Tips for Changing Careers in Your 30s

When you consider changing careers in your 30s, there are a lot of factors to consider. No matter your age, it can be difficult to go from a familiar career to branching out into something new. However, a career change has the potential to get you out of a career rut and help you get started on the path to a career you will enjoy.

Finding a Career

When you change careers in your 30s, you want to be sure that you are choosing a career that you will enjoy. If you are not sure what that entails, take a career test to identify where your talents and interests lie or hire a career counselor to help guide you in your career choice. You may find that you are in the right career field, but simply working for the wrong company or in the wrong division.

Create a list of goals you hope to accomplish in your career and in your life. Look for ways you can match a career to your goals. For example, if you would like to travel, choose a career that provides you with opportunity to travel for work or the time off to take the vacations that you desire. If you want to spend more time with your family, you will want to choose a career that offers a flexible schedule or a light workload during the holidays. Along with your goals, include a list of requirements that any company you work for must meet before you accept a position.

Training

If your desired career field requires additional education or training, complete that training before you change careers. By taking internet courses or weekend and night classes, you will make sure that you are prepared to work in your new career before losing the income from your current career. Start talking to individuals in your desired field to determine any additional experience, training or skills you can acquire before making the switch to a new career.

Finances

Sometimes making a career change requires taking a cut in pay. You may find yourself moving from a position of experience to an entry-level position in your new career. Analyze your finances before making a career change to determine whether it is a change you can afford to make. If you face a significant cut in pay, you may want to stay with your current job for a few months in order to save money to help your family adjust to the change or begin working part-time with your new career, while keeping your current job, to build up experience and earning power when you make the switch for good.

Interviewing

While your 30s may not seem old, when you switch careers, you will find yourself competing for jobs against candidates who may be a decade younger than you. You must convince potential employers that your skills are superior to graduates who are fresh from college and up-to-date with the latest skills and technology. In addition, switching careers could create a red flag for potential employers who may wonder what could keep you from changing careers again in your 40s or 50s. Focus on your long-term career goals and relevant background experience to help potential employers see why you would be a good match for the job.