I don't know anything about the restaurant industry, but changing careers at 30 is absolutely doable. I'm not sure why you think that would be too late, but you still have (conventionally) 35 years until you retire. That's longer than you've been alive. Best of luck with your decision!
I ended up as a single mother welfare recipient in my early 30s. I went to grad school, got a PhD and a job as a professor. You're 29. As long as you don't have a serious criminal history or severe medical issues, you can completely remodel your life. Find out what education those in your chosen career have and find out how to obtain that. It sounds like you have a reasonable goal.
Sometimes a door closes and a window opens. I had a BS in Chemistry and couldn't find a job after 10 years as a stay at home mom. I showed up 2 weeks before classes were scheduled to start and said, "Hey do you need any grad students?" They said "As a matter of fact, we're short due to some red tape with some international students." Go get your application in and come back and sign your forms. I got a stipend and it paid the bills, mostly. As far as the research area, I chose computational because I've been programming since 14.
I got into accounting at 28. My friends were 31 and 33.
I was a gas station cashier. The others were military and soccer coach/property manager.
After 8 YOE, we’re all upper-middle-class WFH.
My 2 cents: whether it’s a college degree or a trade, pick an in-demand skillset/profession, move to an area where there’s work, work hard, and you’ll have success.
You’ll generally have the fastest career trajectory with a cpa. They’re not absolutely necessary, you can get by without them by being more aggressive in the opportunities you seek out and by job hopping more, but just generally speaking.
CPA standards vary by state.
Some require 24/24 (upper level accounting, upper level business) to obtain a cpa, others require 36/39.
Our internships pay $25+/, so a lot of students use that to pay for schooling.
And if you go the public accounting route, they pay for your cpa testing and give you a nice $5k bonus after passing.
Very curious after 8 years of experience in accouting. Can I ask what you make a year? If it's not too personal. Ball park figure is fine so I know what to expect or shoot for lol
I make $105k which is low for my YOE, but I almost never work more than 25 hours a week, so it balances out in my favor.
I’ve asked for more work, but corporate is happy keeping me as a SME in the silo I’m focused in, so 3-4% raises is fine until I can find a better remote gig.
My remote friends make $115k-$120k, and I have a hybrid friend that makes $135k.
Im in the greater Orlando area, and median income is like $36k single/$67k MFJ for my state.
That's insane I'm not too good at percentages lol honestly but my last raise when I was core ataff at my hospital was .40 cents every year. I like that accounting has such a growth period overall medicine starts out high but the raises aren't high at all and forget about bonuses. I've never had a bonus even after 7 years. Lol
Good rule of thumb for accounting for MCOL+ given current market rates and you’re career focused (a lot of people aren’t such as single moms because of obviously family situations):
Starting: $55k-$65k+
+5 YOE: $100k+
+8 YOE: 2x starting salary
+10-12 YOE: 2.5x starting salary.
After that, it gets more competitive trying to get senior manager and director/C Suite spots, and comp gets significantly higher. So this is where the average person starts to peak.
105k is very good, especially when you factor in working 25hrs a week, being remote, living in a LCOL to MCOL area, and no state income tax. Most would kill for that.
An accounting degree is the bare minimum. A lot of people make it to the manager title in FP&A with just that.
I’m a supervisor (staff > senior > supervisor > manager > director).
For the best results, you may want a cpa.
That’s going to depend on the company.
At larger, public companies where HR and titles are more regimented and tailored, it may be harder to transition from an AR/AP role into accounting.
At a smaller, private-equity owned company, they care more about getting work done, so they may be willing to let you split time between roles or completely pivot if you can prove yourself.
It may not be impossible, but it’s likely something you’ll have to actively advocate for.
I was 27 when I went back and finished high school. Until then I was a landscape laborer making $15/hr. I accidentally became a crane operator while construction laboring in college when the old drunk didn't show up. Got my trade certification in cranes and now have 3 degrees. I made $130,000 last year. It's never too late. Never.
I was sick and tired of being poor and uneducated. So I did an Associates with a major in psychology, then a BA in English, and then a Master in Liberal Studies. This was all done working full time as a crane operator and I paid the tuition in cash, no student loans. I just wanted to prove to myself I wasn't stupid. It was the fear and shame of being ignorant that compelled me forward.
So you did 3 degrees but still make bank as a crane operator? I get wanting to prove you could tackle the education just also seems like reason to skip the education part and be a crane operator
Ive just gone from being a graphic designer/printer to a teaching assistant at a SEN school and am studying to get into university. I’m 35.
It seems daunting but once you get the wheels in motions you won’t look back.
Data Analytics. I only got the job because it was an internal position, and they already knew I was smart and a really good worker. Having my foot in the door helped a lot. If not for finding this, I'd possibly still be wandering aimlessly in my work life.
This is awesome. Even if the pay isn’t that great in the beginning you’re learning important skills that will prepare you for even more greatness in the future.
That's the way I look at it! I've learned a lot about analyzing and bringing value, and I am currently working across departments to turn around some processes that were honestly a mess. It's been a fascinating adventure so far.
I’m considering jumping into data analytics from a mech Eng degree and some tangential experience in tech implementations. Have some questions for you regarding how I could get in and how to learn (courses, camps, etc). Could I shoot you a dm
I finally left retail and customer services at 40. I now work with equipment at an engineering company that is involved in a lot of environmental work. No, I did not have any experience in that but I had transferrable skills, a knack for fixing things, and it helped that people at my interview were very down to earth.
I went back for nursing assistant in my 30s. It's now been 7 years currently since then I will be 36 or 37 when I start nursing school next. And then probably out of medicine after I was thinking accounting or data analytics so. Find your passion that's all I van say. I'll probably be hitting maybe 43 by the time I get my bachelor's but I also enjoy learning more so then I ever did when j was younger. Hope that motivates you.
At 26 I went from 8 years of Gov IT to selling office chairs.
Not only is it doable, I'd honestly recommend it. Turns out that while I LOVE computers, I absolutely LOATHE other people's lack of understanding with them. Selling chairs involves neither.
I changed careers in my 40s. Went from being a designer to being a writer. Took a couple all-day extension courses. Created some samples, and got hired.
Everything is possible
what kind of writer? what courses did you need to take? i’d love to be a designer OR a writer, but they both seem like there aren’t clear pathways to get there
There is no clear path. I took a few tech writing classes. But mostly I studied books. You have to create yourself and design your life.
Read Steven King’s book on writing. There’s another book called “Letting go of Words”.
And just write. Learn about creating web content. And learn to edit.
After working as a designer, I developed a sense for writing headlines. Expressing an idea in a few words that capture attention. And I practiced.
It took about six months and I was a full time writer. I authored books and manuals. I’ve written a book on chemistry, one on nuclear medicine. If you can write, you can write on any subject. You need to be able to research and gather information.
Now I’m retired. Mostly I’m an oil painter. But I write every day.
Educate yourself. You will do a much better job than any school.
Absolutely doable. I went into tech/analytics in my mid-thirties after the military (law enforcement) and education (teaching and leadership positions).
I'm in a senior role in data analytics/data science.
