How common is it for people to make career changes in their 30s and older, or to start over again in terms of career, employment?

[Anonymous]

As in, you were working in a specific field for a number of years, but then came to the realization that it was not the right fit for you, or you felt you had to leave that profession because it wasn't paying enough, or you just didn't like it anymore, anyone here go through a situation like that?

and is it more common than we think for people to go deep into their 20s, 30s and older and still be unsure, don't know what they want to do with their life career-wise?

[exitseven]

It is a lot more common than it used to be. I was in sales for many years. The company I as working for we going out of business and I wanted to chsnge careers. I was either going to be a lawyer or I wanted to work in IT. This was the 90s when IT was really growing and workers were in big demand. I got into a Masters program and was going to get an MS in Computer Science. If I was going to do this I was going to be serious about it. It took me 3 years part time to get my degree. The last year I was unemployed.
After graduation I took a couple of contract positions to build my resume and after that I got my first full time job. It really was a hard thing to do but I had a successful career and had a few really good jobs. I am really glad that I did this. I am now retired and starting a third career as a college professor.

[hahahmm]

Depends on the career. A lot of people are about to find out that they don't have a choice due to AI but many people are in denial now. Anyhow, I know lots of people who changed careers. Or they go from career 1 to 2 and then back to 1.

If you're in a career dead end and your upward mobility/income is stalled or would take 10-20 years to fix, you're better off moving to a career where you can get ahead of those problems in way less than 10 years.

[jennifer_bloom]

I know somebody with a PhD in chemistry from America who switched to banking in his mid 50s. At age 60, he was the president of a hedge fund in China with 5000 analysts employed underneath him.

[trumpetplayerforlife]

I don't feel like it's very common but ik some people have to change due to medical issues

[AI Opinion]

Career changes in one's 30s and beyond are more common than people might expect. Many individuals reassess their career paths due to dissatisfaction, financial constraints, or evolving interests. It's entirely normal for uncertainty to persist into one's 30s and beyond. In fact, shifting careers later in life can be an opportunity for growth and alignment with one's values and passions. I've seen many individuals successfully transition into new careers, bringing valuable skills and experiences from their previous fields. This adaptability often leads to personal and professional fulfillment.

[Blunky]

Not exactly common but it's also not uncommon. Life happens. People's preferences and passions change. What does it matter how common it is? If you're not happy with your career choice, you owe it to yourself to change it.

Take what you've learned up till now like how not to be a PITA employee and how to move up. Work ethic and experience matters more than anything now.

[Blunky]

Oof, messed that one up. A little exhausted after a new tattoo.

Meant to say, take what you've learned up till now and apply it to your new career.

[oldpigg]

No, 30 is already too old to start another career. I study medicine, and the career itself is too long to change after finishing it.

[Joshydavid25]

What, no it's not.. 😂😂.. My exes mother literally switched careers in her mid 30s.. From IT to a doctor..

[moviedude714]

I believe it's much more common than we think