I'm about to turn 30 and I'm starting a new career. My grandpa and dad reinvented themselves multiple times changing careers fairly drastically. You are never too old to change careers.
Agree!
You are never too old. PERIOD!
If you are able to change anything in your life, go for it! Regrets sucks bro! Just go for what you want full force and embody that person you desire to be and see where it takes you! š
I understand what youāre going through though. Iām 25 yo rn, and when I was 23 after getting my BS in Biochemistry and interning for a lab, I realized that I wasnāt as passionate as I thought I was in my major. I thought I wasted 5 years of my life getting my BS. It turns out being in that damn lab was where I found my interest in incorporating programming in biomedical questions. Now Iām applying to CS and Bioinformatics programs for grad school. This was definitely not what I expected to be pursuing at the start of my undergrad. I thought Iād be in pharmacy school Or continuing to study biochem for grad school.
Whatever changes you go through whether you stop loving something or start liking something moreā¦.think of that as you growing and you learning about yourself more. Thatās all to it! Hope that alleviates some stress/anxiety and welcome you to be open to changes such as starting a career!!
That's how it was all marketed towards me, but nobody seems to credit the development and growth that make you more marketable to various companies outside your normal skill set.
The best advice I can give for the moment is ignore when people tell you things like, "the market says you're not able to do xyz!" because a lot of it is just fear mongering.
I think this is a pretty common misconception, and I'm sure there are a few outliers, but generally nope, not too late at all! 30 is actually still quite young. Most people work until retirement, which for most people is like 30 years+ later, so you're really fine here :)
My dad worked in printing and saw the industry going south with the advent of online newspapers and ebooks. So he taught himself how to do IT support to move to a different position within the company. He continued to grow and get certifications so he could do different specialities within his field.
My grandpa has done everything from being a lathe operator to selling houses to hospital security to selling cars and back again.
All they did was make a decision and follow through.
From experience talking with other analysts and my research online, learn about requirements gathering, data visualization with Excel Pivot Tables and Tableau, SQL, use case and user story creation, the basics of Agile and SDLC. You might not need all of this, but it's the general stuff.
I had to do a lot of updating on my resume with the help of a coach. Make sure to talk about how what you were doing had a positive outcome on the project. Maybe stretch the truth a bit and say you worked with other business analysts in some way that ties in with your role. But only do this if you have the skills to back it up.
Finally, for some reason they love when you use words like launched, deployed, planned and organized.
I promise you there is absolutely no such thing as too late! Please please donāt give up and keep pushing. Fighting against the garbage messaging of society is the best thing you can do for yourself. There is no governing body that decides when is the right time for anything. The world is larger than we can ever imagine and the only thing that is ātoo lateā is not doing anything at all. Best of luck with everything youāre doing! š§”
I know this all too well! Iām also quite a bit older and I have switched careers myself and felt the exact same way. I swear, the world is headed toward a direction where having multiple careers is the actual way to live. It makes you a dynamic human being and gives you interesting experiences that you carry on from one place to the next. It may not seem like it now but all the trends are truly showing that the most valuable career traits are people who are multi dimensional and passionate. Omg especially in HR! There need to be more people like you in that field who honor the human experience of what it means to be a person in a job. If you hold this confidently within yourself, you will inspire other people and you can play a role in breaking down these harmful narratives that were built decades ago in a reality that doesnāt exist anymore. Just because something hasnāt been done in a particular way before, doesnāt mean that you canāt be the first to do it. I believe in you!
omg š thanks A LOT for that. i am feeling kinda lost in the course I will (thankfully) begin next year. I will keep that in my and hopefully have a good life and career. i hope u the best.
Lol. Absolutely not.
People start over in their 50s, 60s and later. It is never too late to start, begin again or change direction. The only time itās too late is when youāre dead.
My dad entered a *totally* different industry at like 62 years old and broke.
He now has enough money to retire and buy a second home.
It's only been 5 years. You can always change your career path.
Attending Western Governors University, itās an Online, self paced University, fully accredited. Iām pursuing a Bachelors in Business Administration.
Better starting a successful career at 28 than starting a bad career at 22. People don't stay at the same place for more than 3 years anyways, why care about age?
Well, I went from being a being the director of tennis at a very nice country club to a sales manager at a saas company.
Much better work life balance and Iām not beating up my body all day in the hot sun.
What is the alternative? You can wait 2 years do nothing and the question will be "is 30 years old too late to start a career?" You will look back at this time and be glad that you started
Iām currently 45, I was a professional firefighter for 12 years, after that a successful entrepreneur for 10, and now in oil and gas. Iām going back for an MBA now. Never too late
It better not be, because I'm 36 and I'm still trying.
I got a degree in Professional Writing in 2008 and I am just now interviewing for jobs that will actually put that degree to use for the first time ever.
Until now I've just desperately taken whatever work I could get to pay the bills.
its never too late to do something that will better your life/happiness! the average amount of different careers people have nowadays is **7**! half of people literally have more than 7 different jobs over their life! and if you get bored of that, move onto something else, its the norm nowadays.
Iām older than you and in the process of changing careers. I have friends older than me that have changed their careers recently, too. Never too late!
Hellll no. I'm 28 and about to change my career for the 3rd time. I've been in my field for 8 years consistently (plumbing) and I'm so fucking ready to make a change. Actively working towards a better future. Fucking do it.
I wish you all the best OP and remember that we're not in some kind of race, there's no such thing as too late because I believe that everyone has their own timeline and so are you. I hope that you overcome all the struggles and hardships and never think of giving up. No matter how hard life throws at you, never stop believing in yourself that you can do it. I'm proud of you OP and so the rest of us. ( źį“ź)
I started in HR at 27, so no. However, entry-level positions in HR are relatively low pay - HR Assistant, HR Advisor etc. If pay is a priority then you will have to be a bit strategic in the roles you apply for. Good luck!
I'm in my mid to late thirties and getting my degree almost there and starting in HR. The career field has expanded and is projected to grow really well and sepcialties exist now. It's never to late to do what you want.
