Changing careers is not a game for kids, let alone changing careers at an age where life is defining. Crowded with people’s assumptions, trying to keep up with the pace and what people will say, thirty is seen by many as the peak age of adulthood, hence many expectations from family, friends, community, colleagues and even acquaintances. Imagine having had a career for nine years, all your twenties or a part of your twenties and having to change that. What will your colleagues at work say? What will the new industry be like for you? How long will it take for you to adjust? What if it doesn’t go on nicely? These questions are some of the few that surely cloud your mind as you try to take this big leap.
Here are five ways to navigate career change in your thirties.
Table of Contents
1. Examine why you want to change careers.
As mentioned earlier in the introduction, switching to a different career is not a game for kids. Knowing that, the first step is to ask yourself some questions and genuinely answer them, avoiding the impostor syndrome. Take a minute to answer these five questions –
- Have I lost interest in this career?
- Am I burnt out?
- Am I underpaid?
- Am I uninspired, or am I craving growth?
- Am I just following the trend?
Having answered these questions genuinely, now here are titbits for you. Let’s dwell on the last point first. If you are just following the trend, think twice. The reason is that you do not have the experience of this new industry you are entering, so just leaping into it solely because it’s the trend can be damaging. It is not advisable without solid insight, testimonials, and numbers to back up.
For instance, AI is trending, and yes, it’s a good industry, but what do you have to study to become a guru in this industry? How well-versed are you when it comes to understanding generative AI? Moreover, what role are you looking for within the AI space?
Secondly, what if you’ve lost interest in your outgoing career? Yes, that’s fine. But what influenced this emotional shift? Sometimes, we all get tired of daily routines that become like rituals, so plausibly, it could be a reason. The other side could be that you listen to what people say. Yes, that happens. People leave companies because their colleagues tell them bad things about the place.
Thirdly, if you are underpaid, it is every bit a reason to leave. You may have been underpaid throughout the years you stayed in that industry. So yes, the shift is needed.
Finally, burnout. You might need a total change to refresh. That’s allowed.
2. Identify Your Acquired Transferable Skills.
Imagine a hair dressing apprentice who, after four years, still does not know how to braid cornrows. Imagine her becoming a ‘madam’. Her apprentices, too, will not know how to corn row! Why? Because this skill is transferable. What key transferable skills have you acquired? These can include analytical skills, leadership, communication, adaptability, etc. These are inevitable skills that cut across all industries. So identify which skills you’ve inherited, bind them around your neck, and install them as shin guards.
3. Research a new career path thoroughly.
Remember, in the first point, we discussed researching the new industry. Before diving into the industry, investigate with friends who are already in the industry how the industry is, the companies you could work in, and what programs to undertake.The salary ranges, the career ladder, top personalities, etc.
4. Upskill Strategically.
Once you have sorted the third point, you can consider short courses, certifications, or graduate programs that align with your new path. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Google Career Certificates are good starting places. Note, the key is to be strategic with the courses.
5. Build a Professional Network in your Target Field.
It’s a new field. Try to network. Join industry groups, attend meetups or webinars, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Many career shifts happen through referrals and relationships, not job boards.
In conclusion, changing careers in your thirties can feel daunting, but it’s often a necessary and empowering step toward personal and professional growth. Start by examining why you want to change careers. Clarity on your motivation will ground your decision. Then, identify your acquired transferable skills- these tools you’ll carry into any new field. Next, thoroughly research your new career path, understanding the industry landscape, salary expectations, and required competencies. With that knowledge, upskill strategically by pursuing relevant certifications or short courses. Don’t go it alone- build a professional network in your target field through events, LinkedIn, or peer introductions. Each step will guide you as you navigate change with confidence and purpose.
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