Career Change at 30: Best Jobs for a Successful Change

Career Change at 30: Best Jobs for a Successful Change

Don’t feel like reading? Listen here! 30 and rethinking your career? The desire to make a career change at 30 is more common than you might think. After all, there’s no such thing as being too old (or too young) to make a change in your professional life. Not everyone wants to sacrifice experience and seniority by starting over in a new career – but sometimes, change is inevitable. Gone are the days of unwavering company loyalty, when employees stayed with the same company until retirement. If you’re considering a midlife career change, never fear. We’ve curated a list of the ten best jobs for a smooth transition below. But first, we have a few pro tips on how to make the best decisions along the way. Keep reading to learn more!

Career Change at 30: Making It Happen

If you decide on a career change at 30, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities available. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that total employment will increase by 11.9 million jobs between 2020 and 2030. With statistics like these, there’s no better time than now to switch professional gears. But before you take that leap, you’ll need to ask yourself a few key questions:

• Which new careers should I consider?
• Is this really the right time to make a career change?
• Will I need new skills or training to change careers?
• What are the real benefits of making a career change at thirty?

Take a hard look at what you’re doing now. Do you feel satisfied and fulfilled? Is there room for growth in your current job, or have you hit your professional ceiling? You may need to go back to school or learn new skills prior to making a career change. This transition may feel risky – but if you’re truly unhappy in your current career, you’ll reap the benefits of making a change for years to come. Truth be told, thirty is a wonderful age for a career change.  You have a few years of professional experience under your belt – but you’re not too old to learn something new and challenging, either. Your choices will be plentiful. By 30, you probably have build relevant career experience that you’d like to share. Many people resort to starting a blog in order to use their knowledge online. Going online with a blog or video is the best way to make use of your experiences in your career.

Career Change at 30: Things to Consider

No matter how you look at it, making a sudden professional change is a big move. After all, you can’t choose a new career overnight.

In some circumstances, you might be able to connect with a higher-up who is willing to mentor you in your new career. But starting over could also bring some key challenges into focus, such as:

• Having to start all over again in an entry-level position
• Taking a pay cut as you move into a less senior position
• The time and training involved in changing careers

Should you decide to do something more advanced, you might even need to go back to school for as long as four to eight years. For example, to become a lawyer, or doctor at thirty, or choose a Sales Operations Career Path or even become an Affiliate Marketer, you’ll likely need to continue working at least part-time while seeking your new degree. Juggling school with work can mean slow progress, so you might not actually begin work in your new field until you’re forty or older.

How to Find a New Career

How should you go about finding a new career path at age 30? First, try to pinpoint where your passion lies. By now, you should know whether your current career brings you satisfaction – and you probably have an inkling about what could bring greater fulfillment instead.

Try heading to your local employment office or taking a free career assessment online. These tests can help you find a career that fits your personality – and they offer all kinds of insights, including any transferable skills you may have to offer. Because believe it or not, you’ll likely be able to use many of your current skills in your new career as well.

Next, you’ll want to figure out how to turn your passion into your dream career. A self-assessment, as mentioned above, can introduce you to new career options you may not have previously considered. Once you determine the right fit, you can start searching for the job of your dreams!

Find Your New Dream Job

Once you have the necessary skills, where should you begin your search for the perfect job? Don’t worry – online resources abound. At Lensa, you can find job listings for hundreds of different career categories. You can also work directly with job recruiters to help you find your ideal position. Pay close attention to job descriptions during your search. Even a short paragraph can offer valuable clues about whether a job is the right one for you. After all, new jobs can have varying demands that don’t necessarily mesh with the new skills you’ve worked so hard to gain.

Should You Take a Year off to Find Your New Career?

Sometimes, a career change requires a period of continuing education. If this is the case, you may need to take some time off to focus on school and complete any requirements without distraction or delay. Consider taking a year off to prepare for your big career transition, as long as doing so is financially feasible. But remember: There are plenty of well-paying career options that don’t require years of education. Take digital marketing, for instance. Additionally, sometimes you can find a short course or certificate option online that meets your requirements for training or education. Keep reading for ten promising options for a career change at 30.

Career Change at 30: Ten Jobs for a Successful Transition

1. Healthcare

A career in healthcare offers multiple advantages. First of all, the BLS projects that employment in the healthcare sector will grow 16 percent by 2030 – more than in any other occupational group. Hello, job security! Additionally, the field of healthcare offers a wide range of jobs with varying educational and training requirements. Becoming a physician requires years of education – but becoming a radiation therapist, for instance, requires just an associate’s degree. The profession of nursing is moving toward phasing out associate’s degree programs and requiring a bachelor’s degree instead. But there are plenty of healthcare occupations that don’t require any postsecondary education beyond a certificate – for example, phlebotomists, opticians, and more. As you can see, the possibilities are endless – and there is truly something for everyone in the world of healthcare!