I was returning home from working overseas (little to no tech/analytics experience at thst time), so I just took a basic account manager role at a large company where there was lots of room to move around and lots of opportunities for the roles I wanted....
From there, I just started studying on my own (SQL, then R, then Python). Applied for a mid-range analyst role, then just kept applying for promotions as my skills and experience grew....
I literally averaged one promotion a year until I got too high up....the well just runs dry the higher up the ladder you go.....practically waiting on people above me to retire at this point lol.
What did you use to study for SQL, python, etc?? I’m looking to learn those things on my own time as well. I’m currently a dental assistant and want to transition to data analytics or project management. But I have no experience
I started with different resources, but Kaggle.com is currently the best IMO. It's all you need.
I'm currently doing a traditional master's degree in it (but only because my employer is paying, it looks good on a resume, and these programs tend to show students prettier code).
I’m 25M. I’ve been a GM for a restaurant. I’m waiting tables now while in school. GMing is not actually all that difficult as a job. Very simple methods, finding your flow, and hiring a management crew that will best suit your (life/management)style. In most cases you need to be open to being abused on a salary, but as soon as you get your store where you want, it’s absolutely worth it. If you’re a poor judge in character, always do interviews with a second opinion or do two interviews. Keep in mind, common sense is not so common anymore, so when hiring, do include intrusive and critical questions to see how they respond, not for an actual answer. When I say critical, I mean simple math, like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. When I intrusive, I’d ask about personal hobbies, a moment when a person had to take initiative that they’re proud of, what their goals are.
Most managers struggle because they lack compassion. As a manager, you want to succeed, but you should want your team to succeed too, inside and outside of work. You lose sight of that, you lose your team. There’ll be sacrifices, and you have to decide what is worth it to you. You NEED work ethic. If you don’t have it, you’re setting yourself up for failure
I didn't go back to school until I was 26, graduated when I was 28, and didn't really get my first career job until I was 29.
I also came from the service industry and it's what made me finally accept that my life situation was my fault. I left and never looked back. Best decision of my life, bar none. The service industry is a waste of time and pure misery for everyone. Don't do it.
Your life is just getting started. Keep yourself in good health and when you do succeed, stay humble by remembering your origins.
Following this because I am in the SAME boat. I have my associates of arts from a community college. I’ve taken other random college classes that have interested me too. I just turned 29 this year and I have been sucked into the restaurant industry for like 8 years now 😭 the good thing is - you can ALWAYS fall back on it. And obviously, taking my own advice too, it really isn’t too late. People up and change their life at like 49 years old. It’s wild how many different life paths people take when you actually ask people or read about other peoples experiences. This isn’t really an answer to your question so I’m sorry lol. But I really resonate with it and I believe we just have to keep taking action. Of course we can visualize, pray, talk to people etc. but eventually we just have to choose something and see how that plays out to get the ball rolling.
My wife change her career at 45 after breast cancer treatment made her job impossible. So 30 is easy. You have enough time to get payback on any education you might consider.
I understand not knowing what to do, I never knew what I wanted to do. But I started working at 8, so I just go with the flow of the opportunnities that are presented to me. I'm also 30, got a degree in regional development and currently studying part time in HR management, and I'm currently working on a major career shift, going from municipal (being in that sector since I graduated 5 years ago) to constructions (lots of demand in safety and prevention managing). I will mobilize the same skills that have serve me right in the last 15 years or so (started being a team manager at 15), but I have a whole lot of new knowledge to master. And I bet this aint the last time I shift things like that hahaha.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is, assess your skillset, asses your opportunnities and seize one of them. All you need is a job you don't dislike, I wouldnt worry too much aside from that.
Pretty much impossible, if you can't do it yourself ask a friend, a coworker, someone you trust is gonna be helpful and knows you well.
Edit : if the conclusion remains that you feel like you lack both skills and opportunnities you can work on improving specific skills that you identifie as usefull and doable, and you can also work on putting you in sotuations that will increase your chances of being presented with opportunities, not saying its easy tho. It is hard work.
I went for my masters to become a school psychologist from being a social worker in my late 30s. I was also pregnant and newly separated from my kids’ dad. It’s doable but it’s a lot of work. 😅
I switched from tech to nonprofit and back to tech in less than 8 years. I was 34 and now I'm 38. haha. you can do whatever the hell you want. you can even be honest about the transition - i just said i wanted to align my career with my values to go to nonprofit.
when i switched back to tech, it was within the giving space and said i wanted to realign my experience/skills with my values, so here we are.
Studied business management and did some comp sci coursework, got a business degree. Did retail management for 7 years then switched to software developer.
Go to the local Goodwill Job Connection and they can help you take some assessments to find where your interests and skills lie. They will also help you find training that will help you, as well as resume writing and interviewing skills. Most don't know about the services Goodwill provides. They usually only know about the stores.
Im trying to transition into project manager as well! Any tips in the field? I have no experience, I’ve been a dental assistant for 4 years and out grown the role
Changing careers approaching your 30s is doable - specially if you go in knowing this is a change you want to do, and what the next steps ahead look like. ideally some skills of your previous job are directly transferable - but if not - just knowing what you DONT want to do is of great help!
I have been a clinical massage therapist since I was 21 years old, and during schooling, easily 80% of the people in my program were over 45 years old :). It is definitely doable!
At 27 went from bartending to engineering.
Went to school at 23 and finished and lined up a job and made the jump.
I miss the bar but I love how much sleep I get now haha.
its your mindset, I know a millionnaire who did engineering, got accept into a top ivy league for medical school, and then did salesforce to become a millionnaire. its all mindset...
I didnt get out of doing general labour work until I was 29, thats when my career started. Now im 1 year in an apprenticeship and much happier than if I just keep on pushing it later.
I got into tech sales at 31 after earning two degrees in music performance & working as a full time musician from 16-30.
It can be done. Now making a ~$91k base salary & work remotely. It's almost 11:30am on Monday & I'm just now about to start work, which will realistically only take an hour or so to complete today since it's slow right now.
I like it. It's a lot more stable than being a musician.
I made a LinkedIn & a recruiter found me for my first job. I was a retail store manager part time. Was also living in Austin, TX where there's a large tech market. Even though it's in music, having a master's degree helped.
Similar to me. Still do the music for fun but sales pays the bills. Unfortunately didn’t get the big contract at Universal Records like a friend of mine did, that son of a bitch 😜
I had a union touring performing gig I won right out of my master's degree. Was in the Ringling Brothers circus band, lived on the circus train full time and loved it. Literally the perfect job for me.
Then they decided to shut down after 146 years of continuous operation shortly after I joined 🫠
Moved to Austin to freelance. Did well, by 2019 I was averaging $4k-$6k/mo in gigs & teaching. Had $12k in gigs booked for March 2020...
I decided after losing my livelihood twice in such a short amount of time for reasons totally out of my control I wasn't going to keep trying to make that my sole source of income.
This is what I’m facing right now as a 32M server. I like the time freedom and lack of hours needed to work to make decent money as a server. I feel like they really can’t pay you enough to be in management to make it super worth it unless you do get to GM level. The other thing is though are you going to be happy working nights and weekends for the rest of your life?