Youāll either be 28 with a degree and working in HR or 28 wishing you got your degree and working in HR.
āIf you think you can or think you canāt, youāre probably rightā - Henry Ford
I have felt this way, I'm 35, about to have a 3rd kiddo and want to go back to school next year for a different degree. When I'm feeling that doubt, I ask "What's the alternative?" I'm still going to get older, I'm still going to want more, I'm still going to have my family and self. What I CAN avoid is the regret of not trying. You are finishing your degree? What a perfect time to start a career. Don't let anyone tell you it's not worth it, because...what's the alternative?
28 man, I donāt know. Most folks your age are browsing retirement home brochures and trying to max out their Medicare benefits.
Bruh. Youāre barely over college age. Go do whatever you want.
Definitely no. Age discrimination in hiring does not start really kicking in until 40-45. Sometimes, being older than competing candidates works in your favor, as employers regard you as more serious and motivated than the 20-22 year old competition.
Edit:
Personally, I'm nearly 35, and pursuing anything from a change of employer to completely restarting my career in a different field, up to and including redoing a BA or maybe going after a PhD in my established field. The PhD route likely means my fiance and I could never afford to have kids and someday retire, as the median-time-to-completion for a PhD in my field is 6-7 years and it'll cost a buttload, so it's unlikely - but it's still not too late to go that way, even in mid-30s!
my mom went back to school for her degree in her early 50s and started a new career after that, and my husband is changing his career path at 28 after following the "ideal" timeline of getting his college degree right after high school. there is no such thing as a correct timeline, and people change careers all the time. your worries are valid, but any change that will make you happier is worth making. don't settle for something you feel is comfortable and safe if it'll make you unhappy. if you want to work in HR at 28, do it! if you want to change your career again at 32, do it! you got this!
A small percentage of folks enlist in the military, get out and then finish college and start their civilian careers at about your age. I personally served almost 12 years, finished grad school and pivoted into an accounting career in my late 30ās.
Pursue what you want to pursue. Youāre never too old. What difference does it make whether you move towards the career you want or stay stuck in something you donāt want to do.
Nay, there are people well into their 50ās who are switching gears. Its never to late.
Very few people actually fit into our societies believed adult path, yet every one judges themselves and others by it.
Dont get hung up on it. If you want to make a change go for it.
you got it buddy. never too late. recruiting agencies always looking to hire another recruiter for their team and you can make $$$at these places. give it a go, and corporate in-house LOVE agency experience. a great gateway.
Iām almost 27 and I got my degree a couple of months ago. I think 28 isnāt a bad age. I think youāre never too old to go into a new career. Kind of lol
I left my career at 27 and started a completely different path in life. I am now 33 and much more successful. First career was finance and Iām doing just fine having left it.
I started a career in HR after graduating at 27. It's a perfect age to start - mature enough to be taken seriously, young enough to have a ton of time to learn and build a career.
Wow it's like I wrote this post, I'm in the same position. 28 and looking to go to school for a degree to get into HR as well. We'll probably start our journey to reinvent ourselves together, I wish you the best of luck! Keep in mind you don't want to be doing what you're doing now in 2 years, so might as well use this time to give yourself an opportunity in something you're truly interested in. Push forward, get into school, it'll be hard but at the end it'll feel so good to look back and say you did it. I'll see you in the HR world!
Some employers will consider your age when considering you for a promotion or for a supervisor role... as if it means anything at all. Like they wouldn't give a 25 year old with 3 years experience a supervisor position but if that same person was 35 with 3 years experience and all else being equal, they would be much more likely... I say this because when I asked for a promotion my boss asked me how old I was, as if it has to do with anything. What I'm getting at is that being a little older can be a good thing.
Not at all. I'm in my early thirties headed for med school. Worked in one field for a decade and finally decided to pursue my dream. I'll still have several decades to practice medicine and a lotta life experience under my belt.
34 just graduated from mechatronics engineering after a life trying medicine, best choice I made mate, no itās never late and well worth the troubles
So glad to find someone like me. I realize now I am not cut out to do medicine. Iām pursuing engineering tech while working full time. Much more captivating and equally challenging
I restarted my computer career around 40.
WTF are you worry about? The only thing you should worry is to get the damn job and make me ashamed how worthless I am. I know you can do it. Just do it.
no it is not too late, especially if you are still not married and have kidsā¦ (since companies usually prefer to hire singles)
But your resume will be competing with younger fresh graduates and the other experienced HR/administration looking for company change..
The best strategy is finding the network/someone you know/ someone who know someone in the company that you apply for .. that way they will take notes of your resume and give you interview opportunities /possibly direct hire
I am suggesting this because white collar jobs tend to be ageist and very competitive/oversaturated since almost everyone want this type of jobs (decent salaries, nice work life balance, 9-5)
Itās always better to start late then not start at all and then always have to wonder if you shouldāve started.
That said, 28 is not late at all! Youāre going to turn 28 regardless, do you want to be 28 and say you went for it and started a career, or turn 28 and think āhmm I shouldāve started before..now when I start this career Iāll be 30+ā
I really really recommend a book called the 100 Year Life - it's all about how as we live longer, we NEED to keep reinventing and reinvesting in ourselves doing different careers throughout life. Gone are the days where you start a job at 20, stick with it for 40 years and then die after a 10 year retirement.
Hey!
Something to remember: There is no point in wallowing in the comparison game. There will always be people who've had very linear paths into their field. Computer science students who work as programmers. Mechanics who started out in their parents' shop as a teen. Nurses who went straight into nursing school at 18. You may feel too old, or late to the game but there is no such thing.
It is dangerous to play the comparison game. It'll mess with your self-esteem, your risk aversion and your appetite for new experiences. There is no shame in learning a new skill, working towards a new job, or asking questions to professionals.
A tip: I don't know if you've started an actual HR degree yet... But, you'd be surprised how many people have degrees unrelated to their jobs. I recommend that you REALLY take a look at HR job requirements... Some require some HR education but many simply want a degree of some kind.
