What happens when you reach your 30th birthday and feel like changing careers? It can be daunting knowing that you’re contemplating changing careers in your 30s but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Changing careers is like making an investment. Investments come with some risks but the rewards can be worth if you know what you’re doing. There are many resources that tell potential investors “Here’s what to know about making investments,” but there aren’t many resources that say “Here’s what to know when changing careers.” This is troubling considering how a career change is just as big of an investment as any other you could make.
We want to make your career change as seamless and easy as possible. In this article, we plan to outline what you need to know when changing careers so you can be as prepared as possible to chase after that new line of work.
What To Know When Changing Careers
1 Find Out If Changing Careers In Your 30s Is Right For You.
Changing careers in your 30s isn’t for everyone. Make sure to ask yourself tough and honest questions about why you want to change careers, Do you feel like your work prevents you from being happy? Is it the work itself or the job you’re in? Do you think you would be happy working in the same field for a better company? What industry do you want to transition to? Why? What does it take to get there? How long are you able to work towards entering a new industry before you need a stable job again?
There are a lot of tough questions that require answers before jumping from one career to another but these questions are worth asking because they will prepare you to make the meaningful career change you want.
2 Why Is That Specific Career Good For You?
There are no limitations on change changes. However, some changes will suit some better than others. Journalists probably make good marketers. EMTs could become good doctors fairly easily. Information technology employees would probably have a leg up on the competition as programmers.
That being said, anyone can make the change if they have enough drive. Just make sure to analyze what skills you already have and what skills you will need to acquire and plan accordingly.
3 Find Your Inner Fire.
Most people starting their careers have a fire in their belly. When they’re starting out, there’s nowhere to go but up career-wise. It’s easy to lose sight of that and become a complacent employee. When changing careers you may be starting from ground zero again which means you have to be bold again.
Remember, when changing careers, there’s nowhere to go but up. Rekindle that inner fire, take the lessons you learned in your old career and apply them to advancing as quick as you can in your next job.
4 Do Your Homework.
All investments require a degree of research to know whether or not it’s a worthy investment. Investing in your career is no different. Before making the switch, make sure to do your homework for the job you want as well as the industry you’re looking at entering.
Does the new career have staying power or is it a fad industry. Fads won’t be popular forever. Maybe you shouldn’t give up your law practice to sell fidget spinners. Is there anything you can do to ease your way into the new industry? Getting into a new industry will be easier if you can treat your new career as a side gig until you’re ready to make the change official.
5 Do What You Can Now.
Look for opportunities to enter the new career now. Many industries offer a variety of volunteer opportunities and internships so those interested in that field of work so they can test the waters before fully diving into the new industry. It’s not helpful to go from one job you hate to another one. Try to find opportunities to work in the field where possible before fully investing in the career and fully committing to it.
6 Find Peers And Mentors.
Find people in your network who are already working in the field. If you don’t know anyone then look for people you’d want to get to know. Invite them to lunch and talk to them about the industry. Learn as much as you can about your potential career switch choice. When you’re looking for peers and mentors look for people who can say, “Here’s what to know when changing careers to one in our industry.”
These people can help guide you as you go from one career to another. They’ll be able to connect your past work experiences to your future career dreams. They can help you transition from the career you have to the career you want.
7 Work With A Staffing Agency.
Staffing agencies are a great way to get experience in a new field. Good staffing agencies are always looking to fill their employee pools to better serve the needs of their clients. Often this work is temporary but it’s a great way to get experience in a new field quickly. Make sure to do your homework though because not all staffing agencies are created equal.
Conclusion
There are many things to do if you’re looking at changing careers in your 30s. But each step will bring you closer to finding yourself in a career where you can feel good again. Investing in your career is bound to pay dividends if you take the proper steps to prepare for it.
Do your homework, talk to those in the industry, take advantage of opportunities to work in the field now, prepare for future opportunities down the road and chase that dream.
You won’t regret it.
Are you a jobseeker looking for work or an employer looking for the right candidate? Contact The Computer Merchant today.
