Your career

Many of us choose a career while we’re still at school and picking our A-level subjects. Then before you know it you’re packing your bags and heading to university, leaving three years later armed with a Bachelor’s degree and unwavering optimism that you’ll end up in a job that you love. We spend our 20s working our way up, slogging it out for that extra bit of responsibility/money/fancy-sounding title, but when 30 comes knocking, the chances are you’ve changed. Your goals and aspirations have moved in a different direction. You’re no longer the fresh-faced 21-year-old that pushed and pushed to get you where you want to be – and you can’t stop thinking about packing it all in and trying a career change at 30. And trust us, you’re not alone. Yes, it might feel a bit scary to switch things up and yes, it will involve carefully balancing work and every other thing you’ve got going on in your life, but once you get to where you want to be you’ll be thrilled with the pay off. So what’s stopping us from going for a career change at 30? How can you take an idea and make it your reality? And where do you turn for advice? We spoke to the experts to find out how you can ace a career change at 30.

Career change at 30

1. The first step

First things first – know what you want. It can be easy to get fed up with your current routine and think that a huge life overhaul will be the answer to all your problems, but if you’re not 100% about making the move then it’s likely things won’t turn out exactly as you’d hoped. 

SCT Director Isla Baliszewska advises: ‘Take a big pause. Thinking about what isn’t right, what you aren’t happy with in your current career will provide a great basis for looking for the right changes. Making a list of what you would like your life to look and feel like in five years, what you want to have and where you want to be gives you some clear objectives. 

‘Swapping careers without some serious thinking and choosing can be a disaster. You need to know what your non-negotiables are and be really clear about longer term objectives.’

2. Work out your strengths

Epiphany Life Coach Jenny Butler believes that you need to understand what makes you tick. Are you driven by money or material success? What environment works best for you? Do you favour pay or job satisfaction? Once you have some answers, you’ll get an idea of what direction to go in.  Jeremy says: ‘You need to understand your strengths, motivation and fit. Strengths – make a note of what you enjoy, what makes you thrive and what energises you. ‘Motivation: what would you do for free?‘Fit: What do you want your day to be like – indoors, outdoors, working on your own, in a big team? Does the purpose matter? Does the end result matter? Imagine your perfect day.’

3. How to find a role that’s right for you

So you’ve really drilled down and discovered what your perfect working day looks like – now what? If you know you want to shake things up but you’re not sure what job fits your fantasy, what do you do? Finding the right role doesn’t need to be difficult, says Isla. ‘Make a list of key things you want in your new career, then check job ads. Look at different sectors, highlight the words/elements that appeal to you. Not the things that really turn you off. ‘Talk to friends, ask them what they like about their careers, check out LinkedIn, do some internet research. Or ask your friends for five jobs they think you would enjoy or be great at.’

4. Preparing your finances

Leadership Coach and Neuroscience Practitioner Dominique Stillman believes it depends on your situation. ‘It depends on whether you are going to another role immediately with another employer or if you are going into full time training for the new career,’ she explains. ‘If you are going into a self-employed situation this will impact your earnings, too. An exit strategy can mean staying where you are a little longer to allow you to get finances in place so you can make the move without jeopardising important areas such as housing and childcare.’

Jenny, however, advises that you don’t necessarily need shed loads of money to make the switch. ‘You can make a sideways move. If it is a major career change and you need to go back into training or education then you may need a buffer.

‘But lots of careers now offer part-time training and study options as well. And it isn’t just about the cash. You also need to think about other areas of your life. How will it affect your work-life balance and health and wellbeing?’

5. Don’t rush – take your time

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of changing careers, so much so that you take any offer that comes your way. You may even feel as though you need to juggle two jobs at once until you feel secure in your new career.But should you cut off, take a break and start completely fresh? Or should you keep your options open? Isla suggests: ‘This depends on what your career change choice is. If you have decided to start a business of your own, it might work in conjunction with your current job until the new enterprise is sufficiently successful for you to give up your current job.’ Caroline Wellingham, Career Change Coach advises not to put all your eggs in one basket, saying: ‘The riskiest option is to quit your job and put all your energy into your career change.  ‘You can work in your current job and figure out your next career action steps at the same time. When you are happy with your decision, then you can move on.’

