A career change at 35 can seem like a scary step for almost anybody. In fact, many professionals consider a career change around this age, making it a common and relatable experience. It’s even harder if you’re starting a new career at 35 with no degree. You may have to seek the help of a career counselor or read our midlife career change guides to stay focused, as it may not be a straightforward move.
Change is, without question, a frightening life experience, especially when you are switching careers to an entirely new field. This article will guide you through your career change journey and provide some ideas to make your transition into a more exciting career path an enjoyable experience.
Why Start a New Career at 35?
According to a report from Staffing Industry Analysts, the most common reasons that Americans have made a career change—or considered changing careers—to a different field are increased job fulfillment, better work/life balance, expanded skillsets, and the pursuit of remote work.1
Some people begin a new job at 35 because circumstances beyond their control force them to. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of people to re-examine their career goals. If your current role is no longer a good fit, this may be the perfect time to seek a career change.
Reasons to Change Careers at 35
If you are reading this, chances are you feel that your current career trajectory might not be right for you. Knowing when it’s time to switch careers is vital. Here are some of the most common reasons for a career change at 35:
- You want an increased salary
- You are looking for a new challenge
- Your philosophy and career goals have changed
- You want a flexible schedule to spend more time with your family
- You want more professional recognition
How to Change Careers at 35
Changing careers at 35 can be very difficult, especially if you have been working in your current role for many years and are comfortable. Making a career change at 35 might feel like starting over and can be mentally exhausting.
Understanding how to change careers at 35 can help alleviate some of the stress and worry around this life-changing event. You must be willing to step out of your comfort zone and practice new skills to achieve a successful career change. Below you will find useful steps you can follow to help you land your dream job.
Evaluate Your Current Job
Don’t leave your current job without first investigating what the problems are. Examine the different aspects of your current role to ensure you don’t run into the same problems later in the new career path you are considering.
For instance, if your current job is taking a toll on your personal life, make sure that your new one won’t. Ask yourself pertinent questions about your current career path and why you want to quit. Something as simple as a pros and cons list may help you understand why you are starting a new career at 35.
Research Job Options
When you are considering a career change at 35, you must carry out a preliminary comparative evaluation of other career options to gain in-depth knowledge of what is out there. One job search strategy you can use is to browse the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website, as they have the most up-to-date information on U.S. jobs and industries.2 You can use their site to get an in-depth look at different careers, industries, along with their potential growth rates. Plus, the site also helps you determine what level of degree you may need to pursue the roles you’re looking at.
Understanding the current job market and staying informed about job market trends is crucial when researching new career paths, as these factors can influence your employment prospects and long-term career stability.
When considering a career change, it’s also important to explore different career paths to find the best fit for your skills and interests.
Update Your Skills
In most cases, changing from one career to another requires learning new skills. To make your transition smoother, you can learn new skills while in your current job. For instance, skill development for tech careers can be learned via a variety of online resources. Online courses and additional training are valuable tools for career development, allowing you to gain new certifications and upskill efficiently.
Furthermore, most tech career training takes less than 12 months to complete. For example, attending a coding bootcamp can take a couple of months if you study full-time. Whether it’s a tech job or not, make an effort to get the additional skills you need for your career reinvention.
Update Your Resume
You can’t use your previous resume in pursuit of a new career. Carefully read your current resume and find if it requires a little tweaking or a major overhaul. It may be necessary to create a new resume from scratch. You can find resume writing tips online if you need inspiration.
Add any soft skills and previous experience you’ve had in other fields. If you are changing careers at 35, you will likely have transferable skills you can add to your resume and relate it to your new career. Support your resume with a cover letter and a portfolio to give it a more professional look.
Build a Strong Network
Building a solid network requires having the right contacts. You will likely have built solid relationships in your old job that can help with a career change at 35. Furthermore, social media is an excellent place to start creating a wider network. Keep your social media accounts, like LinkedIn, updated with your latest achievements.
Best Jobs for a Career Change at 35
| Career | Job Outlook | Average Salary | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Managers | 7%³ | $100,750 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Web Developers | 8%⁴ | $95,380 | Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma and understanding of programming languages |
| Computer Support Specialists | 6%⁵ | $61,550 | Certificate in computer-related classes or relevant courses |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers (HVACR) | 9%⁶ | $59,810 | Associate’s degree or training |
| Massage Therapists | 18%⁷ | $57,950 | High school diploma or its equivalent, either certificate or license (depending on the state) |
Best Career Change Jobs at 35: A Closer Look
Project Managers
Project managers are responsible for the coordination, scheduling, and budgeting of projects. Project managers define the goal of projects using client data before creating a plan of what is needed to complete the project. This is an ideal career change for 35-year-olds with management experience.
Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers (HVACR)
HVACR mechanics and installers regulate the temperature and air quality in buildings. They can choose to specialize in any aspect of HVACR, like radiant heating systems and solar panels. This technical job only requires completing programs that generally last from six months to two years.
Web Developers
Web developers design, test, create, and manage websites. Along with an impressive average salary, web developers may have the option to work remotely. Like app development and software engineering, web development can be self-taught. In most cases, a degree is not a requirement, making starting a web developer career at 35 ideal.
Computer Support Specialists
Computer support specialists are responsible for helping and supporting network users. They provide technical assistance directly to users. Potential candidates require training and official certification in a computer-related field. In most cases, these training sessions require less than 12 months. A computer support specialist may also be referred to as a help-desk technician.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists use their hands to manipulate the muscles in their clients’ bodies. They do this to relieve pain, improve circulation, and increase relaxation. No college degree is required to start this career; however, training is needed to become an expert in anatomy and physiology, as well as to perfect your massage skills. You may also need to earn a license or certification to practice massage therapy in your state.
Is It Too Late to Make a Career Change at 35?
No, it is not too late to change careers at 35. There is a chance that you may find it challenging to switch from your previous career to a new one. However, with planning and commitment, you can find a path to your dream job. In fact, many people successfully make career changes at 35 and beyond, using their existing skills and experience to transition into new fields.
A major career change at 35 requires patience and resilience. Reaching out to a career coach who will offer you advice about your career choices may be helpful.
Career Change at 35 FAQ
Yes, you can make a career change at 35 with no degree. It is never too late to make a different career choice. At 35, there are still a lot of options out there for jobs without a degree, think. Some of the highest-paying jobs without a degree include machine learning experts, cyber security analysts, and software engineers.
What should I include in my career change resume?
You should include transferable skills on a career change resume. This allows you to adapt skills you have previously learned to the new job you are applying for. If you are planning a career change at 35, having a strong resume is vital.
What should I write in my career change cover letter?
You should include details about which soft or hard skills you learned from your past career will help you excel in your new role when you are making a career change cover letter. This is a great way to show off what experience you have and how it makes you qualified and a good candidate.
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How often does the average person switch careers?
The number of times a person switches careers is often age-dependent. For example, younger people tend to switch careers as many as five or six times before settling into a role. People who have invested more time in their career path switch careers less frequently.
Sources:
3 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/project-management-specialists.htm#tab-1
4 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm#tab-1
5 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm#tab-1
7 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-1
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