A career change at 35 can seem like a scary step for almost anybody. 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 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 to an entirely new field. This article will provide you with many career change ideas at 35 to make your transition into a more exciting career path an enjoyable experience for you.
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Why Start a New Career at 35?
According to a report from Careershifters.org, the most common reasons for a midlife career change are better pay, stressful jobs, better work/life balance, new challenges, and lack of passion in your current field.
Some people begin a new job at 35 because circ*mstances 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 career change advice at 35.
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
- You want a higher level of career satisfaction
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 after 35. Below you will find useful steps you can follow to 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 jobs to gain in-depth knowledge of what is out there. You can use the Bureau of Labor Statistics website to research jobs and their potential growth. You can also speak with recruiters to find out about in-demand careers.
Also, understanding where your current professional skills can be applied is a good way to research job options. For example, a good career change for social workers would utilize their people skills, such as working as a high school teacher or elected official.
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, the necessary skills for the best tech careers can be learned via a variety of online resources.
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 career or not, make an effort to get the additional skills you need for your new job role.
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 starting a new career 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 updated with your latest achievements.
Best Jobs for a Career Change at 35
| Career | Job Outlook | Average Salary | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Managers | 7% | $94,500 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Web Developers | 23% | $78,300 | High school diploma and understanding of programming languages |
| Computer Support Specialists | 6% | $57,910 | Certificate in computer-related classes |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers (HVACR) | 5% | $48,630 | Associate degree or training |
| Massage Therapists | 20% | $46,910 | High school diploma or its equivalent |
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 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, 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, additional training may be needed to improve your skills. You may also need to receive a license 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.
A major career change at 35 requires patience and resilience. Reaching out to a career coach who will offer you career choice advice may be helpful. Tech jobs are often the best choice for career switchers because you learn the required skills in under one year. However, any of the jobs highlighted in this article are ideal for starting a new career at 35.
Career Change at 35 FAQ
Can I change careers at 35 with no degree?
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. 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.
How often does the average person switch careers?
The amount of times a person switches careers is often age-dependent. For example, younger people tend to switch careers as much as five or six times before settling into a role. People who have invested more time into their career path switch careers less frequently.
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