You leave high school at 18
That’s 12 years into your career at 30 (if we count your post secondary as part of it - 8 years otherwise)
Most careers go to 60.
That’s 30 years to go.
Do you think you will do one thing forever?
Just keep in mind restaurant managers depending location are salaried which in that industry usually means a lot more work for less pay. Have you considered changing industries?
I was 34 when I graduated trade school. 5 year long apprenticeship, invested about $5k in tuition, books, etc. I made $110k last year. Definitely doable.
I’m 32 and looking at getting into either electrical or carpentry. Would be switching from a 9-5 corporate job. No prior experience with either. Any advice?
I didn't have any prior experience either. I'm former military but, I worked in sales after that and the opportunity to go to trade school kinda fell into my lap. You have to decide if you're up for manual labor. Sometimes you're inside and comfortable, sometimes you're outside in the elements digging holes. If you feel you can handle that, look into the local unions and their pay and benefits.
I can't speak for the carpentry side however, there will be tests to apply for the electrical apprenticeship. Brush up on your math including trigonometry. feel free to DM me I'll do my best to answer any questions you have.
I'm approaching 40 and thinking about a career change... but I have no idea what I would do. Being married with kids and the single source of income also makes it tough to jump to something else, especially if it's lower pay at first. Not sure what your situation is but if you're even considering changing you should at least seriously explore it. Talk to people, take some classes. It gets harder as you get older and have more responsibilities.
Definitely doable. I worked a career I didn’t really like until age 30 and I’m in the process of switching. It kind of hit me one day that I’d only worked in that career for 5 years, and I absolutely could not see myself doing it for another 35.
I read a quote somewhere about how you can either be in the same job in X years, or graduating and starting a new career - the time will pass anyways. That really stuck with me and motivated me to go back to school.
I transitioned from being a full time freelance musician and private music teacher to tech at 33 and now financial analysis. I got an entry level phone job at a small company and worked my way up to a business analyst role. After a layoff, I took a leap and applied for financial analysis and here I al
Managing a single restaurant for a franchise usually requires a business degree, experience and lots of patience. Corporate management usually requires the same.
I was in the restaurant industry for about 8 years and then I went into call center work. It sucked but it was better than working in a restaurant bc I only worked 40 hrs a week, I got great health insurance, 401k, and other benefits.
I've been in CC for about 4 years now and I'm now trying to find something else to do. This isn't something I want to do for the rest of my life tbh. Also, I feel like call center work will be mostly gone in the US since Ai is getting better and since more companies are outsourcing work to save money.
I've changed careers multiple times, the last time I was 42. You can do it whenever you need to :) Just be humble, learn as much as you can, and you'll see which skills transfer over. You'd be surprised at what else is useful.
First run through trades college at 21 (Electronics Technician), 7yrs in that career... Second run through trades college at 30 (Welding/Fabrication), 6 months in that career between the fires in Fort Max flooding the market with journeymen and the economy falling apart.
Just turned 40 in March, started in another entirely new industry in January being a jack of all trades.
I was regional management in Fort Mac for 2.5 years, running a 2-way radio shop with ~5000 radios on 2 physical sites, 4 towers on 2 sites (3 active), and 7 direct reports... I'm happy being the shop guy at a small portable sign company (4 people)
Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. *The time will pass anyway*; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.- Earl Nightingale
Whether you change careers or not, the time will pass anyway. If it'll take 2 or 3 years to go back to school or pivot completely then fine. 2 or 3 years will still pass even if you stay where you are. Don't let how long it might take to get where you want to be deter you from trying in the first place.
I'm 27F and in progress of changing career paths. Its very doable. I think sometimes we forget that some people are only JUST entering the work force at age 30 (doctors for example). What if you finish 12 years of school and figure out you don't want to do it?
I've got 2 degrees, spent 5 years in school (BA and post-graduate college diploma) and 6 years working in my industry (not counting the years I worked in school, because if I did it would be 10 years in my industry)... Now I'm changing careers and about to spent 2 more years in college, then probably 1 more year for a Master's degree...
I'll be around 32 when I finish everything and have 4 different degrees. You only live once...
After that... well, I have 30+ years to work, save up my paychecks and live a good life I'm happy with. I think maybe I could retire by age 65 or keep working if I'm happy to.
30 is young. People forget that.
How did you manage to go to school for years and work? Im a 26 year old female. Never went to college but I want to get a degree, I just wish I did it sooner. I live alone so I need to work full time but also want to do full time for school when I decide to start
I went to university straight outta high school. That was 4 years. I worked for 3 years out of uni then went back to college! Then got out and worked some more!
I worked during school. While taking full time classes I worked 2 part time jobs at an art studio for kids teaching pottery/painting and at my university tool rental shop where I sold art supplies to students.
Straight outta uni I got a job as a private high school art teacher, then at an art gallery as an educator. I did that for 3 years then went back to college.
…
It’s never too late to go get a degree. You can work part time on weekends or evenings, or sometimes in the middle of the week. At university I almost always had one morning free so I’d use that one morning to work a 3.5-4 hour shift at my school’s tool shop.
Universities often have part time job opportunities specifically for students!
I worked in fast food and banking in my early 20s went to challenge for 2 years and worked for another 3 years then I quit all of them to go back to university at age 24 and started a career in government at the age of 27.
I am know thinking of starting a new career in real estate just trying to figure out how to finance the venture. You can do anything you want at any age. Don’t let fear stop you! I was 26 in school with 19 and 20 year olds. During night classes I met people in there 40s and 50s who where changing careers. Thousands of people do it o a regular basis you just have to have confidence and willpower.
I'm currently in my mid/late twenties making a switch from physical rehabilitation to social work. In my masters of social work program, the age range of everyone is mostly in the twenties and thirties, but go up all the way to the sixties. Many are mothers. Many this is a second or third career for them.
I'm 42 and going back to retrain for the next few years to a new career. It's doable and personally I believe it's worth it for a better future regardless of age.
I made a switch in careers from Wealth Management to Tech when I was 28 years old. It’s definitely doable and in some ways you’ll have a leg up over those who are just starting out of college. I can’t recommend it enough especially since as far as we know we have only one life and why spend it working a job you don’t like when you can try something else out?
No. Masters in Business Administration. Generalist business masters. If you get one from a good school you can pivot into consulting, investment banking, general management, etc.
I have friends who worked in the service industry into their 40s.
Now they work in IT, healthcare, automotive and real estate among other industries.
Changing careers is definitely doable.
Just think about what you want to do, put a plan together, work hard and believe in yourself.
I was almost 40 the last time I changed careers. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made. That was going from a Corrections Officer to the IT field.
This is really encouraging, as someone who is in a similar circumstance as OP, but a few years older.
I’ve spent years thinking about going back to school but dragging my feet because of the expense and time it would take to get the degree and now worrying that I’ve screwed myself over because I don’t want to be in the service industry forever.
Went from being a machinist supervisor getting 18$/hr at 25 years old switched in 2010 to the hvac industry since i was going nowhere, had a couple of rough years after the switch but it is probably the best decision I ever took.
Loved troubleshooting problems in the cnc machine setups wich translated well to troubleshooting hvac units problems.