6. Network, Network, Network!

Never underestimate the power of networking. A lot of the time, you’ll hear about positions from people you know, and if you have a professional relationship with that person they’re more likely to pass your details on to prospective employers. Isla tells us: ‘Networking is crucial – these days finding the right choices and changes is all about the relationships that you have. ‘Not only can you connect with people who might give you a career helping hand, but you can also find your support group, possibly a mentor, people to share experiences and knowledge with.’ Caroline adds: ‘When you want to change careers, your network is everything. 70 – 80% of people get jobs through who they know.  Network with people in companies that you want to work for. ‘Meet people who are doing the job that you want to do.  Expand the group of people in your current circle and be open to new opportunities that arise.’ However, IAPC&M Chief Operations Officer, David Monro-Jones, stresses the importance of networking with purpose. ‘It depends on who you are networking with and for what reason. There are lots of networking opportunities, but always set objectives for what you want to achieve by the experience. ‘There are lots of online networking events too, usually through social media platforms. Always find the one that’s right for you. Plus, learn how to network, as this is a skill in itself.’

7. Finally, make sure it’s exactly what you want

Still not sure whether to take the leap? Make sure you’re 100% invested in the career change to save yourself time, money and stress.

‘Find people, organisations or bodies that are in this field and talk to them – see if you can shadow people, read articles or publications for the sector to see what is happening in that area,’ Dominique suggests. ‘Research as much as you can and assess against the criteria that has been identified from the analysis you have done on your own career so far.  How does this career match my motivations and lifestyle?’ 

IAPC&M Director, Dawn Ann Campbell, advises: ‘Look at who is already doing what you aspire to doing, then mirror them, ask them to mentor you, few will say ‘no’. ‘Consider what it really means to be a business owner – see my handout – check yourself again the characteristics, the drive, the motivation, the resources, the skills and the resilience because sure as eggs are eggs you’ll never work harder, longer or for less pay until you make it and few do!’

One last tip from the experts

One last top tip from the experts…

Isla: ‘Don’t act impulsively. Unless you don’t mind if the change doesn’t last. This is a seriously important decision that is so much more than just what you will do to earn a living. It is about the whole of your life, and therefore it is something to be decided on with care and thought.’

Jenny: ‘It is possible and permissible. There is nothing wrong with starting the exploratory process. Don’t look back and regret in 5-10 years’ time and wish you had done it sooner.’

Dawn: ‘I’d say fortune favours the brave so go for it, within reason, because you only live once; as long as you can afford it, feed your passion, do what brings you joy and it won’t feel like work, don’t waste a minute longer than necessary working for people you don’t like, who don’t value your contribution, or working in an industry you have no connection with that do not match your values, it will make your life a misery and by now, you’ve already potentially lived a third of it!’

So what are you waiting for?

So how do you balance being yourself with being your professional self? What are the dos and don’ts when it comes to your first day? And how do you scout out your new work wife? Here’s what the pros say when it comes to new job mistakes:

1. Not asking questions

When it comes to new job mistakes, there’s one thing you should always avoid – and that’s not asking questions.

Leadership Coach and Neuroscience Practitioner Dominique Stillman advises new starters not to nod along like a bobble head dog if you don’t have a clue what your boss is talking about. 

‘A common mistake is lacking the confidence to ask questions – nodding or stating understand when in fact it’s not there,’ she explains. ‘Asking questions for the first few weeks is an expectation and builds trust. It can actually be unnerving if a new person has no questions.’

Director of Smart Coaching & Training, Isla Baliszewska, agrees. She says: ‘Asking questions is always good as it shows interest, a desire to learn, and engagement.

‘However, pick the right questions to ask, at the right time, to the right person for the right reason and don’t overdo it.’

2. Arriving without a clear personal brand

You’ve probably heard this thrown about numerous times, but that’s because it’s important – build your own brand. Selling yourself can feel a little awkward at times, but in an age where everybody has a voice you need to make sure yours stands out. 

