To change your career is a big step, and one that has to be considered carefully. It’s easier to switch in your early and mid 20’s because there’s a lot more options for young recruits who are still less than a few years out of college. Likewise dropping a career after a few bad years can sting, but it isn’t as difficult as walking out on over a decade of time invested.

In your 30’s this is usually the case, you’ll have probably been on your current career path for at least 5 years, and maybe 10+. The thing is, if your career isn’t as engaging or rewarding as you need it to be, then it’s probably still a better option to cut your losses and make the jump.

There are some potential drawbacks to a career change at this point. Just remember that the drawbacks (usually) only get bigger as time goes on, while the payoffs to staying the path only get smaller – making the jump can change this. Let’s take a look at some of the common reasons you’ll hear against doing this – and why they’re wrong.

You’ve Already Invested So Much Time/Energy/Cash

This is kind of true, and there’s no way around it. You’ve (probably) been on your career path for years already. There might have been years of training or getting qualifications just to get this position in the first place.Yet if your career was fulfilling, enjoyable and rewarding enough, you wouldn’t be looking to switch anyway, right?

The good news is you’re not alone – loads of people choose to switch career at some point. See if you already know your current career path isn’t the one for you, then any more time/energy spent on it is a waste in the long-term. You can’t rewind the clock and get your past time back, but you can cut your future losses and make the jump. Remember the old saying:

“Don’t cling to a mistake just because you took a long time making it”

You’ll Have to Start at the Bottom or Re-Train/Study

Okay, so this point is pretty much wrong. Yes you MIGHT have to re-train or get more qualifications. Yes you MIGHT have to start at the bottom and work your way back up. But you also might not.

Firstly, if you do have to start at the bottom, remember you’ve got life experience on your side now. It’s going to be easier for you to learn and move up on this career path than it was on your last one, at least initially.

Likewise there’s a chance you don’t need to start at the bottom. Being able to show how your current skills and experience are useful to your new career can be a good way to leap over the initial stages and get a decent starting point. To do this your application, resume and interview all need to be on point. Make use of resources like resume templates, interview guides and plenty of practice to make yourself stand out. Learn how to make yourself look like an attractive hire and there’s no reason why you have to start at the bottom.

It’s Too Late/You’re Too Old to Start on a New Path

You’re NEVER too old! Yes it’s not a great time to be switching and re-starting, because the best time is always yesterday or even further in the past. The second best time though? Right now. Because after now, if you put it off, you’re going to be older anyway – and still stuck in the same place.

Sometimes it’s simply a matter of being brave and jumping in. If you know you’re making the right move, this is what you should be doing – there’s no time like right now!

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