Skip to Content

Career Change at 35 Ideas To Inspire You

Wondering about the best careers to get into in your 30s? If you’re older than 30, chances are that you’ve considered a career change.

You might be itching to get back into the workforce after years spent building up your skills at home or maybe you just want to try something new.

You might even be looking for a new job or an up-step to your current career but with new skills. Whether you’re looking for your dream job or just want to expand your current role, there will be ideas for you here!

Whatever your reasons are for wanting to work again, there’s no doubt that there are plenty of options out there.

The tricky part is finding an occupation that suits your personality and interests while also allowing for regular hours and flexibility—and that’s where this list comes in handy!

Taking the next steps can be scary but it’s important to look at your transferable skills and previous experience, life experience, and work experience before considering a career transition. Make sure to write a CV that is up-to-date and tailor it to the new field you want to develop in.

Hot Tip: If you can’t decide on what career to change to, consider talking to family members and friends about what you’re best at. You can also take online courses to get a feel for the skills you might need in your new role. A short course can make all the difference.

It can also be a little disheartening to go back to an entry-level position in your 30s. But if you are not happy with your quality of life in the last year, are tired of your current career and want a second career, or simply want to pursue a new path, keep the course. You got this.

In it we’ve compiled 30 different careers from around the world so that even if you’re not sure which path would be best for your particular situation, we’ll help narrow down the possibilities:

Career Change at 35 Ideas To Inspire You

1. Actuary – best career to get into in your 30s

An actuary is a professional who uses mathematics, statistics, and other data to determine the likelihood of future events.

The job can be lucrative, but it requires specialized training, including at least two years of college courses in math, economics, and statistics.

Actuaries are also required to pass a written exam administered by their state’s insurance department or by the Society of Actuaries every two years (or earlier if you work outside the United States).

There are several specializations within this field: financial analysts analyze risk management for companies; life-health actuaries evaluate health care costs and trends; mortality/annuity models predict how much people will pay out over time if they die during their lifespan; retirement programs manage employee benefits; integrated models combine different types of information into one report per client company.

2. Acupuncturist

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which uses needles to stimulate specific points along the body to treat pain and other health problems. A practitioner may also use acupuncture to prevent disease or help patients recover from illness.

Acupuncturists are trained in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical treatment. They must have an undergraduate college degree in biology or pre-medical studies followed by several years of clinical training before they can practice as acupuncturists.

3. Architect

The architect is one of the most creative careers in your 30s. Architects design buildings and structures, including homes, offices, hospitals, and schools.

They need to have a good understanding of the physical, social, and political context of their designs. Architects must also be creative thinkers who can come up with new ideas that will work in today’s world.

The best way for an aspiring architect to learn about architecture is by working as an intern or volunteer at local construction sites where they can observe firsthand how buildings are being built or remodeled.

4. Audiologist

Audiologists are medical professionals who specialize in the study and treatment of hearing loss, balance disorders, and tinnitus.

They help patients with these problems by providing diagnosis and treatment for their symptoms. Audiologists are also trained to help patients with other hearing-related problems like Ménière’s disease or otosclerosis (an improperly shaped ear drum).

Audiology is an emerging field in which many people are seeking careers because it offers flexible hours that allow them to balance family life with their career goals.

5. Business Development Manager

A business development manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing business relationships. They may be involved in a variety of different activities such as market research, market analysis, and sales.

Business Development Managers usually have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Marketing (or related field), but they can also have an MBA (Master of Business Administration).

The average salary for this position is $106k per year with some employers offering benefits like 401k matching programs or health insurance coverage up to 100% of their contribution amount

6. Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining cloud-based solutions. They use the right tools to ensure that all the information you need is accessible from anywhere at any time.

A large part of this job involves working with software tools such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The other part involves working with hardware such as servers, storage, and networking equipment to build out your private cloud or public clouds on AWS or GCP.

Cloud engineers must be fluent in multiple programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript; they should also have knowledge of operating systems like Linux or Windows, and they must know how these technologies can be combined to create an end product that delivers business value through its functionality but also cost-effectively maintains its efficiency over time due to automated management systems built into each unit deployed within an organization’s network infrastructure system called “infrastructure as code” which makes it easier for IT professionals at large companies manage their entire environment while still keeping existing processes intact when necessary so they don’t need new hires every year just because there might not always be enough resources available during peak times – especially if someone leaves midstream due reasons beyond our control like being promoted elsewhere.