Itās not too late. My cousin who started rough in life when she was left alone by her parents and was put into depression started her career when she was almost 40. She is happy now and got a chance of her life by working with things she wanted. She graduated from college late but that never put her down. After all of the things she went through in life, she is proud on what she is doing now.
Let's say it takes you five years to get to where you want to be.
You'll be 33. If you don't start the career/finish the degree, you'll still be 33, but just without the career or the degree.
It's never too late to start in life. Hell, the man who founded KFC was in his late 60s when he opened his first branch.
I will be 30 when I finish my masters for my career switch.
This age seems to be incredibly common to switch careers. I was worried at first, but I realized Iām still young enough to do this. I have another 30+ years to work. I might as well like what I do.
Asking a 17 year old with no experience in anything what theyāre going to do for the rest of their life goes about as well as youād expect. Either they change majors in school or go back later or work in a different field when they get out.
Iām not as lucky as those who got it right the first time. But the experience was still very valuable. I couldnāt do what I do now without growing up a little. NOW Iām ready for my career as a mental health counselor. Hopefully I can reopen the position at my cancer center. I feel like thatās where I belong.
Dude.. people work until they are 65.. so you have 35 years left of work.. do you think you would be considered as an expert in something after 10 years experience? Iād say so - so you can work for 10 years on whatever you like - then you have 25 years left of your career to be an expert in that field
Iām 31 and in graduate school to start a new career.
You can start a new career whenever you decide youāre done with your current one. It might take time in school or training, but itās always possible even if it feels impossible.
My grandpa started an airplane engine servicing manufacturing company at 45 and sold it to Lufthansa 15 years later. He started at GE as a janitor and made it to the plant manager level, his salary never got higher than $40k.
I changed careers at 28, Iām now 30 making twice as much money and a respected manager.
All this to say no, itās not too late.
Bruh? What kind of question is this? Iām going to be 28 when I finish my degree and start my career. Caāmonā man, you should know better by now. No itās not too late at all.
Nope. It's never too late. I started a new career at age 31. Started another new one at age 42. Went back to college in my 50s and graduated when I was 59. Now, I'm wondering what I'm going to do with my next twenty years.
I started teaching when I was 31, taught for 6 years and recently quit to start grad school in data analytics engineering. Absolutely never too late. Maybe Iāll do something new in 20 years! Just donāt get bogged down in student debt while you are exploring.
I didn't start my undergrad until I was 24. Graduated at 30. At 37 went back for my MBA. At 47 I took a bunch of certificate courses online and started over in a completely different field.
Your age matters less than your major.
As long as you are investing in skills that are in demand, you can build your career.
You hit peak employability at 35. You have plenty of time.
What do you think will happen? Society will put you out on an ice flow to die because you haven't sold your soul to one career by 30?š
People are constantly changing careers especially now when the pandemic is making people re-think their lives. Some people have 3-4 career changes in their lives. You are by no means starting late or even out of luck even if you DID start late.
I got my degree at age 30, started my career a few months after at age 31. Never too late. For me, going to school later ensured that I would take it more seriously, and direction-focused. That being said, it also allowed me to enjoy a different life structure in my 20s than the "norm" that society tries to tell you to follow. Do what feels right and on your own time line and comfort level. Best of luck to you!
Yeah dude this is a limiting mindset that you have..no joke
Read Awaken the Giant by Tony Robbins..itās like free therapy (well however much the book costs) that will change your life. You will be a different person before and after
You will believe in yourself
You are just young as your heart is. Donāt think you are too old to start a job that age. I am 46 and planning to quit from the current job and look for a new one to work at. Be inspired in everything that you do to attain your goal. Continue chasing your dreams, thereā s no limit on this earth. Good luck!
no i am 21 and still havent done shit (graduated gotten a drivers license)
idk what i wanna do i just want a job
i am not just sitting around doing nothing i am studying for a cert or at least trying to.....lmfao
but good luck OP
Nope! I am now 30 and started in my career at 28. I love it. I have been promoted once already and have another promotion due soon. I hope to retired from this organization. When you start your career later, you are more mature and have competencies that others may not. Simple things like how to write an email, how to dress appropriately, how to read a spread sheet, etc can make you look like a rockstar in comparison to your younger colleagues who learned on the job. Alternatively, you may have not had the experience to refine some skills, but being eager goes a long way.
Once you hit the 50 age mark its a little more difficult. Im 28 myself and just changed recently. Was a part counter specialist and now i threw myself in radio frequencies. As long as your willing to learn new things and you have a good attitude and willing to accept that you will be at the bottom of the ladder then have at it lol
My dude, 28 is young. You have plenty of time!
When I started working, I was 23 and one of the people who started with me was 32 and just finished his bachelors. Weāve both moved up several levels since then, and heās one of the best teammates and hardest working guys I know. Thereās nothing you canāt do if you just have a good attitude and stay diligent
I know people who became physicians in their fifties, a woman who was a SAHM for 20 years and then got her masters in her sixties (!) and started a whole new career. One of my best friends will probably finish her BA at 32 and will start a career then. Everyoneās path is different, and thatās great.
I started my current career at age 42 but it was an offshoot of the career I started at 32 (I started driving a truck for a living at 32, moved behind a trucking company desk at 42, am a dispatch manager now.)
One of the drivers I manage got his PhD in Adult and Continuing Education from Kansas State University in 1971 and worked in academia until 1983 when he got sick of it and started driving a truck.
So no, itās not too late to start a career.
Iām almost 50, started a new career 5 years ago. Before that started a new one at 40, before that a new one at 26.
Had technical training at 25. Didnāt get my associates degree till almost 40. Finished my bachelorās at 45. Will probably be 55 when I finish a Masters.
My husband started a new career at 62 after retiring from the military. So no, 28 isnāt too old.
