by Huseyin Durak

Created on: October 01, 2010   Last Updated: October 02, 2010

Thinking of changing your career during your 30s?  The first, most important thing to remember is that many people have successfully changed career at this point and later, and you can do it too!

During your 20's you may have gone through a pretty rough period, through college or university to stepping out into your first job, perhaps working your way up the chain or moving from one company to another, and finally into your current job role. Maybe you had your career planned out or perhaps there were lots of opportunities and you weren't sure which road to take.  Now you're in your 30s you've concluded that there is an alternative life out there for you that is perhaps more rewarding in terms of financial and personal satisfaction.

So, you're searching for a career that offers you more incentive to get out of bed in the morning and get to work, whether that's financial benefits or personal job satisfaction. Firstly, you will need to understand that your circumstances, wants and desires will keep growing and changing no matter how old you may be. You need to acknowledge and accept this fact and come to terms with the situation. Secondly, you need to dismiss the idea that you can only have a single profession during your working career, these days the average person will switch to a completely different career path 2 times in their life.

There was of course a time when people had a 'job for life' and fewer companies dismissed their staff or made them redundant.  Technology means companies, and therefore job roles and vacancies come and go, often being outdated by other, faster moving or more efficiently run companies. The workplace has become more fluid.

How to Secure a Good Career When You Are In Your 30's

So what is the best way to secure a financial future? The best way to do this is make yourself look unique - if you are in your 30's you'll probably already know what the competition is like out there. There are many ways to do this.

The first stage is to get to know yourself better.  Make a list of your strengths and skills that you have acquired in education and work experience.  You will notice that in addition to skills and knowledge specific to your current role, you'll also have 'transferable skills' which can be used in many different roles. Once you have compiled a list you will be able to acknowledge the fact that what you are already good at, and what can be expanded to suit your new profession.  By doing this, you are focusing on your points making yourself more marketable and not so easily replaceable.

There are of course some professions which will require further education, such as accountant, solicitor, doctor.  You may be able to study part-time while continuing to work, or you may need to take a year or two away from work to retrain.  Once you've achieved your further education, be confident - and remember you already have work experience so you've already got a head start over younger graduates.  The more marketable that you are as a potential employee, the more secure will be in your future job or jobs.

As a 30-something you should be confident about your job prospects, whether you're changing careers or sticking with what you've got.  You have achieved a good few years in the world of work, and you just need to get out there and keep going strong.

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