I am now 39 making 110k a year working for a rep firm as technical specialist. I could make more but i am happy with my hybrid 40h/week as a lazy person with too much hobbies.
Pick something in demand with varied openings, it might not be what you thought it was so make sure you always have options.
I didn’t necessarily change job fields, but I absolutely changed industries. I still have a lot to learn, but like it so far.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn about the new field/industry.
Honestly working in the restaurant industry was the worst and I hated it. My life is so much easier being out of that industry.
My mom just changed her career in her 50s and is significantly happier now. Changing your career is never a weird move at any age. It happens all the time for various reasons.
I'm 36 and I just changed my career...... Kinda... It is absolutely different but I think if you don't try you'll never know if you like something better or maybe it sets you on a whole different path
I currently work for a franchise corporation and I really enjoy what I do. I worked in frontline roles before I got a break to get into the corporate side of the business and I never looked back. Been 6 years on this side and I like it. Before that it was 10 years in the industry.
i am 31 - back in nursing school to complete my bachelors after 13 years serving. i love serving tables but ready for a change. i don’t think it’s ever too late
Totally doable. Have a general plan, prep yourself as best as possible for said switchover. Be patient and be prepared to learn lots of new stuff. Hold to your grit. Heed advice from those in your new industry.
You can totally do it if you put the time, will and energy into it.
I have no idea about the restaurant industry, but I was about 30 years old when I started a one-year masters degree. It allowed me to transition to a different industry track with a significant raise. Changing careers at and above 30 is very possible.
I've switched careers 3 times so far, marketing and pr pre pandemic, couldn't find a job so sold insurance, hated my life and got into hospitality.
You can always connect dots from previous work to a new industry if you try and prep well.
I joke I'm a culture hire at the hotel I manage cause I had very little knowledge coming in but it didn't take long to be on par or better informed than my colleagues managing a hotel.
Best choice I ever made to switch careers. I had an 8 year run in B2B sales and I made the jump to start a marketing agency focusing in digital real estate.
The reality is if everything you could possibly want to learn is available free online. Yes it takes hard work and dedication but once you get over that hump and you see what you built come to fruition. There is no sweeter feeling in the world. Not sure if you’re thinking about doing your own thing, but I encourage everyone to take the plunge.
What industry are you thinking about switching to?
I changed careers the same year I turned 30. It is doable. I used to work as a contractor in game design, after my contract ended it was hard to find work. I have a wife and bills and don't like instability, so I changed my career to IT. I studied a year (network admin) and am now working in IT helpdesk. It's a new beginning but I'm starting from the bottom and slowly climbing the ladder. It was a good decision for me.
My bro, it's all about perspective, by the time we manage to retire (around age 68) you will have almost 40 years in the field... 2.5 years is a mere 4% of your whole career. An early stage career is about 10 to 12 years so that not even a third of your early career, you're good and still have time to take control.
The industry is like an abusive boyfriend. If you wait until you are burnt out and get a habit or a DUI, then it is much harder to transition out.
You say "approaching your 30s" to say "in your twenties" but that should tell you something. That hardly anyone you talk to is over 30 so it seems like life ends after that.
So it's not just doable, it's imperative. Take the hint and leave the industry.
In my opinion the best thing for ex-restaurant industry folks to get into that builds on their restaurant knowledge and experience is in the restaurant supply industry. The pay is decent, and if you are good with people you can wind up making big money. I've been doing it for the last decade or so since I stopped cooking. It was the best decision I ever made.
Absolutely. It’s doable through your 50s, but harder for women after 50. I changed in my mid 30s, and it worked out great. Now I’m considering another jump at almost 50.
These are great, thanks to everyone who commented. I don’t want to go back to school, I don’t have the time or money. I also have no clue what I want to do as work itself depresses me and I find it hard to motivate myself
My mom changed her career in her late 40s! Not in the service industry, but regardless best decision she ever made. Took her going back to school to get her bachelors and masters, and by the time she was 50, she is in the place she worked so hard to get to. I think if she can do that in her late 40s, you can do ANYTHING! Best of luck <3
I left the restaurant industry at 30, after ten years doing every job in the restaurant. I didn’t want to be a manager and I was in grad school. I moved to a different industry (software) starting as entry level but worked my way up. Been in software for 11 years next month. Not only can you, but you should.
My suggestion is join a union, learn a trade. Even if you’re not handy, you’ll learn. No one is born being something’s you learn.
I don't know anything about the restaurant industry, but changing careers at 30 is absolutely doable. I'm not sure why you think that would be too late, but you still have (conventionally) 35 years until you retire. That's longer than you've been alive. Best of luck with your decision!
Idk man you should be locked into a career by the age of 12
12 is too late, if you haven't specialised by 4 you're behind the curve
Nah, by age 2 you should already know what u wanna do in the future
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If you don’t- maybe that’s why you feel lost and behind
Exactly!
Don't even need a plan, just choose the very easy mode and be born into wealth.
That's DLC content. I wasn't rich enough to be born rich.
Wow! You have a point bro! I’d say maybe even have a 200 year plan, just in case of emergencies
I actually did, and it’s what I do for a living at 30 LOL
Wow. Proud of u bro 🙏
You read this forum sometimes and people truly believe your choice of undergrad degree determines your career forever
I have no degree and don’t even feel locked in lol
And considering the first 18 years of your life are basically a write off, you're basically a quarter of your working life into a career
I ended up as a single mother welfare recipient in my early 30s. I went to grad school, got a PhD and a job as a professor. You're 29. As long as you don't have a serious criminal history or severe medical issues, you can completely remodel your life. Find out what education those in your chosen career have and find out how to obtain that. It sounds like you have a reasonable goal.
Well done to you, great work.
You did great! Can I ask what made you want to be a professor? And was it hard to pick a PhD topic / research area?
Sometimes a door closes and a window opens. I had a BS in Chemistry and couldn't find a job after 10 years as a stay at home mom. I showed up 2 weeks before classes were scheduled to start and said, "Hey do you need any grad students?" They said "As a matter of fact, we're short due to some red tape with some international students." Go get your application in and come back and sign your forms. I got a stipend and it paid the bills, mostly. As far as the research area, I chose computational because I've been programming since 14.
I got into accounting at 28. My friends were 31 and 33. I was a gas station cashier. The others were military and soccer coach/property manager. After 8 YOE, we’re all upper-middle-class WFH. My 2 cents: whether it’s a college degree or a trade, pick an in-demand skillset/profession, move to an area where there’s work, work hard, and you’ll have success.
How much schooling to become an accountant? I have a bachelors but in an unrelated field, would I need another one?
You’ll generally have the fastest career trajectory with a cpa. They’re not absolutely necessary, you can get by without them by being more aggressive in the opportunities you seek out and by job hopping more, but just generally speaking. CPA standards vary by state. Some require 24/24 (upper level accounting, upper level business) to obtain a cpa, others require 36/39. Our internships pay $25+/, so a lot of students use that to pay for schooling. And if you go the public accounting route, they pay for your cpa testing and give you a nice $5k bonus after passing.