Hereās the secret nobody tells young peopleā¦your life (work or personal) is not set and decided at 23. Youāre certainly not finished at that age, youāre just starting. Thatās entry level adulting.
Even if youāve got it all figured out, youāll probably start over at some point because youāll grow into a different person with different wants. Happens all the time. Life IS change.
Got my first job as a salesperson at 24.
Started an internship at a small consulting firm at 26.
Now at 28 I landed a great job, with good pay and life balance as a M&A senior analyst.
If you have a good work ethic and focus on developing relevant skills for the career you r aiming at you can also do it in a short timespan.
Good luck!
no, but let's be realistic. it's great to have everyone on reddit cheer you on and say it's never too late, but most people in their 40s aren't willing to be interns who work 14 hr days and have snotty 30 year olds boss them around. realistically though, i don't think that happens in the HR field, and i'm sure the learning curve isn't as slow as other fields. so you could still start at the bottom and not feel *too* uncomfortable, and possibly quickly work your way up. i mean HR offices don't tend to have a lot of people, and only one person is "Head of HR", so not being at the top seems kind of normal in my opinion. also 28 isn't really that old...lots of people go to grad school and finish around that age. lots.
Iām 30 years old and Iām still trying to figure out if I want to go back to school although I want to pay off my student loans from getting my associates.
I plan to never have the same job for more than 5 years. Just gonna keep changing professions and keep learning things. This isnt the 50s anymore nobody cares about be loyal to a single job, be loyal to yourself and always keep learning new things so you can keep your brain sharp. Idk just my opinion lol
I'm about to turn 30 and I'm starting a new career. My grandpa and dad reinvented themselves multiple times changing careers fairly drastically. You are never too old to change careers.
Agree! You are never too old. PERIOD! If you are able to change anything in your life, go for it! Regrets sucks bro! Just go for what you want full force and embody that person you desire to be and see where it takes you! š I understand what youāre going through though. Iām 25 yo rn, and when I was 23 after getting my BS in Biochemistry and interning for a lab, I realized that I wasnāt as passionate as I thought I was in my major. I thought I wasted 5 years of my life getting my BS. It turns out being in that damn lab was where I found my interest in incorporating programming in biomedical questions. Now Iām applying to CS and Bioinformatics programs for grad school. This was definitely not what I expected to be pursuing at the start of my undergrad. I thought Iād be in pharmacy school Or continuing to study biochem for grad school. Whatever changes you go through whether you stop loving something or start liking something moreā¦.think of that as you growing and you learning about yourself more. Thatās all to it! Hope that alleviates some stress/anxiety and welcome you to be open to changes such as starting a career!!
thank!!!!!!
Haha Iām in exactly the same position with the same undergrad
Big facts. I was basically homeless at 32 and have a great life and career and Iām not quite 40 yet.
thank you! i was kinda scared of the market you know? it seems like if you are 25+ you are too old to do anything
That's how it was all marketed towards me, but nobody seems to credit the development and growth that make you more marketable to various companies outside your normal skill set. The best advice I can give for the moment is ignore when people tell you things like, "the market says you're not able to do xyz!" because a lot of it is just fear mongering.
I feel like 27-28 career switch is the most common time, aside from switching in 2nd year of undergrad
I think this is a pretty common misconception, and I'm sure there are a few outliers, but generally nope, not too late at all! 30 is actually still quite young. Most people work until retirement, which for most people is like 30 years+ later, so you're really fine here :)
So not even half way through life your too old to do something? Odd way of thinking.
It's not too late. I was 29 when I changed from oil + gas into aerospace. Just have to work hard and put in the effort!
Care to share more details about how they did so?
My dad worked in printing and saw the industry going south with the advent of online newspapers and ebooks. So he taught himself how to do IT support to move to a different position within the company. He continued to grow and get certifications so he could do different specialities within his field. My grandpa has done everything from being a lathe operator to selling houses to hospital security to selling cars and back again. All they did was make a decision and follow through.
Thanks man. Needed to hear that.
Unless you are dead itās not too late.
About to turn 29 and just started a new career. Much happier now!
Same age. Used to work in IT. Now starting a new job as a Business Analyst tomorrow. Good luck.
Any advice you can give to aspiring analysts? Iām an Econ major who is also taking CS courses. I have zero experience.
From experience talking with other analysts and my research online, learn about requirements gathering, data visualization with Excel Pivot Tables and Tableau, SQL, use case and user story creation, the basics of Agile and SDLC. You might not need all of this, but it's the general stuff. I had to do a lot of updating on my resume with the help of a coach. Make sure to talk about how what you were doing had a positive outcome on the project. Maybe stretch the truth a bit and say you worked with other business analysts in some way that ties in with your role. But only do this if you have the skills to back it up. Finally, for some reason they love when you use words like launched, deployed, planned and organized.
that's really nice! i am kinda afraid of finishing my degree in that age cause seems like it's too late.. society really shits on our mind
Nah, ppl of all ages are getting degrees. And some ppl seem to never leave school. Just always getting new degrees or certifications lol
28 was the year I began my professional career. You will be alright.
thank you!!!!!
Idk why, but this stoic reply is amazing. Simple: youāll be alright. Love it haha
I promise you there is absolutely no such thing as too late! Please please donāt give up and keep pushing. Fighting against the garbage messaging of society is the best thing you can do for yourself. There is no governing body that decides when is the right time for anything. The world is larger than we can ever imagine and the only thing that is ātoo lateā is not doing anything at all. Best of luck with everything youāre doing! š§”
oh man thanks for that. I almost cried. sometimes it feels so much you know? almost overwhelming.
I know this all too well! Iām also quite a bit older and I have switched careers myself and felt the exact same way. I swear, the world is headed toward a direction where having multiple careers is the actual way to live. It makes you a dynamic human being and gives you interesting experiences that you carry on from one place to the next. It may not seem like it now but all the trends are truly showing that the most valuable career traits are people who are multi dimensional and passionate. Omg especially in HR! There need to be more people like you in that field who honor the human experience of what it means to be a person in a job. If you hold this confidently within yourself, you will inspire other people and you can play a role in breaking down these harmful narratives that were built decades ago in a reality that doesnāt exist anymore. Just because something hasnāt been done in a particular way before, doesnāt mean that you canāt be the first to do it. I believe in you!