State-by-State Distribution of Health Workers

This chart provides a detailed breakdown of the distribution of healthcare workers across different states in the US. Use this chart to visualize the regions with the highest concentration of professionals in the market. If you’re considering a career change into healthcare, this chart shows the geographical hotspots for your future industry. The chart is interactive, so feel free to explore it! Disclaimer: Data is available until April 2023.

2. Fitness Instructor

Do you love taking care of your body and your health? Feel inspired by the idea of helping others do the same? If so, then a career in fitness might be just your cup of tea. After all, why not make a career out of something you already know brings you great personal fulfillment? Fitness is a promising career path, with 39 percent job growth projected for fitness trainers and instructors by 2030. Another perk for career changers? No postsecondary education is necessary to work in this field. Depending on your area of expertise, though, you might need to obtain certification or simply receive extended on-the-job training. Furthermore, there is great flexibility in this role. As far as schedule, many instructors work part-time or off-shift hours. And your place of employment can vary widely, from a local gym or yoga studio to a golf club or resort.

State-by-State Distribution of Fitness Instructors

This chart provides a detailed breakdown of the distribution of fitness instructors across different states in the US. Use this chart to visualize the regions with the highest concentration of professionals in the market. If you’re considering a career change into fitness, this chart shows the geographical hotspots for your future industry. The chart is interactive, so feel free to explore it! Disclaimer: Data is available until April 2023.

3. Teacher

Looking for a new career that allows you to make a difference in people’s lives every day? Look no further than your local school district. Teachers are always in high demand – and there are plenty of options available as far as type of school, age of students, subject matter taught, and so forth. Best of all? You’ll work regular hours with summers off – unless you decide to teach summer school, of course. As far as qualifications, teachers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. Beyond that, licensing and certification requirements vary by state. But whatever you’re currently doing, you’ve likely developed some skills that will transfer well to a teaching career. And remember: Teaching is not for the faint of heart, but it can be immensely rewarding.

State-by-State Distribution of Teaching Jobs

This chart provides a detailed breakdown of the distribution of teachers across different states in the US. Use this chart to visualize the regions with the highest concentration of professionals in the market. If you’re considering a career change into education, this chart shows the geographical hotspots for your future industry. The chart is interactive, so feel free to explore it! Disclaimer: Data is available until April 2023.

4. Real Estate Broker/Agent

Are you an outgoing and self-motivated person with great networking and negotiation skills? If so, then you might want to consider a career in real estate. Real estate brokers and agents help their clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Licensing requirements vary by state, but realtors typically must complete some formal training and pass a licensing exam. Salary varies greatly from person to person and state to state, as realtors set their own schedules and enjoy immense flexibility. This career is truly what you make of it.

State-by-State Distribution of Real Estate Agents and Brokers

This chart provides a detailed breakdown of the distribution of real estate agents across different states in the US. Use this chart to visualize the regions with the highest concentration of professionals in the market. If you’re considering a career change into real estate, this chart shows the geographical hotspots for your future industry. The chart is interactive, so feel free to explore it! Disclaimer: Data is available until April 2023.

5. Administrative Assistant

If you enjoy working as part of a team in a task-oriented position, you might find satisfaction as an administrative assistant. Administrative assistants typically work in office settings and take responsibility for a wide variety of clerical tasks, ranging from drafting office communications to managing the schedule and calendar. Every day looks a little bit different in this role, and your responsibilities will largely depend on the needs of your boss. There is room for growth in this position, as many admins eventually move up to roles as office managers or executive assistants. Best of all? No advanced degree is required, and in most cases, you’ll receive all of your training on the job.

State-by-State Distribution of Administrative Assistants

This chart provides a detailed breakdown of the distribution of administrative roles across different states in the US. Use this chart to visualize the regions with the highest concentration of professionals in the market. If you’re considering a career change into administration, this chart shows the geographical hotspots for your future industry. The chart is interactive, so feel free to explore it! Disclaimer: Data is available until April 2023.

6. Social Media Assistant

Social media is everywhere. So in this day and age, a social media assistant is a vital part of the business and marketing worlds. In this role, you’ll be responsible for tasks such as creating social media posts and managing engagement. You’ll also brainstorm with your team to create social media campaigns and work to manage outreach. One perk for career changers? You can often get by without an advanced degree. However, taking a few digital marketing courses online can give you a leg up in this dynamic field. If you have a creative streak and know your way around various social media platforms, this could be the perfect career for you!