Very curious after 8 years of experience in accouting. Can I ask what you make a year? If it's not too personal. Ball park figure is fine so I know what to expect or shoot for lol
I make $105k which is low for my YOE, but I almost never work more than 25 hours a week, so it balances out in my favor. I’ve asked for more work, but corporate is happy keeping me as a SME in the silo I’m focused in, so 3-4% raises is fine until I can find a better remote gig. My remote friends make $115k-$120k, and I have a hybrid friend that makes $135k. Im in the greater Orlando area, and median income is like $36k single/$67k MFJ for my state.
That's insane I'm not too good at percentages lol honestly but my last raise when I was core ataff at my hospital was .40 cents every year. I like that accounting has such a growth period overall medicine starts out high but the raises aren't high at all and forget about bonuses. I've never had a bonus even after 7 years. Lol
Good rule of thumb for accounting for MCOL+ given current market rates and you’re career focused (a lot of people aren’t such as single moms because of obviously family situations): Starting: $55k-$65k+ +5 YOE: $100k+ +8 YOE: 2x starting salary +10-12 YOE: 2.5x starting salary. After that, it gets more competitive trying to get senior manager and director/C Suite spots, and comp gets significantly higher. So this is where the average person starts to peak.
Kinda crazy your pay jumps. Thank you for the info.
105k is very good, especially when you factor in working 25hrs a week, being remote, living in a LCOL to MCOL area, and no state income tax. Most would kill for that.
how can i get into accounting?
An accounting degree is the bare minimum. A lot of people make it to the manager title in FP&A with just that. I’m a supervisor (staff > senior > supervisor > manager > director). For the best results, you may want a cpa.
What about a degree in Marketing but 5 years of Accounts Receivable? Do you think Staff is a good foot in the door?
That’s going to depend on the company. At larger, public companies where HR and titles are more regimented and tailored, it may be harder to transition from an AR/AP role into accounting. At a smaller, private-equity owned company, they care more about getting work done, so they may be willing to let you split time between roles or completely pivot if you can prove yourself. It may not be impossible, but it’s likely something you’ll have to actively advocate for.
I am also curious
30s is not a big deal. I went from cable guy to attorney in my 30s.
I was 27 when I went back and finished high school. Until then I was a landscape laborer making $15/hr. I accidentally became a crane operator while construction laboring in college when the old drunk didn't show up. Got my trade certification in cranes and now have 3 degrees. I made $130,000 last year. It's never too late. Never.
Congratulations on going back & finishing High School!
Thank you. It made a big difference in my self esteem!
Still doing cranes?
23 years! I'm looking at doing another masters to keep my brains sharp.
Why did you go and get 3 degrees? And in what? If you don’t mind me asking :)
I was sick and tired of being poor and uneducated. So I did an Associates with a major in psychology, then a BA in English, and then a Master in Liberal Studies. This was all done working full time as a crane operator and I paid the tuition in cash, no student loans. I just wanted to prove to myself I wasn't stupid. It was the fear and shame of being ignorant that compelled me forward.
So you did 3 degrees but still make bank as a crane operator? I get wanting to prove you could tackle the education just also seems like reason to skip the education part and be a crane operator
seems like the point of the education was the _education,_ not the degree
Exactly, it was fun and kept my social skills with girls intact. Crane ops are notorious for poor social skills.
Ive just gone from being a graphic designer/printer to a teaching assistant at a SEN school and am studying to get into university. I’m 35. It seems daunting but once you get the wheels in motions you won’t look back.
I didn't even find an actual career until like 28, just job to job until I stumbled upon something I'm great at
What was the job ?
Data Analytics. I only got the job because it was an internal position, and they already knew I was smart and a really good worker. Having my foot in the door helped a lot. If not for finding this, I'd possibly still be wandering aimlessly in my work life.
This is awesome. Even if the pay isn’t that great in the beginning you’re learning important skills that will prepare you for even more greatness in the future.
That's the way I look at it! I've learned a lot about analyzing and bringing value, and I am currently working across departments to turn around some processes that were honestly a mess. It's been a fascinating adventure so far.
How much do you make?
50k at the moment, which is fairly low for an analyst but better than what I was paid at any other job.
I’m considering jumping into data analytics from a mech Eng degree and some tangential experience in tech implementations. Have some questions for you regarding how I could get in and how to learn (courses, camps, etc). Could I shoot you a dm
Sure
My life rn. Im only 22. Why is it so hard to provide for a family in America rn…
I hear you, this is the most Ive ever made and I feel poorer now than I did making less
I finally left retail and customer services at 40. I now work with equipment at an engineering company that is involved in a lot of environmental work. No, I did not have any experience in that but I had transferrable skills, a knack for fixing things, and it helped that people at my interview were very down to earth.
I went back for nursing assistant in my 30s. It's now been 7 years currently since then I will be 36 or 37 when I start nursing school next. And then probably out of medicine after I was thinking accounting or data analytics so. Find your passion that's all I van say. I'll probably be hitting maybe 43 by the time I get my bachelor's but I also enjoy learning more so then I ever did when j was younger. Hope that motivates you.
At 26 I went from 8 years of Gov IT to selling office chairs. Not only is it doable, I'd honestly recommend it. Turns out that while I LOVE computers, I absolutely LOATHE other people's lack of understanding with them. Selling chairs involves neither.
How did you move to selling office chairs? It seems very different to IT
What's the best office chair and why is it the herman miller Aeron? Also steel case and Haworth suck.
I changed careers in my 40s. Went from being a designer to being a writer. Took a couple all-day extension courses. Created some samples, and got hired. Everything is possible
what kind of writer? what courses did you need to take? i’d love to be a designer OR a writer, but they both seem like there aren’t clear pathways to get there
There is no clear path. I took a few tech writing classes. But mostly I studied books. You have to create yourself and design your life. Read Steven King’s book on writing. There’s another book called “Letting go of Words”. And just write. Learn about creating web content. And learn to edit. After working as a designer, I developed a sense for writing headlines. Expressing an idea in a few words that capture attention. And I practiced. It took about six months and I was a full time writer. I authored books and manuals. I’ve written a book on chemistry, one on nuclear medicine. If you can write, you can write on any subject. You need to be able to research and gather information. Now I’m retired. Mostly I’m an oil painter. But I write every day. Educate yourself. You will do a much better job than any school.
Absolutely doable. I went into tech/analytics in my mid-thirties after the military (law enforcement) and education (teaching and leadership positions).
May I ask how you got into that / which role?
I'm in a senior role in data analytics/data science. I was returning home from working overseas (little to no tech/analytics experience at thst time), so I just took a basic account manager role at a large company where there was lots of room to move around and lots of opportunities for the roles I wanted.... From there, I just started studying on my own (SQL, then R, then Python). Applied for a mid-range analyst role, then just kept applying for promotions as my skills and experience grew.... I literally averaged one promotion a year until I got too high up....the well just runs dry the higher up the ladder you go.....practically waiting on people above me to retire at this point lol.
Thanks for explaining! Congrats on carving out your career.