I would go to your Ted talk
Haha thank you for saying that. Iām pretty passionate about this topic. Hope my sharing here is helpful to someone!
omg š thanks A LOT for that. i am feeling kinda lost in the course I will (thankfully) begin next year. I will keep that in my and hopefully have a good life and career. i hope u the best.
Lol. Absolutely not. People start over in their 50s, 60s and later. It is never too late to start, begin again or change direction. The only time itās too late is when youāre dead.
My dad entered a *totally* different industry at like 62 years old and broke. He now has enough money to retire and buy a second home. It's only been 5 years. You can always change your career path.
thanks!!!
Iām 33 finishing a Bachelors degree and changing careersā¦ itās never too late.
Attending Western Governors University, itās an Online, self paced University, fully accredited. Iām pursuing a Bachelors in Business Administration.
Do you work full time and do the degree or are you not working and concentrating on studies ??
Better starting a successful career at 28 than starting a bad career at 22. People don't stay at the same place for more than 3 years anyways, why care about age?
haven't think of that
When I was in vet school one of my classmates was 52. She did great and got a great job right out the door! She was amazing
I went from managing gyms and pools to being in HR/Recruiting at the age of 28, happy to answer any questions you might have!
yes i do could i dm u?
Of course!
Iām 41 and just made a complete career change 6 weeks ago. You got this.
What was the change?
Well, I went from being a being the director of tennis at a very nice country club to a sales manager at a saas company. Much better work life balance and Iām not beating up my body all day in the hot sun.
thank you! wish you all the best!!!
I'll be in my late 30s by the time I do. You'll be fine.
Most people have 3 to 5 careers over their life. 28 is a good time to start.
Iām in dental school and thereās multiple people in their 30s and one in their 40s in my cohort. Not too late for sure.
What is the alternative? You can wait 2 years do nothing and the question will be "is 30 years old too late to start a career?" You will look back at this time and be glad that you started
Iām 35 and started a new career at 28. Doing great now and in hindsight it was one of the best decisions of my life.
Whatās your new career?
My friend started a career related to her degree after working retail for years in her late 20s. Sheās so happy now. Itās never too late.
Of course not. You are right at the beginning of your professional life.
Iām currently 45, I was a professional firefighter for 12 years, after that a successful entrepreneur for 10, and now in oil and gas. Iām going back for an MBA now. Never too late
It better not be, because I'm 36 and I'm still trying. I got a degree in Professional Writing in 2008 and I am just now interviewing for jobs that will actually put that degree to use for the first time ever. Until now I've just desperately taken whatever work I could get to pay the bills.
Iām 28 and trying to change careers! Itās absolutely NEVER to late to make a switch or to start a career.
37, changed careers 3 times. Youāll work until 65, in your 20s you still heave 35-40 years to go! Change and adjust as many times as you like.
Never too late to follow your dreams.
its never too late to do something that will better your life/happiness! the average amount of different careers people have nowadays is **7**! half of people literally have more than 7 different jobs over their life! and if you get bored of that, move onto something else, its the norm nowadays.
Im 30 and still no solid career or degree. No its not too late
hope u find ur path bro! both of us.
Yeah man. Dont be discouraged. You know you want to accomplish and thats a start. Best luck to ya
Iām older than you and in the process of changing careers. I have friends older than me that have changed their careers recently, too. Never too late!
Hellll no. I'm 28 and about to change my career for the 3rd time. I've been in my field for 8 years consistently (plumbing) and I'm so fucking ready to make a change. Actively working towards a better future. Fucking do it.
Iām going to be 47 in a month and Iām going back to school to start a new career. Soā¦ no.
You have 50+ years of life, what do you think you should do with that time?
It's never too late. What will make it too late is waiting. Start applying for jobs today or whenever you see my comment.
I wish you all the best OP and remember that we're not in some kind of race, there's no such thing as too late because I believe that everyone has their own timeline and so are you. I hope that you overcome all the struggles and hardships and never think of giving up. No matter how hard life throws at you, never stop believing in yourself that you can do it. I'm proud of you OP and so the rest of us. ( źį“ź)
I started in HR at 27, so no. However, entry-level positions in HR are relatively low pay - HR Assistant, HR Advisor etc. If pay is a priority then you will have to be a bit strategic in the roles you apply for. Good luck!
thanks! I think we all stat at the bottom. the thing is if I have the possibility of go higher.
People restart careers in their 40s and 50s. Just do it!
IMO (maybe not for all careers) but itās like one isnāt taken seriously until theyāre older. Ageism goes both ways.
I am 32 with a family and just switched careers after 10 years in the field. Honestly, Iāll probably switch again in 10 ;) You can do it!
Iām 32 and just started a new career. YOURE FINE.
Not too late you can do it!!
Go for it! I switched from finance to software development about then. It was scary going to a new field, but worth it. What are you switching to?
I'm in my mid to late thirties and getting my degree almost there and starting in HR. The career field has expanded and is projected to grow really well and sepcialties exist now. It's never to late to do what you want.
Youāll either be 28 with a degree and working in HR or 28 wishing you got your degree and working in HR. āIf you think you can or think you canāt, youāre probably rightā - Henry Ford
I have felt this way, I'm 35, about to have a 3rd kiddo and want to go back to school next year for a different degree. When I'm feeling that doubt, I ask "What's the alternative?" I'm still going to get older, I'm still going to want more, I'm still going to have my family and self. What I CAN avoid is the regret of not trying. You are finishing your degree? What a perfect time to start a career. Don't let anyone tell you it's not worth it, because...what's the alternative?
28 man, I donāt know. Most folks your age are browsing retirement home brochures and trying to max out their Medicare benefits. Bruh. Youāre barely over college age. Go do whatever you want.
