Navigating a Career Change at 30: Your Guide to a Fresh Start

Did you know that the average person spends one-third of their life at work? That’s a lot of time; too much if you are dissatisfied with your job!

Working a nine to five shouldn’t feel like a necessary evil. It’s possible to find a fulfilling career that you are passionate about and, contrary to what some may think, starting this journey in your 30s is actually great timing! 

Some people, from childhood or early adolescence, are confident in what career path they will pursue in adulthood. For others, the path is not so clear, and they end up in a career that they do not enjoy or that cannot provide the lifestyle they had once dreamed of having. Others jump from one dead-end job to another, never settling on a clear professional path.  

This lack of direction in your 30s can hit hard. All kinds of feelings accompany it: “I’m too old to start over”, “No one will hire me”, “I’m undereducated for the career I want”.  

Society tells us our 20s are for figuring things out and our 30s are for already having it figured out. Well, we disagree. Even Jeff Bezos didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life until he was in his 30s! And we all know how well that worked out.  

Making that all-important career move in your 30s can actually benefit you more than it would have in your 20s. Why? Let’s explore this idea deeper: 

1. You’ve Got Life Experience  

While your first instinct may be to see your age as a negative, there are many positives that come with being older and more mature, even in the eyes of an employer! 

Since you’ve likely been working for 10 or more years, you’ve gained life experience that less seasoned employees don’t have. While you may not have specific experience in your field of choice, you may have unique life skills that give you an advantage over your younger counterparts. Qualities such as emotional intelligence and strong leadership, as well as the ability to handle constructive criticism and solve problems are all good examples of skills that come with age and maturity.  

You (hopefully) also have a track record that demonstrates you’re a reliable and loyal employee, and sometimes these elements are even more valuable than work experience.  

2. You Know What You Want 

As someone embarking on a new career at 30, you’re likely to know exactly what you want from a profession. You’ve had plenty of time to realize what you don’t want and now you’re ready to pursue your passion. For example, you may want to work in a particular industry, earn a higher salary, or maybe have the chance to make a positive difference in your community. This clarity will serve as a great advantage on your journey; a constant inspiration for when the road feels long. 

3. You’re Determined 

There’s nothing worse than the day-in, day-out grind of a job that makes you miserable. You’ve spent years being unhappy at work, wondering when your golden ticket to a brighter future will come. Well, now it’s your time to make a change and you’ve never been so determined to succeed!  

Pursuing a career change in your 30s injects new energy into your life, and makes you a more invested student, a harder worker, and a more successful professional in your field. Use your age to get ahead rather than allowing it to deter you. 

4. You’ve Identified Your Passion  

By the time you reach 30, the juvenile passions, interests, and hobbies you had when you were younger have dissipated to make room for a more mature outlook on the world and your place in it. As you grow older and build more experience, it is common to alter your career plans to better represent your purpose in life.  

Making a career change in your 30s gives you the opportunity to choose a path that represents you and allows you to fulfill your lifelong dream, whatever that may be.  

How To Successfully Change Careers In Your 30s 

1. Go to College 

The best way to successfully pivot your career in your 30s is by going to college. Earning your College Diploma will make the transition easier and make you far more attractive to employers. It will also increase your earning potential and clearly define your career path so you can stay on an upward trajectory.  

At Sundance College, you can complete your Diploma and be working in your new career in less than a year! Fill out our Request Info form to learn more about our programs.  

2. Stay in the Same Industry  

If you like your current industry, but don’t like your specific role or would prefer a more high-profile position, consider a lateral job change. In other words, look for a different job that allows you to use the skills and interests you already have in an industry you already know. 

For example, if you have experience waiting tables in a restaurant but feel strongly that you would make a great Restaurant Manager, why not take a Hospitality Business Management Diploma and combine your work experience and education to become a successful General Manager?  

3. Create a Great Resume  

Changing careers means that you’ll need a fresh, revamped resume to accompany your job search in a new field.  

If you pursue and obtain your College Diploma – and the practicum experience that is included at some Colleges, such as at Sundance College – you will want to add this to your resume. If you do not have a relevant College Diploma to feature on your resume, you will need to clearly demonstrate your transferable skills to a hiring manager, explaining how qualifications from your previous jobs or life experience are applicable and relevant. To do this, use keywords from the job description throughout your resume.  

Remember, don’t be put off if your experience doesn’t exactly match the job description. To learn more about how to write a resume that will stand out from the crowd, read Do’s & Don’ts of Resume Writing. 

Make The Change With Sundance College! 

Is it normal to make a career change in your 30s? Yes, it’s always a good time to make a change! At Sundance College, we offer accelerated, instructor-led programs that prepare you for a fulfilling, new career in your 30s and beyond. Additionally, our full range of Career Services further prepares you to graduate with the necessary skills and confidence to start your new profession. Stop dreaming and start making changes today by connecting with an admissions advisor and enrolling in one of our Diploma programs!