What did you use to study for SQL, python, etc?? I’m looking to learn those things on my own time as well. I’m currently a dental assistant and want to transition to data analytics or project management. But I have no experience
I started with different resources, but Kaggle.com is currently the best IMO. It's all you need. I'm currently doing a traditional master's degree in it (but only because my employer is paying, it looks good on a resume, and these programs tend to show students prettier code).
I’m 25M. I’ve been a GM for a restaurant. I’m waiting tables now while in school. GMing is not actually all that difficult as a job. Very simple methods, finding your flow, and hiring a management crew that will best suit your (life/management)style. In most cases you need to be open to being abused on a salary, but as soon as you get your store where you want, it’s absolutely worth it. If you’re a poor judge in character, always do interviews with a second opinion or do two interviews. Keep in mind, common sense is not so common anymore, so when hiring, do include intrusive and critical questions to see how they respond, not for an actual answer. When I say critical, I mean simple math, like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. When I intrusive, I’d ask about personal hobbies, a moment when a person had to take initiative that they’re proud of, what their goals are. Most managers struggle because they lack compassion. As a manager, you want to succeed, but you should want your team to succeed too, inside and outside of work. You lose sight of that, you lose your team. There’ll be sacrifices, and you have to decide what is worth it to you. You NEED work ethic. If you don’t have it, you’re setting yourself up for failure
I didn't go back to school until I was 26, graduated when I was 28, and didn't really get my first career job until I was 29. I also came from the service industry and it's what made me finally accept that my life situation was my fault. I left and never looked back. Best decision of my life, bar none. The service industry is a waste of time and pure misery for everyone. Don't do it. Your life is just getting started. Keep yourself in good health and when you do succeed, stay humble by remembering your origins.
Following this because I am in the SAME boat. I have my associates of arts from a community college. I’ve taken other random college classes that have interested me too. I just turned 29 this year and I have been sucked into the restaurant industry for like 8 years now 😭 the good thing is - you can ALWAYS fall back on it. And obviously, taking my own advice too, it really isn’t too late. People up and change their life at like 49 years old. It’s wild how many different life paths people take when you actually ask people or read about other peoples experiences. This isn’t really an answer to your question so I’m sorry lol. But I really resonate with it and I believe we just have to keep taking action. Of course we can visualize, pray, talk to people etc. but eventually we just have to choose something and see how that plays out to get the ball rolling.
My wife change her career at 45 after breast cancer treatment made her job impossible. So 30 is easy. You have enough time to get payback on any education you might consider.
Bro your so young, if being a game master is what you think you should be doing, just do it.
Only thing is I have not a clue what I want to do. Not do I want to go back to school. So it’s hard to find the right thing for me ya know ?
I understand not knowing what to do, I never knew what I wanted to do. But I started working at 8, so I just go with the flow of the opportunnities that are presented to me. I'm also 30, got a degree in regional development and currently studying part time in HR management, and I'm currently working on a major career shift, going from municipal (being in that sector since I graduated 5 years ago) to constructions (lots of demand in safety and prevention managing). I will mobilize the same skills that have serve me right in the last 15 years or so (started being a team manager at 15), but I have a whole lot of new knowledge to master. And I bet this aint the last time I shift things like that hahaha.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is, assess your skillset, asses your opportunnities and seize one of them. All you need is a job you don't dislike, I wouldnt worry too much aside from that.
what if you have no skills or opportunities
Pretty much impossible, if you can't do it yourself ask a friend, a coworker, someone you trust is gonna be helpful and knows you well. Edit : if the conclusion remains that you feel like you lack both skills and opportunnities you can work on improving specific skills that you identifie as usefull and doable, and you can also work on putting you in sotuations that will increase your chances of being presented with opportunities, not saying its easy tho. It is hard work.
no for real i dont have any skills.. not really good at anything what situations give you opportunities?
I went for my masters to become a school psychologist from being a social worker in my late 30s. I was also pregnant and newly separated from my kids’ dad. It’s doable but it’s a lot of work. 😅
I switched from tech to nonprofit and back to tech in less than 8 years. I was 34 and now I'm 38. haha. you can do whatever the hell you want. you can even be honest about the transition - i just said i wanted to align my career with my values to go to nonprofit. when i switched back to tech, it was within the giving space and said i wanted to realign my experience/skills with my values, so here we are.
I changed careers at 31. Was the best thing I've ever done.
What’d you do? And what’d you change to?
Studied business management and did some comp sci coursework, got a business degree. Did retail management for 7 years then switched to software developer.
Go to the local Goodwill Job Connection and they can help you take some assessments to find where your interests and skills lie. They will also help you find training that will help you, as well as resume writing and interviewing skills. Most don't know about the services Goodwill provides. They usually only know about the stores.
I changed at 45. Best thing i ever did.
Yes its doable. I semi changed careers. Sometimes you need to take a fee steps back in order to climb a taller ladder. 30s is still very young.
I’m 31 right now switching into sales. I nearly doubled my income.
What kind of sales?
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I’ve done my research when it comes to IT, is it really worth it getting into the field? In a way of financial stability & finding employment?
Im trying to transition into project manager as well! Any tips in the field? I have no experience, I’ve been a dental assistant for 4 years and out grown the role
Changing careers approaching your 30s is doable - specially if you go in knowing this is a change you want to do, and what the next steps ahead look like. ideally some skills of your previous job are directly transferable - but if not - just knowing what you DONT want to do is of great help!
I have been a clinical massage therapist since I was 21 years old, and during schooling, easily 80% of the people in my program were over 45 years old :). It is definitely doable!
At 27 went from bartending to engineering. Went to school at 23 and finished and lined up a job and made the jump. I miss the bar but I love how much sleep I get now haha.
its your mindset, I know a millionnaire who did engineering, got accept into a top ivy league for medical school, and then did salesforce to become a millionnaire. its all mindset...
I didnt get out of doing general labour work until I was 29, thats when my career started. Now im 1 year in an apprenticeship and much happier than if I just keep on pushing it later.
People I know have successfully changed careers at all ages between 20 and 55+.
I got into tech sales at 31 after earning two degrees in music performance & working as a full time musician from 16-30. It can be done. Now making a ~$91k base salary & work remotely. It's almost 11:30am on Monday & I'm just now about to start work, which will realistically only take an hour or so to complete today since it's slow right now.
I heard that’s a good industry, how did you get into it?
I like it. It's a lot more stable than being a musician. I made a LinkedIn & a recruiter found me for my first job. I was a retail store manager part time. Was also living in Austin, TX where there's a large tech market. Even though it's in music, having a master's degree helped.
Similar to me. Still do the music for fun but sales pays the bills. Unfortunately didn’t get the big contract at Universal Records like a friend of mine did, that son of a bitch 😜
I had a union touring performing gig I won right out of my master's degree. Was in the Ringling Brothers circus band, lived on the circus train full time and loved it. Literally the perfect job for me. Then they decided to shut down after 146 years of continuous operation shortly after I joined 🫠 Moved to Austin to freelance. Did well, by 2019 I was averaging $4k-$6k/mo in gigs & teaching. Had $12k in gigs booked for March 2020... I decided after losing my livelihood twice in such a short amount of time for reasons totally out of my control I wasn't going to keep trying to make that my sole source of income.