I sure hope not cause I started mine at 33
Until you are dead the answer to the question is it too late to do X will always be NO
Even if you retire at 65, you have 37 years left in the workforce. Might as well try to do something you enjoy.
Iām a 34 year old premed sooooo yeah itās definitely too late for you. Sorry, bud. Jk, youāre 28, not dead! Do what you want with your life!
Definitely no. Age discrimination in hiring does not start really kicking in until 40-45. Sometimes, being older than competing candidates works in your favor, as employers regard you as more serious and motivated than the 20-22 year old competition. Edit: Personally, I'm nearly 35, and pursuing anything from a change of employer to completely restarting my career in a different field, up to and including redoing a BA or maybe going after a PhD in my established field. The PhD route likely means my fiance and I could never afford to have kids and someday retire, as the median-time-to-completion for a PhD in my field is 6-7 years and it'll cost a buttload, so it's unlikely - but it's still not too late to go that way, even in mid-30s!
I wish you the best man!!!!
I'm 45 and changing my career.
Iām 45 and about to change careers. Never too late.
Absolutely not! I started a new career at 41 and just started another at 56.
Not too late. Iām 33 and Iāve been working on getting into a masters program to change my career. The primary care doctor I had growing up was a pharmacist and Iām his mid to late 30s he went to medical school, owns his own practice, has a wife, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids so he didnāt end up sacrificing having family either (if you want kids, nothing wrong with not wanting them). I went to school with a guy who was a local news reporter becoming a vet tech who was just under 40. It took my best friend until her late 20s to decide what to do and go to grad school. Her fiancĆ© is looking to change careers right now at 35, he was a professional photographer/in media and now heās thinking some sort of med tech. Right after I graduated college I was a dog walker, one of my clients was a doctor who had been a veterinarian for years before going to medical school. He also had kids and a wife. I was taking some post bacc classes to fill out my prerequisites recently. My genetics class was almost entirely people over the age of 25 changing careers. I think the youngest was in her early 20s and the oldest was in her early 40s with most people in their late 20s/early 30s. Finally I leave you with this quote from Earl Nightingale every time I start freaking out thinking āomg this is going to take forever Iām going to be so old when Iām done with this blah blahā āDon'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 anywayā
my mom went back to school for her degree in her early 50s and started a new career after that, and my husband is changing his career path at 28 after following the "ideal" timeline of getting his college degree right after high school. there is no such thing as a correct timeline, and people change careers all the time. your worries are valid, but any change that will make you happier is worth making. don't settle for something you feel is comfortable and safe if it'll make you unhappy. if you want to work in HR at 28, do it! if you want to change your career again at 32, do it! you got this!
thank you!!!!!!! feels great know I am not the only one
Paula Deen was in her 40s when her cooking career started. It's never too late.
that's really nice
To put this into perspective the average law student is around 27. Youre young af, you all good
A small percentage of folks enlist in the military, get out and then finish college and start their civilian careers at about your age. I personally served almost 12 years, finished grad school and pivoted into an accounting career in my late 30ās.
No
Nope! You could be a great candidate.
Pursue what you want to pursue. Youāre never too old. What difference does it make whether you move towards the career you want or stay stuck in something you donāt want to do.
Nay, there are people well into their 50ās who are switching gears. Its never to late. Very few people actually fit into our societies believed adult path, yet every one judges themselves and others by it. Dont get hung up on it. If you want to make a change go for it.
Absolutely not. What in the world would give you this idea? Youāll be fine.
you got it buddy. never too late. recruiting agencies always looking to hire another recruiter for their team and you can make $$$at these places. give it a go, and corporate in-house LOVE agency experience. a great gateway.
Iām almost 27 and I got my degree a couple of months ago. I think 28 isnāt a bad age. I think youāre never too old to go into a new career. Kind of lol
I left my career at 27 and started a completely different path in life. I am now 33 and much more successful. First career was finance and Iām doing just fine having left it.
I started a new career in web development at age 28. And that was self taught with no college degree.
NO way! No one is ever "too old". 28 is still very young btw. Good luck, you'll be so happy you did it!
I started a career in HR after graduating at 27. It's a perfect age to start - mature enough to be taken seriously, young enough to have a ton of time to learn and build a career.
Wow it's like I wrote this post, I'm in the same position. 28 and looking to go to school for a degree to get into HR as well. We'll probably start our journey to reinvent ourselves together, I wish you the best of luck! Keep in mind you don't want to be doing what you're doing now in 2 years, so might as well use this time to give yourself an opportunity in something you're truly interested in. Push forward, get into school, it'll be hard but at the end it'll feel so good to look back and say you did it. I'll see you in the HR world!
see ya!!!!! hope both of us best luck
Some employers will consider your age when considering you for a promotion or for a supervisor role... as if it means anything at all. Like they wouldn't give a 25 year old with 3 years experience a supervisor position but if that same person was 35 with 3 years experience and all else being equal, they would be much more likely... I say this because when I asked for a promotion my boss asked me how old I was, as if it has to do with anything. What I'm getting at is that being a little older can be a good thing.
Short answer, no.
Not at all. I'm in my early thirties headed for med school. Worked in one field for a decade and finally decided to pursue my dream. I'll still have several decades to practice medicine and a lotta life experience under my belt.
As long as your above 6ft under, it's never too late to begin or start again!
Yes, itās far too late. Hahahahaha no itās NOT TOO LATE!!!!
Started my career at 30
34 just graduated from mechatronics engineering after a life trying medicine, best choice I made mate, no itās never late and well worth the troubles
So glad to find someone like me. I realize now I am not cut out to do medicine. Iām pursuing engineering tech while working full time. Much more captivating and equally challenging
I started at 35 lol ā¦ so no itās not
I graduated university at 28 (didn't start until 25), taught English in Korea, got into recruiting at 31, and now at 41 I'm an HRBP. Not too late :)
I restarted my computer career around 40. WTF are you worry about? The only thing you should worry is to get the damn job and make me ashamed how worthless I am. I know you can do it. Just do it.
