Changing Careers after 30

So, flashback to when I was in 3rd standard (just a few years ago, okay? 😜), we used to have these Scholastic book fairs at school. If you know me, you know I’ve been a bookworm since forever. I was drawn to this shiny yellow book called Careers. It was filled with interviews of famous people from all walks of life, and I remember being superimpressed by Ritu Beri, the fashion designer. I was like, “Yep, that’s gonna be me.” Soon after, I started dressing up my dolls like they were on their way to Paris Fashion Week.

Fast forward: I made it happen! I became a fashion designer and even worked as an assistant for a famous designer in Pune. Then life took me to Udaipur when I got married. Thanks to my amazing mother-in-law with her help I opened my very own boutique in Udaipur. Dream. Come. True. And let me tell you, my husband? Oh boy, he was there every step of the way, helping me set up, cleaning the shelves, you name it. He probably still remembers how to fold dresses better than me! 😂

Things were going well—my boutique was up and running, my husband was my biggest cheerleader, and as my son says, life was “easy peasy lemon squeezy.

“But I’ve also always had a secret love affair with words. I used to write poems and quotes for myself and also my best friend’s never-ending assignments (yes, I’m that friend). I feel like words have this magical ability to make you laugh and cry simultaneously, and I’ve always been fascinated by their power. My husband’s grandfather always encouraged me to get serious about writing, suggesting I submit my poems to newspapers or magazines. And while I really wanted to, I was too chicken. The idea of strangers reading my thoughts and judging them? Yikes.

Then… 2020 happened. The pandemic hit, the boutique closed, I became a mom, and we moved to Bangalore. That’s when the writing bug bit me hard. My husband and our friends Malhar and Apexa became my personal cheerleaders. Not only did they help us settle into Bangalore, but they also pushed me (gently but firmly) to take writing seriously. While my husband hunted down writing courses for me, Malhar and Apexa kept me on track with constant check-ins like, “How’s the course going?” and “What have you written today?” Their relentless support (the best kind of relentless!) was exactly what I needed to find the courage to spread my wings. And my superhero husband? He took over baby duties after work, making sure I had the time and space to focus on my writing.

And now here I am, pursuing my love for words and making it my career post-30. So if you are at a crossroads like I was, and you need an Apexa or Malhar in your life to encourage you, I hope this article helps. Now here are some things you can do.

Embrace the “I Don’t Have It All Figured Out” Vibe

If you’re waiting to have your life perfectly figured out, you’ll be waiting forever! So go ahead and say it out loud: “I’m 30+, and I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.” It’s liberating!

Dust Off That Childhood Dream

Remember that thing you wanted to be when you were 10? Astronaut? Writer? Professional cat cuddler? Well, maybe it’s time to revisit it, because who knows, maybe 10-year-old you had it right all along!

Research Your Desired Field

Learn as much as you can about the industry you want to move into. Research job roles, required skills, and potential career paths.

Update Your LinkedIn: From ‘Career Veteran’ to ‘Career Explorer’

Let’s be real, you’re not “starting over”, you’re just a seasoned professional exploring new territories. Add some flair to that LinkedIn headline. “Reformed Fashionista Turned Writer,” “Corporate Escapee Exploring New Frontiers”

Take Courses

You don’t need to go back to college and drown in textbooks. Online courses, YouTube tutorials, and even podcasts can do the trick. Plus, now you get to say, “I’m a lifelong learner” and sound super fancy. 

Networking

Networking is less about “business cards” and more about “people who will actually encourage your crazy new career idea.” Bonus points if they provide snacks during brainstorming sessions.

Lean on Your Support Squad (And Bribe Them with Pizza)

Whether it’s your partner, your friends, or that one supportive coworker, lean on them for encouragement. And if all else fails, bribe them with food. No one can say no to pizza.

Be Financially Prepared

Switching careers may mean taking a pay cut initially, so ensure you have a financial cushion or a savings plan to support yourself during the transition.

Give Yourself Permission to Fail (And Make Fun of It Later)

You’re going to mess up. A lot. But at least now you can laugh about it, post it on Instagram, and caption it with something witty like, “Attempted new career—ended up with burnt toast. Stay tuned for more.”

Celebrate the Small Wins (Even if It’s Just ‘I Updated My Resume’)

Every tiny step forward counts. Celebrate the fact that you googled “how to switch careers” or finally updated that dusty resume. Your journey has already started!

And there you have it, switching careers after 30 is as terrifying as watching your kid and his friend jumping on your new sofa. But that’s the good part about being 30, you somewhat learn to take calculated risks, and whatever you decide will be a better decision than the hairstyle you got in your 20s. So if you’re thinking about making that change, go for it! You’ve already survived your 20s, what’s a little career switch compared to that?

Love & Icecreams

Sneha Singhvi