7. Correctional Officer

Correctional officers are responsible for maintaining order and security within correctional facilities, including jails and prisons. These career opportunities are available in a wide range of jurisdictions, including local police departments and county sheriff’s offices.

In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, you’ll need to have at least two years of experience as either a guard or patrol officer; some state-run programs require even more prior training.

The median salary of correctional officers varies depending on where you live—the best-paid states include California ($43k), Massachusetts ($40k), and New York ($32k).

Correctional officers also enjoy benefits such as paid vacation time, health insurance coverage (upgraded from basic coverage) retirement plans with matching contributions from their employer plus other perks like free life insurance policies that cover dependents up to $1 million per person or $2 million total protection depending on how much money your family has saved through IRA’s etcetera so make sure you take advantage of these opportunities before they disappear into thin air

8. Dietician

Dieticians are responsible for helping people with their diets. They may work in hospitals, schools, or private practice. A bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics is required for this position.

9. Clinical Social Worker

A clinical social worker is a professional who provides mental health counseling services to individuals, families, and groups. The job description varies depending on the location you work; in some states, it’s called a “social worker” while in others it’s called a “community health worker,” which is what we will use here.

The salary range for this position can be anywhere between $52K – $110K depending on your experience level (more experienced professionals earn more).

To become an LCSW you need an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university plus at least one year of experience working with adults with mental illness as well as helping them resolve their problems.

Some schools also require specific certifications such as LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) or LMFT (Licensed Marriage Family Therapist) before they issue a degree

10. Data Scientist

The data scientist is a job that is in high demand. Why? Because of the amount of data being collected by companies, and how quickly it’s growing.

Companies need help figuring out what to do with all this information, which makes for an excellent career for someone who can analyze it and make decisions about what to do next.

Data scientists work in many different industries, including technology firms like Google or Facebook; healthcare companies like Johnson & Johnson; retail chains like Wal-Mart; government agencies like the CIA (yes), NASA (yes), NOAA (yes), etc.; even non-profits like Greenpeace have employed them!

Data scientists are not just limited to these roles though—they also have other options available such as consulting firms or start-up businesses of their own accord!

11. Dental Assistant

Dental assistants help dentists and dental hygienists by:

  • Performing routine tasks, such as taking x-rays and preparing patients for dental procedures.
  • Answering questions about the health of their teeth, gums, and mouth.

They must have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a completed accredited dental assistant program. They also need to pass a state-administered exam before they can work in this field.

12. Director of Sales and Business Development

The Director of Sales and Business Development is the person in charge of driving revenue. They help manage a sales team, oversee marketing campaigns, and develop partnerships with other businesses.

This position requires strong communication skills, as well as the ability to think strategically about your company’s growth needs.

If you want to be successful in this role, you should have experience working with customers or clients (preferably both) on multiple levels—from initial contact through ongoing relationships over time.

You should also have experience leading teams at all levels within organizations: from individual contributors like account managers up to senior leadership positions such as vice president or COO—or even CEO if possible!

13. Editor

As an editor, you’ll be working with a variety of media. You might edit digital media like websites and apps or work in digital marketing.

You could edit print material such as books or magazines. You could also work on TV shows and radio programs. There are a lot of options for potential employers for editors.

If you’re interested in video games, then this is the career for you! Editors are often needed to help write scripts for games like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto.

They also provide feedback on how well certain scenes were written so that they can be improved later on down the line when creating new levels/missions within these titles.”

14. Engagement Analyst/Manager

An engagement analyst/manager is a person who analyzes data to help companies make informed decisions. Engagement analysts are frequently employed by marketing agencies, but they can also work in other areas like sales or human resources.

An engagement analyst’s job description might include the following tasks:

  • Analyzing customer surveys and reports to determine trends in their purchases and preferences (e.g., how much do customers love our new product?)
  • Analyzing competitor information (e.g., how does our competitor calculate its ROI?)
  • Determining which products should be developed based on past purchases by consumers (e.g., what was successful about last year’s campaign?)

15. Computer Support Specialist

A computer support specialist is a person who helps people with computers. They may be an expert in one area of information technology, or they may specialize in different areas.

Computer support specialists may work at home or in an office environment. The work can be fast-paced and require flexibility because it’s not always scheduled around clients’ schedules or meetings; rather, it’s often done on the go as needed when there isn’t enough time for traditional office hours or meetings.

As a computer support specialist, you’ll need strong communication skills so that you can interact with customers quickly and efficiently without getting flustered by technical jargon from them (or your boss).

You’ll also need patience—a lot—to explain programs and troubleshoot problems over the phone without making anyone feel like anything is wrong with their system!