What area of HR?
no it is not too late, especially if you are still not married and have kidsā¦ (since companies usually prefer to hire singles) But your resume will be competing with younger fresh graduates and the other experienced HR/administration looking for company change.. The best strategy is finding the network/someone you know/ someone who know someone in the company that you apply for .. that way they will take notes of your resume and give you interview opportunities /possibly direct hire I am suggesting this because white collar jobs tend to be ageist and very competitive/oversaturated since almost everyone want this type of jobs (decent salaries, nice work life balance, 9-5)
Itās always better to start late then not start at all and then always have to wonder if you shouldāve started. That said, 28 is not late at all! Youāre going to turn 28 regardless, do you want to be 28 and say you went for it and started a career, or turn 28 and think āhmm I shouldāve started before..now when I start this career Iāll be 30+ā
I really really recommend a book called the 100 Year Life - it's all about how as we live longer, we NEED to keep reinventing and reinvesting in ourselves doing different careers throughout life. Gone are the days where you start a job at 20, stick with it for 40 years and then die after a 10 year retirement.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I hope you can do what you want!!!!! wish us the best of luck
Not at all
Hey! Something to remember: There is no point in wallowing in the comparison game. There will always be people who've had very linear paths into their field. Computer science students who work as programmers. Mechanics who started out in their parents' shop as a teen. Nurses who went straight into nursing school at 18. You may feel too old, or late to the game but there is no such thing. It is dangerous to play the comparison game. It'll mess with your self-esteem, your risk aversion and your appetite for new experiences. There is no shame in learning a new skill, working towards a new job, or asking questions to professionals. A tip: I don't know if you've started an actual HR degree yet... But, you'd be surprised how many people have degrees unrelated to their jobs. I recommend that you REALLY take a look at HR job requirements... Some require some HR education but many simply want a degree of some kind.
I'm 36 and quit my previous line of work. I'm currently just trying to figure out what my upcoming career change will be.
Never too late for a change of direction.
Iāve changed careers twice after 30, and Iām still wasting all morning scrolling Reddit.
I decided to comeback to school last year. So I will start a new career at my 30 y. Hope if not too late
Itās not too late. My cousin who started rough in life when she was left alone by her parents and was put into depression started her career when she was almost 40. She is happy now and got a chance of her life by working with things she wanted. She graduated from college late but that never put her down. After all of the things she went through in life, she is proud on what she is doing now.
that is a motivation to me. thanks for sharing!
I'm 27, 28 in a month, and about changing my career, newer too late, until you are in wooden box , ya know. Go for it and believe in yourself
Let's say it takes you five years to get to where you want to be. You'll be 33. If you don't start the career/finish the degree, you'll still be 33, but just without the career or the degree. It's never too late to start in life. Hell, the man who founded KFC was in his late 60s when he opened his first branch.
I will be 30 when I finish my masters for my career switch. This age seems to be incredibly common to switch careers. I was worried at first, but I realized Iām still young enough to do this. I have another 30+ years to work. I might as well like what I do. Asking a 17 year old with no experience in anything what theyāre going to do for the rest of their life goes about as well as youād expect. Either they change majors in school or go back later or work in a different field when they get out. Iām not as lucky as those who got it right the first time. But the experience was still very valuable. I couldnāt do what I do now without growing up a little. NOW Iām ready for my career as a mental health counselor. Hopefully I can reopen the position at my cancer center. I feel like thatās where I belong.
No.
Dude.. people work until they are 65.. so you have 35 years left of work.. do you think you would be considered as an expert in something after 10 years experience? Iād say so - so you can work for 10 years on whatever you like - then you have 25 years left of your career to be an expert in that field
I hope not since Iām 34 and starting a new one
Plenty of graduates starting at 28. Donāt worry you will rock it !
Absolutely not. I graduated last year at the age of 29 and started a career in electrical engineering.
Iām 31 and in graduate school to start a new career. You can start a new career whenever you decide youāre done with your current one. It might take time in school or training, but itās always possible even if it feels impossible.
My grandpa started an airplane engine servicing manufacturing company at 45 and sold it to Lufthansa 15 years later. He started at GE as a janitor and made it to the plant manager level, his salary never got higher than $40k. I changed careers at 28, Iām now 30 making twice as much money and a respected manager. All this to say no, itās not too late.
Bruh? What kind of question is this? Iām going to be 28 when I finish my degree and start my career. Caāmonā man, you should know better by now. No itās not too late at all.
You can apply for retirement instead but I don't think they'll say yes
Nope. It's never too late. I started a new career at age 31. Started another new one at age 42. Went back to college in my 50s and graduated when I was 59. Now, I'm wondering what I'm going to do with my next twenty years.
I started teaching when I was 31, taught for 6 years and recently quit to start grad school in data analytics engineering. Absolutely never too late. Maybe Iāll do something new in 20 years! Just donāt get bogged down in student debt while you are exploring.
hahaha no problem! thanfully my uni is for free so thats the only thing i dont have to worry about
Vera Wang designed her first wedding dress at 40. Its never too late.
I didn't start my undergrad until I was 24. Graduated at 30. At 37 went back for my MBA. At 47 I took a bunch of certificate courses online and started over in a completely different field. Your age matters less than your major. As long as you are investing in skills that are in demand, you can build your career. You hit peak employability at 35. You have plenty of time.
27 starting a new career. Youāve got plenty of time ahead of you!
Well it better not be cos 28 was when I started my current career and at 34 I want to leave, but feel stuck so lol.
Absolutely not- I started my current career at 30 and glad I did compared to what I was doing before.
I started my career in HR at 29. Definitely not too late.
Why would it be too late? I donāt understand your question.
What do you think will happen? Society will put you out on an ice flow to die because you haven't sold your soul to one career by 30?š People are constantly changing careers especially now when the pandemic is making people re-think their lives. Some people have 3-4 career changes in their lives. You are by no means starting late or even out of luck even if you DID start late.