Isla adds that her number one no-no is ‘not arriving with a clear personal brand that is consistent, noticeable and fits with the job and organisational values and objectives.’

3. Being too critical too early

New job mistakes are common, but one thing you may find is that you’re not initially taken with your new position. Maybe you’re unsure of your peers, perhaps you instantly don’t like how your boss talks to you, or you’re struggling to find a decent lunch spot that isn’t miles away. Whether it’s a big deal or a niggle, try not to let it cloud your judgement straight away.

Dominique continues: ‘On day one, and for some time, it is key to avoid criticising what is. Hold those criticisms until you are sure they are valid and you can voice them in the right way (as ideas for change) and to the right people. What you should do on your first day is be on time with positive energy.’

4. Introducing yourself – or not introducing yourself

So, you’ve made it into your new working space, you’re a bag of nerves and/or excited energy and you’re both keen and reluctant to walk up to your new colleagues and start making friends. 

If you’re feeling shy, should you just take the leap and make the first move?

Dominique says: ‘This can be tricky initially, especially when you can be meeting new people in 1-2-1 situations or groups. My advice is to consider the impression you want to make before you arrive – how do you want people to think or feel about you in these early days?

‘What you come up with helps you to identify the actions and behaviour that you should adopt to create that impression. This can really help those who are more shy to push themselves forward a little more and those who can be high energy to adjust that if relevant. 

‘I recommend sharing with people that you are new and asking what they do if you are likely to work together in some way.’

IAPC&M Chief Operations Officer, David Monro-Jones, agrees and tells us: ‘This depends, to a degree, on what role you have. If it involves meeting lots of people, then you can introduce yourself.

‘That said a good organisation will have an induction programme that will help you settle in and meet the people you need to. If you are shy (or not comfortable in some social situations), this can be worked on with a coach.’

5. Feeling like you have to stay late

Do you feel awkward leaving work on time when you’ve just started? If so, you’re not alone. Packing up and heading out of the door bang on 5.30pm can leave you questioning whether or not your boss is judging you for it.

However, Dominique advises that you should always leave on time – whether it’s your first week, or your last. 

‘It should never be wrong to leave on time, especially in an office or non-shift environment,’ she says. 

‘If part of your contract negotiations involved leaving time, it’s important to stick to this so other understand this will be normal for you. 

‘Usually it takes a while for a role to reach its full capacity and so early on when it can be less intense leaving on time is understandable. If you don’t need to head off, this can be a further opportunity to network, build relationships and understand the organisation more quickly.’

David agrees, adding: ‘Start and finish times will have been explained in the induction (hopefully) and your line manager or mentor should be there to guide you in your first few weeks. If you have completed what you need to do, then there is no reason to stay later, unless you are learning something.’

6. Being too comfortable too quickly

It’s a tough one – how do you strike the perfect balance between being yourself and being your professional self? Should you stride straight in and get involved with the in-jokes and water cooler chat or should you step back and wait for things to develop organically?

Dominique tells us: ‘Being the new person changes the dynamics of a team or group of people and they need to adjust to this, too. Being yourself is important but being mindful of those around you and that they may not be as thrilled to see you as you are for your role is worth keeping in mind. I think it can always help to listen more and to take your time to work out the best way to communicate with those around you as individuals. 

‘If your new job carries authority over others and decisions then it’s really important to set aside individual and group time to get a sense of what is working and what may benefit from changes.’

Isla believes that it’s important to be confident – but don’t overdo it. 

She says: ‘Try and strike a balance between the two – get involved in discussions and also know when to listen and observe. It might be hard to appear confident if you are naturally shy or quiet, so finding a way to do this might be through connecting with a colleague who you feel comfortable with.

‘Always remembering it is likely that people won’t generally warm to the loud, overly assertive newbie. However, they will appreciate attempts to integrate and get to know you.’

Finally, David adds that you should be yourself and surround yourself with as many – or few – people as makes you most comfortable.

‘This is all about who you are and what your personality guides you to,’ he says. ‘If you are more introverted, then you will seek out the company of only a few people whereas if you are more extrovert, you may find the company of groups more rewarding. It also depends upon how confident you are and what your role in the organisation is, including your level of authority.’