16. Health Educator

Health educators are responsible for educating the public about health issues and promoting healthy lifestyles. They do this through teaching classes, writing articles and books, giving speeches at community events, or even just reading to children in libraries or schools.

Health educators can also work as volunteers who help people learn how to care for themselves on their own time.

Health educators should have a passion for helping others live healthier lives. They might want to teach dance classes or lead exercise groups at local YMCAs (you know those places where they have those big white balls that spin around when you stand near them?). Some people even become doctors or nurses because they love helping people get better!

If you’re looking for something different than what your parents did—and if so many adults still want more education after high school graduation—then consider becoming a health educator!

17. HR Manager

HR managers are responsible for the human resources of a company. They help to attract, develop and retain employees by setting and enforcing policies that ensure that employees are treated fairly. They are also responsible for hiring, firing, and promotions.

18. Elementary School teacher

Elementary school teachers can make a difference in the lives of young children. They are responsible for teaching reading and writing to their students, as well as helping them develop math skills through problem-solving. They also help pupils learn about other cultures, especially those that may not be represented on television or in books.

Elementary school teachers must have excellent communication skills to work with all types of students from different backgrounds; however, they need to have patience with those who struggle with learning new concepts or cannot grasp concepts quickly. The job requires some travel because many schools require field trips outside city limits during recess periods when students stay at these locations overnight before returning home later that day (or longer).

19. Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help people with physical disabilities, including those that result from injury, surgery, or stroke. They also work to help patients recover from medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer.

These jobs are fast-paced, high-stress, and require dedication to clients.

Physical therapists often have an advanced degree in physical therapy and some experience working in hospitals or clinics before entering private practice as full-time employees at their own business (or agency).

20. Software Developer

If you are a 30-year-old and want to be able to work from home, then the software developer is your best bet. Software developers are in high demand and they make good money. In fact, according to Glassdoor’s 2018 salary report, top earners can make over $130K per year!

In addition to being able to work from home as most software developers do (especially if you live in an area where there aren’t many jobs), this job also allows for flexibility because it allows one person or team of people complete projects independently without having someone else checking up on them every day like some other types of jobs do require done by supervisors or managers who need constant supervision throughout their workday’s tasks/projects completed during each work week period ending at midnight Eastern Time each weekend night(s) Saturday evening through Monday morning noon Eastern Time again.

21. User Experience Designer

User experience designers are responsible for the overall user experience of a product. They work on the front end of the product, from its interface to how users interact with it.

While this might seem like an easy job—especially if you’re used to using products that don’t give much thought about how they’re being used—user experience designers must be able to look at any given piece of technology and see what could be improved upon or changed completely to improve user satisfaction.

The best way for someone just starting in this field is as follows:

  • Make sure that your portfolio includes at least one project where you were involved in all stages of production (designing an app or website).

22. Medical and Health Services Manager

The job is for people who have a passion for helping people. It requires a degree in health sciences, but it also involves communication skills and working with others.

This career could be good for you if you want to work with others as well as be able to communicate effectively with them, especially if they are from different cultures or languages than yours.

23. Marketing Manager

You’re a 30-year old and you realize that you have no idea what to do with your life. Maybe it’s time for a change! Or maybe you want to be a marketer and know exactly how much money the job pays, but aren’t sure where to start? Either way, marketing management is an excellent career choice for those who are looking for something new.

A marketing manager controls the activities of a company’s sales force or brand managers to maximize profits by creating effective strategies and campaigns that will lead them towards their goals.

They also oversee product development teams who create new products or services based on existing ones (which means they need good communication skills).

Finally, they’re responsible for managing customer loyalty programs so customers remain happy with their purchases long enough until they return later down the road when they need another one.

24. Personal Financial Advisor

If you have a keen interest in the financial markets and want to help others navigate their investments, then becoming a personal financial advisor might be for you. Personal Financial Advisors are often called “financial advisors” or “financial planners” by those who seek their help.

Personal Financial Advisors provide advice on retirement planning, investment strategies, and tax planning. They also provide advice on estate planning and asset protection as well as managing college savings accounts for children.

Financial planners also typically enjoy their work.

25. Social Media Manager

A social media manager is a person who manages the company’s social media presence. They are responsible for creating content, monitoring it, and responding to comments on posts.

The job can be demanding, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for growth as well as career advancement.

The skills you need to get this position include:

  • Writing and editing web copy (e-mail newsletters)
  • Managing Facebook pages or other social media accounts that have hundreds of thousands of followers
  • Creating content for blogs and websites

Social media is only growing so it’s the perfect time to transition into this industry.