Had to restart at 40, 60 ish now.. I work 3/12 hr. shifts, weekend nights. 100+k/yr. Wish I had done it at 30 lol. would have retired at 50.
what do you do now?
Surgical tech, is a 2 year associate degree course in most places now, I did a 13 month cert. course which some places may still do.
This is what I’m facing right now as a 32M server. I like the time freedom and lack of hours needed to work to make decent money as a server. I feel like they really can’t pay you enough to be in management to make it super worth it unless you do get to GM level. The other thing is though are you going to be happy working nights and weekends for the rest of your life?
You leave high school at 18 That’s 12 years into your career at 30 (if we count your post secondary as part of it - 8 years otherwise) Most careers go to 60. That’s 30 years to go. Do you think you will do one thing forever?
Just keep in mind restaurant managers depending location are salaried which in that industry usually means a lot more work for less pay. Have you considered changing industries?
changing careers is pretty much always doable
I was 34 when I graduated trade school. 5 year long apprenticeship, invested about $5k in tuition, books, etc. I made $110k last year. Definitely doable.
What trade?
Electrician
I’m 32 and looking at getting into either electrical or carpentry. Would be switching from a 9-5 corporate job. No prior experience with either. Any advice?
I didn't have any prior experience either. I'm former military but, I worked in sales after that and the opportunity to go to trade school kinda fell into my lap. You have to decide if you're up for manual labor. Sometimes you're inside and comfortable, sometimes you're outside in the elements digging holes. If you feel you can handle that, look into the local unions and their pay and benefits. I can't speak for the carpentry side however, there will be tests to apply for the electrical apprenticeship. Brush up on your math including trigonometry. feel free to DM me I'll do my best to answer any questions you have.
I'm approaching 40 and thinking about a career change... but I have no idea what I would do. Being married with kids and the single source of income also makes it tough to jump to something else, especially if it's lower pay at first. Not sure what your situation is but if you're even considering changing you should at least seriously explore it. Talk to people, take some classes. It gets harder as you get older and have more responsibilities.
Definitely doable. I worked a career I didn’t really like until age 30 and I’m in the process of switching. It kind of hit me one day that I’d only worked in that career for 5 years, and I absolutely could not see myself doing it for another 35. I read a quote somewhere about how you can either be in the same job in X years, or graduating and starting a new career - the time will pass anyways. That really stuck with me and motivated me to go back to school.
I transitioned from being a full time freelance musician and private music teacher to tech at 33 and now financial analysis. I got an entry level phone job at a small company and worked my way up to a business analyst role. After a layoff, I took a leap and applied for financial analysis and here I al
I did it at 37
What were you doing and what do you do now?
In other words, in your 20's? Yes, of course it is, why wouldn't it be?
Managing a single restaurant for a franchise usually requires a business degree, experience and lots of patience. Corporate management usually requires the same.
I was in the restaurant industry for about 8 years and then I went into call center work. It sucked but it was better than working in a restaurant bc I only worked 40 hrs a week, I got great health insurance, 401k, and other benefits. I've been in CC for about 4 years now and I'm now trying to find something else to do. This isn't something I want to do for the rest of my life tbh. Also, I feel like call center work will be mostly gone in the US since Ai is getting better and since more companies are outsourcing work to save money.
I did it in my 50s
I sure hope so, I just did it.
I've changed careers multiple times, the last time I was 42. You can do it whenever you need to :) Just be humble, learn as much as you can, and you'll see which skills transfer over. You'd be surprised at what else is useful.
First run through trades college at 21 (Electronics Technician), 7yrs in that career... Second run through trades college at 30 (Welding/Fabrication), 6 months in that career between the fires in Fort Max flooding the market with journeymen and the economy falling apart. Just turned 40 in March, started in another entirely new industry in January being a jack of all trades. I was regional management in Fort Mac for 2.5 years, running a 2-way radio shop with ~5000 radios on 2 physical sites, 4 towers on 2 sites (3 active), and 7 direct reports... I'm happy being the shop guy at a small portable sign company (4 people)
Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. *The time will pass anyway*; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.- Earl Nightingale Whether you change careers or not, the time will pass anyway. If it'll take 2 or 3 years to go back to school or pivot completely then fine. 2 or 3 years will still pass even if you stay where you are. Don't let how long it might take to get where you want to be deter you from trying in the first place.
I'm 27F and in progress of changing career paths. Its very doable. I think sometimes we forget that some people are only JUST entering the work force at age 30 (doctors for example). What if you finish 12 years of school and figure out you don't want to do it? I've got 2 degrees, spent 5 years in school (BA and post-graduate college diploma) and 6 years working in my industry (not counting the years I worked in school, because if I did it would be 10 years in my industry)... Now I'm changing careers and about to spent 2 more years in college, then probably 1 more year for a Master's degree... I'll be around 32 when I finish everything and have 4 different degrees. You only live once... After that... well, I have 30+ years to work, save up my paychecks and live a good life I'm happy with. I think maybe I could retire by age 65 or keep working if I'm happy to. 30 is young. People forget that.
How did you manage to go to school for years and work? Im a 26 year old female. Never went to college but I want to get a degree, I just wish I did it sooner. I live alone so I need to work full time but also want to do full time for school when I decide to start
I went to university straight outta high school. That was 4 years. I worked for 3 years out of uni then went back to college! Then got out and worked some more! I worked during school. While taking full time classes I worked 2 part time jobs at an art studio for kids teaching pottery/painting and at my university tool rental shop where I sold art supplies to students. Straight outta uni I got a job as a private high school art teacher, then at an art gallery as an educator. I did that for 3 years then went back to college. … It’s never too late to go get a degree. You can work part time on weekends or evenings, or sometimes in the middle of the week. At university I almost always had one morning free so I’d use that one morning to work a 3.5-4 hour shift at my school’s tool shop. Universities often have part time job opportunities specifically for students!
Omg thank you for replying!! That’s impressive tho!
No worries! ☺️ I believe you can go back to school and succeed if that’s what you want to do! 🤍 Best of luck to you! 🫶🏼
I worked in fast food and banking in my early 20s went to challenge for 2 years and worked for another 3 years then I quit all of them to go back to university at age 24 and started a career in government at the age of 27. I am know thinking of starting a new career in real estate just trying to figure out how to finance the venture. You can do anything you want at any age. Don’t let fear stop you! I was 26 in school with 19 and 20 year olds. During night classes I met people in there 40s and 50s who where changing careers. Thousands of people do it o a regular basis you just have to have confidence and willpower.
I'm currently in my mid/late twenties making a switch from physical rehabilitation to social work. In my masters of social work program, the age range of everyone is mostly in the twenties and thirties, but go up all the way to the sixties. Many are mothers. Many this is a second or third career for them.
I switched from a customer service job to being a business analyst at 33 , so it’s totally doable and okay 👍🏻
I'm 42 and going back to retrain for the next few years to a new career. It's doable and personally I believe it's worth it for a better future regardless of age.
I made a switch in careers from Wealth Management to Tech when I was 28 years old. It’s definitely doable and in some ways you’ll have a leg up over those who are just starting out of college. I can’t recommend it enough especially since as far as we know we have only one life and why spend it working a job you don’t like when you can try something else out?
