deep into researching potential careers and industries.

Learn about the job market and tap into mentors in fields you are interested in.

Don’t be afraid to attend industry events that might interest you and explore online resources to gain insights and gather information.

3. Identify Any Transferable Skills

Taking a leap into doing something completely different is scary.

Therefore, transferable skills are extremely helpful when making a change.

Find out what you are naturally good at and what qualifications you already acquired in your current field or previous job such as communication or problem-solving skills.

These transferable skills will help in your new career, regardless of how much work experience you have in that field.

It will also be easier to refer to when you update your resume, LinkedIn and speak at a potential interview.

4. Develop New Skills

Once you have an idea of your current skills and strengths, it’s time to find out what current skill sets are required for your desired career.

Figure out the knowledge gaps between your skills and what is needed for a position you’re interested in.

Consider formal and informal opportunities for skill development such as online courses, workshops, or mentorship programs.

For example, if you enjoy graphic design but don’t feel up to speed with Photoshop, taking free courses online such as YouTube can help sharpen your design skills.

5. Grow Your Network

It is crucial to network especially if you are thinking about switching careers.

Reach out to professionals working in your desired field to gain insights, advice, and potential job leads.

Attend conferences, join relevant online communities, and leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with individuals who can provide guidance for you.

It will throw you out of your comfort zone but putting yourself out there to network will undoubtedly open doors for new opportunities.

6. Create an Action Plan and Execute

Now is the time to create a solid plan of action and execute a career transition.

Focus on a detailed timeline, financial considerations, and potential challenges.

For example, set milestones that you need to meet such as mastering new skills, leaving your current job, or saving up a certain amount of money before you make the career move.

This can be started in small steps such as gaining experience through volunteering, freelancing, or taking on side projects.

Update your resume, apply to those jobs, and prepare to demonstrate why you’ll be a valuable candidate in interviews.