A career change at 35 will seem like a scary step for almost anybody. It’s even scarier to change careers at 35 with no degree. You may have to seek the help of a career counselor or read midlife career change guides to stay focused because it is not a straightforward move.
Change is, without question, a frightening life experience, especially when you are switching careers at the age of 35. This article will provide you with many career change at 35 ideas to make your transition into a more exciting career path an enjoyable experience for you.
Why Start a New Career at 35?
You may opt for a midlife career change to pursue new adventures. According to a report from Indeed, 79 percent of workers choose to start new careers to enhance their financial status. There is a wide range of career options available to you. It is worth considering finding something that will make you happier and help you achieve the perfect work-life balance.
Some people begin a new job at 35 not because they want to, but because circumstances beyond their control force them to. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of people to re-examine their career goals, according to the London Business School. If your current role has been affected recently, this may be the perfect time to pursue a different career path.
Signs You Need a Career Change at 35
Chances are that if you are reading this, you feel that your current career trajectory might not be right for you. You may want to consider a career transition if you notice some of the signs listed below.
- You are complacent about your job
- Earnings from your current career can no longer sustain you
- There is no work-life balance
- You have doubts about your future if you remain in the same career
- You no longer feel like you are making an impact
- There are no opportunities for career advancement
How to Change Careers at 35
Changing a career at 35 can be compared to a company trying to transform itself after many years. According to the Harvard Business Review, the general lesson learned from companies that successfully transformed their business is that the change process goes through several phases.
You must be willing to experience a series of changes to achieve a successful career at 35. Below you will find certain steps you can follow to land the job of your dreams.
Evaluate Your Current Job
Don’t leave your current job without first investigating why you need to. Examine the different aspects of your current role to guarantee that you don’t run into the same problems 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 have to pursue a different role.
Check Out Job Options
Carry out a preliminary comparative evaluation of other careers to gain in-depth knowledge of which to opt for. Googling jobs and their potential growth can be a start. You can also speak with some recruiters to find out what employers are looking for.
Learn New 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, the necessary skills for the best tech careers can be learned via online classes. You can enhance your current abilities before quitting your career and moving on to the next.
Most tech career training takes less than 12 months to complete. Attending a coding bootcamp may take more commitment, but it will likely speed up the training process. Whether it’s a tech career or not, make an effort to get the additional skills you need for your new job role.
Recreate 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 have forgotten how to write one.
Add any soft skills and previous experience you’ve had in other fields. 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. Social media is an excellent place to start creating a wider network. Keep your accounts updated with your latest achievements in your new career.
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How to Change Careers at 35 with No Degree
It is never too late to make a different career choice, even if you don’t have a degree. At 35, there are still a lot of options out there. Below we provide you with some useful tips on what to do if you want to change careers at 35 but are not a college graduate.
- Research the careers that require no degree
- Acquire new or additional skills
- Opt for careers that can be both a hobby and a full-time job
- Switch focus to the tech industry if possible because you can learn new skills and get high-paying entry-level jobs
- Reach out to friends and recruiters with your resume and portfolio to aid your career search
Best Careers to Transition Into at 35
| Career | Job Outlook | Average Salary | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developer | 13% | $77,200 | High school diploma and understanding of programming languages |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (HVACR) | 5% | $55,590 | Associate degree or training |
| Computer Support Specialist | 9% | $55,510 | Certificate in computer-related classes |
| Massage Therapist | 32% | $43,610 | High school diploma or its equivalent |
| Nail Technician | 33% | $27,870 | State-approved cosmetology or a nail technician program |
High Paying Jobs That Are Great for Career Changers: A Closer Look
Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (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 Developer
Web developers design, test, create, and manage websites. Along with the impressive average salary, web developers often have the option to work remotely. Like app development and software engineering, web development can be self-taught. In most cases, a degree is unimportant. A strong portfolio and an effective resume can land you a job interview.
Computer Support Specialist
Computer support specialists are responsible for helping and supporting network users. They provide technical assistance directly to users. You would have to receive training and acquire a certification in computer-related fields. 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, additional training may be needed to improve your skills. You may also need to receive a license to practice massage therapy in your state.
Nail Technician
Nail technicians give their clients manicures and pedicures. They may treat customers’ hands and feet, shape real or artificial nails, and apply nail polish. While the average salary is not very high, this can be a fun and creative career with a low barrier of entry. Although no degree is needed, you must attend a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program.
Is It Too Late to Make a Career Change at 35?
No, it is not too late to make a career change at 35. There is a chance that you may find it challenging switching from your previous career to a new one. However, with planning and commitment, you can find a path to your dream job.
A major change in career direction requires patience and resilience. Reaching out to a career coach who will offer you career choice advice may be helpful. Tech jobs may seem preferable because it does not take long to get trained and start earning. Jumping into any of the roles highlighted above would not be a bad idea if they fall within your preference.
Career Change at 35 FAQ
Tech or vocational jobs are preferable. Spending a bit of time training is all you need to get into these careers. Also, whether or not you have a degree will determine the jobs that will be best for you at 35. Whether you have a degree or not, go for jobs or careers that would offer you a good average salary and tasks you will enjoy doing.
Yes, you can get a full-time job with the government at 35, but it depends on the government position you are applying for. Some government positions may not be open to persons 35 years and above. However, before you apply, always check the age limit of the job.
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You should make a major career change if you begin to notice certain signs, such as complacency about your job and your average salary no longer being enough. Also, if the working environment becomes hostile, it is the perfect time to make a career pivot.
Yes, age affects the job opportunities available to you. Employers often look for younger workers. However, age often comes with experience and more transferable skills, which can work in your favor during the job application process.
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