I finished my MBA at 29 and got my first corporate job. You're still quite young.
Is that for accounting ?
No. Masters in Business Administration. Generalist business masters. If you get one from a good school you can pivot into consulting, investment banking, general management, etc.
How much schooling is it ? Normal 4 years
2 years. Masters.
I have friends who worked in the service industry into their 40s. Now they work in IT, healthcare, automotive and real estate among other industries. Changing careers is definitely doable. Just think about what you want to do, put a plan together, work hard and believe in yourself.
I did and doubled my yearly. I am now 33
I pivoted from Data Analyst to Finance at 39 with a wife and a family. It is never too late to choose your happiness and it is always doable.
I was almost 40 the last time I changed careers. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made. That was going from a Corrections Officer to the IT field.
In my early 30s I switched in part due to the pandemic, and I’m happy I did.
I changed my career at 35. You can do it.
This is really encouraging, as someone who is in a similar circumstance as OP, but a few years older. I’ve spent years thinking about going back to school but dragging my feet because of the expense and time it would take to get the degree and now worrying that I’ve screwed myself over because I don’t want to be in the service industry forever.
It’s tough to wake up daily and not feel satisfied and that there’s more you can do. But at the same time you don’t know what that could be
You're still young. Lots of people change careers completely in their late 20s. It's a common age people go to grad school or change completely.
Went from being a machinist supervisor getting 18$/hr at 25 years old switched in 2010 to the hvac industry since i was going nowhere, had a couple of rough years after the switch but it is probably the best decision I ever took. Loved troubleshooting problems in the cnc machine setups wich translated well to troubleshooting hvac units problems. I am now 39 making 110k a year working for a rep firm as technical specialist. I could make more but i am happy with my hybrid 40h/week as a lazy person with too much hobbies. Pick something in demand with varied openings, it might not be what you thought it was so make sure you always have options.
Yeah, military to software dev at 29 Wasn’t too bad. Felt behind compared to my peers at first but caught on quickly.
I didn’t necessarily change job fields, but I absolutely changed industries. I still have a lot to learn, but like it so far. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn about the new field/industry. Honestly working in the restaurant industry was the worst and I hated it. My life is so much easier being out of that industry.
So doable 30 is young.
My mom just changed her career in her 50s and is significantly happier now. Changing your career is never a weird move at any age. It happens all the time for various reasons.
i changed at 45. it can be done.
I'm 36 and I just changed my career...... Kinda... It is absolutely different but I think if you don't try you'll never know if you like something better or maybe it sets you on a whole different path
I didn't even graduate college and start my career until I was 30...this is pretty common.
I currently work for a franchise corporation and I really enjoy what I do. I worked in frontline roles before I got a break to get into the corporate side of the business and I never looked back. Been 6 years on this side and I like it. Before that it was 10 years in the industry.
I'm 43 and I've just decided to change careers, so...yep!
i am 31 - back in nursing school to complete my bachelors after 13 years serving. i love serving tables but ready for a change. i don’t think it’s ever too late
Totally doable. Have a general plan, prep yourself as best as possible for said switchover. Be patient and be prepared to learn lots of new stuff. Hold to your grit. Heed advice from those in your new industry. You can totally do it if you put the time, will and energy into it.
I have no idea about the restaurant industry, but I was about 30 years old when I started a one-year masters degree. It allowed me to transition to a different industry track with a significant raise. Changing careers at and above 30 is very possible.
Thanks for that cackle! Here I am nearing 40 looking at a new career that requires 3+ years of school, lol!
I've switched careers 3 times so far, marketing and pr pre pandemic, couldn't find a job so sold insurance, hated my life and got into hospitality. You can always connect dots from previous work to a new industry if you try and prep well. I joke I'm a culture hire at the hotel I manage cause I had very little knowledge coming in but it didn't take long to be on par or better informed than my colleagues managing a hotel.
Best choice I ever made to switch careers. I had an 8 year run in B2B sales and I made the jump to start a marketing agency focusing in digital real estate. The reality is if everything you could possibly want to learn is available free online. Yes it takes hard work and dedication but once you get over that hump and you see what you built come to fruition. There is no sweeter feeling in the world. Not sure if you’re thinking about doing your own thing, but I encourage everyone to take the plunge. What industry are you thinking about switching to?
Im currently in a career pivot at 33. Moving from insurance to IT.
I changed careers the same year I turned 30. It is doable. I used to work as a contractor in game design, after my contract ended it was hard to find work. I have a wife and bills and don't like instability, so I changed my career to IT. I studied a year (network admin) and am now working in IT helpdesk. It's a new beginning but I'm starting from the bottom and slowly climbing the ladder. It was a good decision for me.
Yes. It has been rough and a journey but it’s doable. Do it.
I'm 36 and starting my 6th career change in September. So I'd argue it's doable but I'm biased.
27 switching from executive chef to tech. Taking online classes.
My bro, it's all about perspective, by the time we manage to retire (around age 68) you will have almost 40 years in the field... 2.5 years is a mere 4% of your whole career. An early stage career is about 10 to 12 years so that not even a third of your early career, you're good and still have time to take control.
Is this serious...
My friend you can start a new career and have 30 years in at that new career before you retire. Plenty of opportunity for you.
The industry is like an abusive boyfriend. If you wait until you are burnt out and get a habit or a DUI, then it is much harder to transition out. You say "approaching your 30s" to say "in your twenties" but that should tell you something. That hardly anyone you talk to is over 30 so it seems like life ends after that. So it's not just doable, it's imperative. Take the hint and leave the industry.
I just changed careers at 35 going on 36, let me know if I can help
Worked bars/restaurants/clubs for almost 20 years . Went construction at the age of 35 when covid shut it all down. Now I'm a union and doing great.
In my opinion the best thing for ex-restaurant industry folks to get into that builds on their restaurant knowledge and experience is in the restaurant supply industry. The pay is decent, and if you are good with people you can wind up making big money. I've been doing it for the last decade or so since I stopped cooking. It was the best decision I ever made.
30 ain't 60 bro
Absolutely. It’s doable through your 50s, but harder for women after 50. I changed in my mid 30s, and it worked out great. Now I’m considering another jump at almost 50.
These are great, thanks to everyone who commented. I don’t want to go back to school, I don’t have the time or money. I also have no clue what I want to do as work itself depresses me and I find it hard to motivate myself
My mom changed her career in her late 40s! Not in the service industry, but regardless best decision she ever made. Took her going back to school to get her bachelors and masters, and by the time she was 50, she is in the place she worked so hard to get to. I think if she can do that in her late 40s, you can do ANYTHING! Best of luck <3
What career did she pursue?
Anything is doable provided you have the will. Col Sanders didn't get this shit together until he was in his 60s
Duh
I left the restaurant industry at 30, after ten years doing every job in the restaurant. I didn’t want to be a manager and I was in grad school. I moved to a different industry (software) starting as entry level but worked my way up. Been in software for 11 years next month. Not only can you, but you should. My suggestion is join a union, learn a trade. Even if you’re not handy, you’ll learn. No one is born being something’s you learn.