How to Change Your Career Path at 35
It can feel daunting — and sometimes even a little impossible — to make a career change when you’re well into your 30s. But it’s not impossible. If you’re feeling stuck in your current career and are ready for a shift, examine different options, make a plan of action, and keep an open mind as you work towards achieving the new career of your dreams.
Assess Your Skills
The first step to take when you’re making a career change is to really assess your current skillset. It’s a lot easier to figure out what you want to do when you take an honest look at yourself and inventory your talents. Here are a few items to consider:
- What strengths or skills do you have that you can use in other fields or positions?
- Do you have any gaps in knowledge that you need to catch up on?
- What do you find enjoyable and rewarding?
- What kind of environment do you thrive in?
Explore Your Options
When you have a good idea of what skills and opportunities you have, you can start exploring different career paths. Take time to read up on various fields and jobs, and don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Get creative with your exploration — take classes, attend events and conferences, reach out to professionals in other industries, and find ways to test your knowledge.
Create a Game Plan
Once you’ve decided what type of career you want to pursue, it’s time to create a game plan. A successful career change takes a lot of planning and hard work, but you can make it happen if you’re organized and know what steps you need to take to get there. Here a few tips to help you plan:
- Research certifications or degrees that would help you transition.
- Create a timeline for when you want to achieve milestones for your new career.
- Work on building your network. Reach out to professionals in the industry who can provide mentorship and support.
- Re-think and re-work your resume to emphasize skills related to your new career path.
- Dig deep and come up with a budget plan to support yourself while in transition.
Making a career change doesn’t have to feel overwhelming if you break down the process and take it one step at a time. With an honest assessment of your skillset, some creative exploration, and a good plan of action, you’ll be on your way to achieving the new career you’ve always dreamed of.
