Do you know that there are a few things you can do to make sure that your transition into a new career is as smooth as possible? In this article, we list out the 5 things you need to do before switching careers at 30.
By the time the average person hits 30, they believe it's already too late for them to change careers. So even if they are unhappy in their chosen fields of career - they believe they have no choice but to grit their teeth and power through. They are worried about changing their careers at 30.
3 Reasons To Believe Changing Careers At 30 Is A Bad Idea
1. Earning Potential
Most people believe completely switching career paths would result in a chance of agreeing to a pay cut or start at the same salary. Whereas if they were to switch companies within the same field of work, it would be easier to negotiate a higher salary. They already have a track record to prove their word.
2. Job Security
Staying at the same place more often guarantees being part of the system. Chances of getting laid off are slimmer. In a new company, especially in a new industry, job security would not be guaranteed. Besides, starting at a new place also means being on probation.
3. Company Culture/Career Culture
It’s easier to navigate within a company that you already have been a part of. It is common knowledge that it takes six months to get used to any kind of new setup. A lot of people, therefore, stay in jobs they are unhappy at just because the culture agrees with them.
But what should you do if you would like to switch your job at 30? Well, first of all, one needs to understand that age is just a number. You can start over as many times as you want, in as many industries as you want.
5 Things to Ensure Before Switching Careers At 30
1. Ask Questions
Ask your friends and family what they like about their jobs. Ask yourself what you like doing and see if your skills can be utilized for a job change opportunity. Get to really know yourself when it comes to your work. If it feels like you have no career direction, get to the real reason why you want to change careers.
It is entirely possible that you are in the right industry, but the wrong role. A lot of people could belong in the ecosystem of an ad agency but they could be in the wrong job role. For example: if your passion is sales, you would unhappy if you’re put in a job that requires you to write copies for products.
2. Savings
If you already have made up your mind that you do not wish to continue down the career path you’re currently on, the first thing you need to do is evaluate your lifestyle. Take into account your monthly expenditure. Once you know that, you’ll know exactly the amount you need to have in your savings. For switching careers, while exhilarating, isn’t without its set of problems.
3. Research
Don’t quit your job immediately. Once you’ve decided your current career path isn’t what you’re looking for, research industries that you are interested in. Make lists and look at what jobs they have to offer that overlap with your skills. In case you need to upskill yourself to apply to your dream job, use this time to do so. In this digital age, it’s possible to learn new skills from the comfort of your home.
4. Don’t Rush
While the thought of changing careers at 30 could be an impulsive one, your actions need not be the same. Take your time with the research and narrow down to the career you would like to try your hand at next. Once you’re dead sure, start applying to places. Things will fall into place. As iterated before, age isn’t the determining factor for a career change.
5. Network
Finally, begin networking with people who are from the industry that you’re interested in. One of the best ways to do this is in LinkedIn. Networking will help you navigate your way into your dream career. Talking to people from industries you’re interested in, will also help you understand which career you think is the right for you.
There is no right or wrong age to be switching your career. After all, 30 is the new 20.
And your 20s are for exploring options and figuring out your next career move. However, if you are still wondering if you should go through with your plan of changing careers, read this to get career clarity and direction.