Millions of others are grappling with that same question.
The short answer: Absolutely!
It’s your life. And it’s your career path.
As author and speaker Sahil Bloom likes to say: There is no universal timeline for a meaningful life.
“There is no fixed age by which you must have it figured out. There is no master schedule for success, purpose, love, or fulfillment. No external scoreboard keeping track of who's ahead and who’s behind,” Bloom explains. “There's just you. Your life. And what you choose to do with it.”
So whether it’s burnout, breakthrough, or bettering their personal situation, more and more people are entering new careers later in life. Today, we’ll explore some reasons why it’s not only POSSIBLE for you to pivot in your pursuits, but we’ll share some strategies to make it DOABLE. Read on to learn how to change careers in your 30s — and beyond.
CHOOSE YOUR NEXT STEP
Makes perfect sense, right? You can’t move in a different direction if you don’t know where you want to go. As you embark on this new life journey, be sure you can answer two important questions:
- Does your career path require specific credentials, certifications, or skills?
- What do employers in your potential field look for in new hires?
CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION
Most students in their 30s and 40s already juggle important and time-consuming responsibilities on a daily basis — earning a living and raising a family, for example. If you fall into those categories and you can’t imagine traveling to a campus and sitting in classrooms all day, then online learning might be for you. A few things to consider:
Affordability — In most cases, online education is more cost-effective than attending classes at your nearby community college. At Portage Learning, for instance, courses are just $223 per credit and there are no additional expenses for travel, parking, or books. All materials are included within the course.
Flexibility — You know your schedule better than anyone else, so choose digital delivery that fits your lifestyle. If you don’t want to be constrained by a traditional semester timetable, then make sure your courses are asynchronous — which means you can complete your studies when it’s most convenient for you. At Portage Learning, all of our courses are asynchronous, so you can register today and start tomorrow, no matter the time of year.
Specificity — Not all online learning is alike, so it’s important the platform you choose offers exactly what you’re looking for — whether that’s a degree, a completion certificate, or college credits. Is self-directed study right for you? Here’s a checklist to help find out.
Transferability — No matter how, or where, you choose to pursue your education, it’s important to know if the credits you earn will transfer to your program of intent. Most traditional universities will accept online college credits if they are from an accredited institution. Take these steps to help ensure your credits aren't rejected.
A BALANCING ACT
OK, so you’re enrolled in an online course. Now comes the tricky part: how to stay on track with your studies while managing a job and a household. Experts in higher education share the following tips:
- Stay consistent — What time of day are you able to lock in best? Tackle your most challenging tasks during that time block.
- Stay focused — Find a quiet, comfortable space in your home to limit distractions. Noise-canceling headphones can help even more.
- Stay connected — Don’t hesitate to contact your professor if you have questions. Join Facebook groups to meet other students. Reach out to someone who might be further along in the educational journey. Even though you’re studying online, you never have to be alone. Did you know Portage Learning has a team dedicated to helping students from the moment they register to course completion? Learn all about these compassionate coaches here.
- Stay healthy — Keep your energy levels high and avoid burnout by following some simple guidelines: get your proper rest, eat whole foods as much as possible, and stay hydrated. We know how busy life can get, but there are times when unplugging completely can be the reboot your body and mind need to succeed.
CONCLUSION
Once you get into your field of study, get out there and show future employers how you can help them. A good first step is to update your resumé and LinkedIn profile with all relevant coursework and certifications. And if your schedule allows for it, opt for an internship or freelance work to gain some practical experience.
Thanks to emerging technologies and superior online education, changing careers in your 30s isn’t just possible.
It’s the new standard.
(Looking for more meaningful and fulfilling work? Online learning can help you pivot toward your passion in the shortest time possible. Portage Learning courses are affordable, asynchronous, and transfer credits to more than 2,500 institutions. Check out our complete list of courses here.)
Still looking for answers?
Check out the FAQs about this article below.
