How To Change Careers At 30 Years Old In 7 Simple Steps

Many people change careers over the course of their lives for a variety of reasons. Switching jobs at 30 can have multiple advantages and may be an ideal time to pursue a different industry than your current job. If you want to change careers at 30, it may help to understand some steps you can take to find a new profession. In this article, we discuss why you may want to start a new career at the age of 30, some strategies to help you make the change and some potential careers that you can look at when finding a new job.

How To Change Careers At 30

Here is how to change careers at 30 in seven steps:

1. Examine your current career

Before applying for a new job, consider reviewing your current one to determine the elements you enjoy or find challenging. This can help you decide what kind of industry or career to pursue. Try to think about what you most like or dislike about your career and use that to help you find an industry that fits the aspects you like best about work.

Related: How To Make A Career Change

2. Reassess personal and professional networks

Your professional network may include individuals who are within your current career field. If this is the case, then you may want to look to your personal network for professional reasons. Prioritise your contacts that are currently working in the career field that you are interested in. Try setting up a lunch or dinner meeting with one or two of your contacts and conduct an informational interview. An informational interview allows you to gather in-depth information from a person who will give you a better understanding of how you will fit into their industry.

If you do not have any contacts that are currently working in the career field you are interested in, then you may try reaching out to your friends who have a wide social network. These individuals run in various social circles and may introduce you to someone who works in the industry you are seeking to learn about. Your networking efforts will not only be informational, but they could also lead to opportunities in the future.

Related: What Is Business Networking? (With Benefits And Types)

3. Conduct extensive research

Researching your new career path may help you learn more about the education or skill requirements of that particular job. It can also help you learn more about the job duties of the role, which may allow you to determine if that career is right for you. Consider looking at job listings, browsing job websites and talking to people in that profession to help you research a job and make more informed career decisions.

4. Obtain new skills

There is a possibility that you do not have all the skills necessary to transition into a new career. You likely have researched the job of your interest and know the skills you will need. If you want more clarification on any required skills, try asking your contacts what skills you are missing and if they have any advice for you about how to get these skills.

There are many courses available online that may provide the skills training you need for your new industry. There is also a practice called skill-based volunteering that allows you to gain useful skills by using the ones you already have to build your resume and experience.

5. Gain relevant experience

Some new careers may require you to learn different skills or gain new types of experience. There are opportunities to freelance, volunteer or even shadow individuals in the career field you are interested in. Freelancing while you continue working in your current position can allow you to continue to bring in additional income while gaining experience. You may also try to volunteer or shadow during your time off. This might be unpaid, but it is a great way to gain experience that you can add to your resume. Unpaid experience is just as important as paid experience to employers.

6. Recreate your resume

Try editing out irrelevant information and add in anything an employer may consider relevant experience. This can help you convince hiring managers that you have what they want in a candidate. Examine keywords in job descriptions and incorporate them into your resume to fit the industry standards.

7. Persevere

Actively remain courageous during your job search. Be confident about your experience, training and skills that will help you find a new and satisfying career. A new career may not come automatically after you decide to transition into a new industry, so grit is an important tool you can use to continue your job search.

Why Start A New Career At 30?

These are a few reasons why you may want to begin a new career at the age of 30:

Passion

As you grow, you may discover new industries or specialities that you find interesting. 30 is a good age to pursue a new job because you may have better insight into what you most want from a career. If you discover a job or industry that you are particularly passionate about, you may want to consider changing careers.

Time

When changing careers, you may need to get additional education or certifications. This can take some time to achieve, which you may find easier when you are 30 than if you start at a later age. Many people retire when they are around 60 years old, so if you switch careers at 30, you can still perform that job for many years.

Money

Making more money is always a potential reason for changing careers. Switching your career at 30 may help you find a job that helps you earn more money. You may also have a more economically stable situation at 30 than when you first start working, which can help you support yourself when pursuing a new career.

Fewer responsibilities

While you may have some assets at 30, you usually have fewer responsibilities or obligations that may make it challenging to change careers. For example, you can move to a new city for a job easier if you do not currently own a house. You may consider switching professions when you are 30 because of the flexibility you may have before accumulating many responsibilities.

Best Careers To Transition Into At 30

When you start a new career at 30, you may be open to more career opportunities than you had when you were younger. Many of the careers on this list value maturity, experience and wisdom that lead to long-term stability. Here is a list of a few career fields you may research before you make your transition:

Mental health

Mental health professions focus on assisting patients with mental challenges and unexpected life situations. Many people who work in this field stay in their jobs longer than average, which makes them good choices for a second career. These are a few potential jobs you can perform in the mental health industry:

• Therapist

• School counsellor

• Life coach

• Substance abuse counsellor

• Social worker

Related: Different Types Of Psychologists And How To Become One

Business management

Business management jobs are careers that assist companies and businesses in their day-to-day operations. Some examples of business management professions include:

• Operations consultant

• Financial analyst

• Management/business consultant

• Recruiter

• Entrepreneur

Wellness and beauty

Wellness and beauty careers specialise in creating or selling products and services that improve a customer's health and appearance. Many of these jobs require little certification, which can increase the time that can spend working in this field. These are a few potential wellness and beauty jobs:

• Personal trainer

• Hairstylist

• Aesthetician

• Makeup artist

• Personal stylist

Health care

Health care jobs relate to providing for a patient's physical and medical needs. These jobs are interesting professions that allow you to help other people, which may appeal to you if you are looking for a job with a positive impact. Here are some examples of health care jobs:

• Physician assistant

• Physical therapist

• Registered nurse

• Ultrasound technician

• Pharmacist

Education

Education jobs work at schools at a variety of levels and include both teaching and administrative professions. Many people are passionate about working with children, which can make this a good second job. A few examples of education careers include:

• Teacher

• College lecturer/professor

• Superintendent of schools

• School principal

• Driving instructor