State-by-State Distribution of Social Media Assistant

This chart provides a detailed breakdown of the distribution of social media assistant roles across different states in the US. Use this chart to visualize the regions with the highest concentration of professionals in the market. If you’re considering a career change into social media marketing, this chart shows the geographical hotspots for your future industry. The chart is interactive, so feel free to explore it! Disclaimer: Data is available until April 2023.

7. Beauty and Wellness

Have you always had an eye for hair and makeup? Do you enjoy talking to people from all walks of life and helping them feel their best? Good news: Careers in beauty and wellness are always in demand. And as long as you have the talent and skills, you can easily enter this field at any age. Working as a hairstylist or cosmetologist does require some specialized training and/or education, as well as state licensure. But when you’re getting started, you can often find an experienced stylist to mentor you and show you the ropes. And who knows? You could even start your own business once you get a few years of experience under your belt.

State-by-State Distribution of Beauty and Wellness Roles

This chart provides a detailed breakdown of the distribution of beauty and wellness roles across different states in the US. Use this chart to visualize the regions with the highest concentration of professionals in the market. If you’re considering a career change into beauty and wellness, this chart shows the geographical hotspots for your future industry. The chart is interactive, so feel free to explore it! Disclaimer: Data is available until April 2023.

8. Massage Therapist

Massage therapists use pressure and touch to work the muscles of their clients, with a goal of relieving pain, reducing stress, treating injuries, and promoting wellness and relaxation. Working as a massage therapist can be rewarding and enjoyable, because it gives you the opportunity to improve people’s lives. And with 32 percent growth projected in the field over the next decade, job opportunities abound. Massage therapy does require specialized education, training, and board certification – so you’ll want to plan ahead and look into your state’s requirements if this career interests you.

State-by-State Distribution of Massage Therapists

This chart provides a detailed breakdown of the distribution of massage therapists roles across different states in the US. Use this chart to visualize the regions with the highest concentration of professionals in the market. If you’re considering a career change into wellness, this chart shows the geographical hotspots for your future industry. The chart is interactive, so feel free to explore it! Disclaimer: Data is available until April 2023.

9. Web Developer

Web developers are responsible for maintaining websites on both the front and back ends. If you have a creative mind, digital know-how, and basic coding knowledge, web development could offer you an exciting opportunity for a career change. Some formal training or education in computer science or a related field can be helpful, but many web developers thrive without any postsecondary education. A career in this field offers immense flexibility, as the work is remote in nature and can be done from anywhere, including traveling. (If you’re ever traveling for work, remember to get a travel insurance.) In addition, the field of mobile app development offers equally thrilling opportunities. Creating a successful mobile application allows developers to bring innovative ideas to life and meet the growing demand for mobile solutions. Mastering both web and mobile app development opens diverse and rewarding career paths in the evolving technological landscape. And with 13 percent growth projected over the next decade, the jobs aren’t going anywhere. With a median annual salary of $77,200, there’s plenty of room for growth – and the sky’s the limit.

State-by-State Distribution of Web Developers

This chart provides a detailed breakdown of the distribution of web developers’ roles across different states in the US. Use this chart to visualize the regions with the highest concentration of professionals in the market. If you’re considering a career change into technology, this chart shows the geographical hotspots for your future industry. The chart is interactive, so feel free to explore it! Disclaimer: Data is available until April 2023.

10. Recruiter

Are you passionate about helping match other people to their ideal career?If so, you might have a future as a recruiter, or “talent acquisition specialist.” In this role, you’ll be responsible for identifying candidates to fill open positions for your company or business – in other words, you’ll be sourcing talent. Recruitment can be an exciting and rewarding career, as you’ll get to network and help people find satisfying and fulfilling jobs. A background in human resources is typically required, so this presents a good option for people who have worked in HR but want a change from their current role. Recruitment offers a median annual salary of $62,290 with room to grow.

State-by-State Distribution of Recruiters

This chart provides a detailed breakdown of the distribution of recruiting roles across different states in the US. Use this chart to visualize the regions with the highest concentration of professionals in the market. If you’re considering a career change into human resources, this chart shows the geographical hotspots for your future industry. The chart is interactive, so feel free to explore it! Disclaimer: Data is available until April 2023. Looking for more options? Consider a side hustle at any age. This can be a great way to supplement your full-time income as you test the waters at a new job. Visit us at Lensa, where we can help you find the job of your dreams at any age!