26. Web Developer

Web developers are responsible for the development of websites. They work with a variety of technologies and software languages, including HTML and CSS, JavaScript, PHP/Laravel (a type of web framework), Java (a programming language), Python (a high-level programming language), C++/C#/.NET/.NET Core (.NET Framework), etc., which makes it easier to get started with web development if you’re already familiar with these tools or at least have some basic knowledge about them.

Web developers can also be employed by large companies as contractors or freelancers who will be hired on a projects basis by clients looking for their services in this field of expertise.

What’s more is that you can speak a foreign language and typically still land a job in tech at a primarily English-speaking company.

27. Statistician

Statistics is a very broad field, and there are many different roles that statisticians can take on.

They’re often involved in research and data analysis for companies, making them an important part of any business’s success.

Statisticians are also needed in many other fields such as health care, government agencies, and academia—they’re even tasked with keeping track of people’s lives!

28. Middle School Teacher

You may not have thought about becoming a middle school teacher, but it’s a great option for people who are looking for a job that will keep them out of the office and in the classroom.

Middle school teachers teach in the middle grades (grades 6-8). They also typically teach subjects such as science, math, language arts, and reading. Some teachers are also required to instruct students on how to read properly or prepare them for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.

Teaching positions can be found at public or private schools; however, they’re most common at parochial institutions where most students come from wealthy families willing to pay higher tuition rates than other types of schools receive per student enrolled to help ensure they get access only those who will benefit most from their education plans.”

29. High School Teacher

Teaching is a rewarding career. The flexibility and autonomy give teachers a lot of control over their schedule and environment, as well as the ability to set their hours. Teachers also have plenty of opportunities for advancement within the field, which can lead to better pay and more responsibility over time.

Teaching is an attractive option for many because it provides a stable income while allowing you to work from home or in another location if you choose (though this may require additional training). You’ll be able to build up your reputation among students by helping them achieve success on standardized tests or other assessments through tutoring sessions outside school hours—and then some!

30. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor

The Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor is a licensed professional who works with people who are struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues.

They help clients make healthy choices, build self-esteem, cope with stress and anxiety, learn to manage their emotions better, and more effectively communicate their needs to others.

The education requirements for this career vary by state; however, most require either a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in psychology (or both). Requirements may also vary depending on whether you’re working in private practice or public sector settings such as schools or hospitals.

In Summary: Career Change at 35 Ideas To Inspire You

As you look for a job, it’s important to keep in mind that most people are looking for work that fits their skills and interests. If you’re not sure what kind of occupation will suit your style, it may be best to take some time out from the search and consider what types of jobs would be best suited for your personality.

Career changes can be a good idea, but it can be difficult to find the right fit. Before making any major career change, you’ll want to make sure you are financially prepared as well as emotionally prepared.

A career swap, especially if it is a large transition, can take anywhere from 3-12 months to really feel settled in the role.

Make sure you get to know your potential employers as well. And consider factors like work-life balance, interpersonal skill needs, and new challenges you’ll face. No two jobs or roles are the same and you’ll want to find the right one for you.

There is no perfect time for a career change but career pivots are always possible. Start with your skill sets, what you want out of your work and personal life, and your goals before setting out on a new path.

If you’re in your 30s and want to start exploring new opportunities, try researching careers that interest you. For example, if you like working with people or helping others through education (like teaching), then this might be a great opportunity for you!

About the Author

The GenThirty Team is a collaborative team of writers and creatives behind GenThirty.com.


New Job In Florida? Know Your Authorized Rights Earlier than Your Begin – My blog

Monday 13th of February 2023

[…] conclusion, new staff in Florida want to know their authorized rights earlier than beginning a new job. From minimal wage and additional time pay to breaks and non-discrimination and harassment, […]

New Job In Florida? Know Your Legal Rights Before Your Start - Job Alerts

Monday 13th of February 2023

[…] conclusion, new employees in Florida need to understand their legal rights before starting a new job. From minimum wage and overtime pay to breaks and non-discrimination and harassment, there is a […]

Why You (Sometimes) Have to Accept a Job You're Just Not That Into

Friday 10th of February 2023

[…] you look back when we are all thirty-somethings, you’ll realize how insignificant that job you took for a few months was in the grand scheme […]

3 Things to Do When You're Considering a Career Change - GenTwenty

Friday 18th of November 2022

[…] about a subject from experts shows employers you are serious about your career change, and you are genuinely interested in the subject too. There are so many courses, make sure you […]