How to Change Careers at 30 – The First Six Steps to Take

Most of us decide on a career before we’ve had any real-life experiences, often being pressured to choose what we want to do for the rest of our lives at just 16 years old. The typical path is to go the university and then hustle to get an entry-level job. With a foot in the door, we then spend the best part of our 20s overworking to gain a better title and pay. But then your 30s hit, life changes, marriage or kids come along and you realise that you want a better work-life balance, or you’ve discovered a new passion as you’ve gotten older. If that’s the case, then you’ve come to the right place. Within this video, we will walk you through a few simple steps to follow if you want to change careers at 30. Before we dive in, don’t forget to hit the subscribe button and the notification bell to get more useful videos like this one. 1. Be clear on what it is that you want We often think that the grass is always greener on the other side, but that’s not always the case. So, when it comes to a life-altering decision like changing your career, it’s important to be clear on what it is that you really want. Is it your current routine that is bothering you? Do you dread the work that you do? Are you looking to work less hours? Think about what it is that you dislike about your current job and what it is that is drawing you to this new career path. If you aren’t sold after being truthful with your answers, then maybe a career change isn’t what you need. 2. Work out your strengths and weaknesses Make a note of what you enjoy doing, where you thrive and what energizes you. Similarly, make a note of what you don’t like doing, where you struggle and what makes you feel drained. By doing so, you will have a clear understanding of your transferable and technical skills and can also identify which skills you need to develop in order to make your desired career change. 3. Find the perfect fit So, now that you’ve discovered what you really want to do, it’s time to find your ideal role. Start by narrowing down the industries or companies that you’d like to work for. If you’re unsure, then consider taking a career test that will measure your interests, personality traits and aptitudes to match you to suitable career. You can try our own test, CareerHunter by following the link in the description box below. 4. Prepare your finances Taking a career leap or starting your own business is tough when you’re in your 30s with lots of outgoing costs (a mortgage, childcare, loans). So, before you quit a stable job, be sure to get your finances in order. It would be wise to have savings that you can use while you get on your feet, so you can fully focus on your new career. 5. Get educated If you don’t have the necessary skills and qualifications to change careers, you’ll need to get educated before you take the leap. Consider signing up for courses, trainings, and apprenticeships that will give you a better chance of securing a new job. In addition, make sure to update your résumé so it’s tailored to the new role that you’re after. 6. Take your time Transitioning into a new career takes time, so be kind to yourself and take your time as you find your feet. If you’re starting your own business, consider keeping your current job until it’s sustainable enough for you to take that pay cut. Whatever you’re planning to move into, allow yourself the time and space that is needed to successfully change careers and be happy. Many people are too scared to take the leap and change careers, but if this is something you truly want, then only person that is stopping you is yourself. If you want more tips on how to change careers, visit CareerAddict. com. And don’t forget to like the video and click on the subscribe button to get more insightful tips!