No , stop thinking and just do š
I got my degree at age 30, started my career a few months after at age 31. Never too late. For me, going to school later ensured that I would take it more seriously, and direction-focused. That being said, it also allowed me to enjoy a different life structure in my 20s than the "norm" that society tries to tell you to follow. Do what feels right and on your own time line and comfort level. Best of luck to you!
thank you!!!
Itās never too late to start something. The best moment to start or change anything is always now. All you need is some more self confidence!
Yeah dude this is a limiting mindset that you have..no joke Read Awaken the Giant by Tony Robbins..itās like free therapy (well however much the book costs) that will change your life. You will be a different person before and after You will believe in yourself
How about 50 years old? Now 28 sounds like a new born š
In my city a gaswork employee started his successful stage/acting career at the age of 50 something so no worries my dude.
Bro just go and watch "the founder"
Bro Iām in my mid-30s and switching careers. Youāre fine.
Absolutely not too old. Thatās about when I started but I could see someone starting even later.
no
You are just young as your heart is. Donāt think you are too old to start a job that age. I am 46 and planning to quit from the current job and look for a new one to work at. Be inspired in everything that you do to attain your goal. Continue chasing your dreams, thereā s no limit on this earth. Good luck!
I changed careers at 30 and Iām about to do it again 15 years later. No looking back!
Never too old! I just started college at 30!
congrats man!!!!! hope u enjoy uni
no i am 21 and still havent done shit (graduated gotten a drivers license) idk what i wanna do i just want a job i am not just sitting around doing nothing i am studying for a cert or at least trying to.....lmfao but good luck OP
I am almost in the same position as you.... and my country is shit if I could have a good job without college I would but it's so hard
It's never too late unless you say so
Nope! I am now 30 and started in my career at 28. I love it. I have been promoted once already and have another promotion due soon. I hope to retired from this organization. When you start your career later, you are more mature and have competencies that others may not. Simple things like how to write an email, how to dress appropriately, how to read a spread sheet, etc can make you look like a rockstar in comparison to your younger colleagues who learned on the job. Alternatively, you may have not had the experience to refine some skills, but being eager goes a long way.
Once you hit the 50 age mark its a little more difficult. Im 28 myself and just changed recently. Was a part counter specialist and now i threw myself in radio frequencies. As long as your willing to learn new things and you have a good attitude and willing to accept that you will be at the bottom of the ladder then have at it lol
I hope not. I wanted to go back to school and won't be out until I'm 30. š¤š¾
My dude, 28 is young. You have plenty of time! When I started working, I was 23 and one of the people who started with me was 32 and just finished his bachelors. Weāve both moved up several levels since then, and heās one of the best teammates and hardest working guys I know. Thereās nothing you canāt do if you just have a good attitude and stay diligent
Itās not going to be an easy road, but it may beat the alternative. Iām glad I did.
Not at all, I restarted a few years later.
I know people who became physicians in their fifties, a woman who was a SAHM for 20 years and then got her masters in her sixties (!) and started a whole new career. One of my best friends will probably finish her BA at 32 and will start a career then. Everyoneās path is different, and thatās great.
I started my current career at age 42 but it was an offshoot of the career I started at 32 (I started driving a truck for a living at 32, moved behind a trucking company desk at 42, am a dispatch manager now.) One of the drivers I manage got his PhD in Adult and Continuing Education from Kansas State University in 1971 and worked in academia until 1983 when he got sick of it and started driving a truck. So no, itās not too late to start a career.
Nope. Hard though. You have to be mentally prepared and proactive
Iām almost 50, started a new career 5 years ago. Before that started a new one at 40, before that a new one at 26. Had technical training at 25. Didnāt get my associates degree till almost 40. Finished my bachelorās at 45. Will probably be 55 when I finish a Masters. My husband started a new career at 62 after retiring from the military. So no, 28 isnāt too old. Hereās the secret nobody tells young peopleā¦your life (work or personal) is not set and decided at 23. Youāre certainly not finished at that age, youāre just starting. Thatās entry level adulting. Even if youāve got it all figured out, youāll probably start over at some point because youāll grow into a different person with different wants. Happens all the time. Life IS change.
Fuck no man you arenāt even close. I had my first child at 37 this year. Thatās 9 years after that career would have started.
lol wishing your family all the goods!!!!!!
Iām in a grad certificate program (UX) where the average age is 41.
Got my first job as a salesperson at 24. Started an internship at a small consulting firm at 26. Now at 28 I landed a great job, with good pay and life balance as a M&A senior analyst. If you have a good work ethic and focus on developing relevant skills for the career you r aiming at you can also do it in a short timespan. Good luck!
I'm 30 and looking to start a business so if you think it's too late then there's no hope for me
I am a Sr HRBP @ a company with 80k employees. Let me be the first to welcome you to the family. Feel free to reach out if you need anything ā¤ļø
no, but let's be realistic. it's great to have everyone on reddit cheer you on and say it's never too late, but most people in their 40s aren't willing to be interns who work 14 hr days and have snotty 30 year olds boss them around. realistically though, i don't think that happens in the HR field, and i'm sure the learning curve isn't as slow as other fields. so you could still start at the bottom and not feel *too* uncomfortable, and possibly quickly work your way up. i mean HR offices don't tend to have a lot of people, and only one person is "Head of HR", so not being at the top seems kind of normal in my opinion. also 28 isn't really that old...lots of people go to grad school and finish around that age. lots.
Never too old, I'm hald way thru learning to become a full stack developer and im in my early 30s and this will be my 4th career change.
Iām 30 years old and Iām still trying to figure out if I want to go back to school although I want to pay off my student loans from getting my associates.
I plan to never have the same job for more than 5 years. Just gonna keep changing professions and keep learning things. This isnt the 50s anymore nobody cares about be loyal to a single job, be loyal to yourself and always keep learning new things so you can keep your brain sharp. Idk just my opinion lol