How to Change Your Career When You're 30 or 40

Career · Career Change

By Feras Asakrieh · 5 min read · Issue #07

You are 40, have been working for 15 to 20 years, and now need a change. In your head, you might be thinking it is too late. No one will accept you. It is too late to build a new skill set. Companies will not take you on. I was in your shoes a few times in my career, and reality proved me wrong.

I started my career in retail, moved to finance for 10 years, and at the age of 33 switched from banking to supply chain. Then, at 43, I made another switch to sports. Different jobs. Different responsibilities. What most people overlook is that at the age of 30 or 40, you still have 25 to 35 years left in your career. Think about that again. You can still start from scratch and even build another career if you choose to. The good news is you do not need to start from scratch.

Step 1: Change the story in your head and be willing to take a step back.

We need to stop thinking we cannot and start believing we can. At 30 or 40, you have another career ahead of you. Stop focusing on what you cannot do and think about the experience and knowledge you have now that you can bring with you. You are way more valuable than you think. Not being happy where you are does not mean you are not contributing or worth it. It just means you need a change.

Step 2: Do an inventory of your skills and experiences.

Most of your knowledge and skills are universal and you can use them in different places. 70 percent of my skills, knowledge, and experience moved with me from one job to another. Project management, people leadership, learning new things, influencing people, being organized, telling stories, managing initiatives. These go with me everywhere. If you need more, take classes or earn certificates. Do not let a lack of skills stop you.

Step 3: Package your story.

Write a few different resumes, cover letters, and value propositions to help you sell yourself to various audiences. Drop your resume and a job description into an AI tool and ask it to rewrite your resume based on the job description. I have over 10 versions of my resume for different jobs. It takes minutes.

Step 4: Leverage your network or build one.

Your network is a great tool to help you transition from one career to another. When I moved from banking to supply chain, I leaned on my network to get me the interview. I did the same when I moved to sports. If you do not have someone to help you, build one. Nothing is easier than networking in this day and age.

At the end of the day, your career is something you have complete control over. You can change it, advance it, or let it stagnate. There is no time limit or rules when it comes to changes. If you have to take a step back or accept a demotion to move around, do not discount this option. I took two step-downs in my career to get here, and if I could go back in time, I would do it again. Your career is never straightforward. It is a map you draw every time you make a choice. Make it count.

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How to Change Your Career When You're 30 or 40

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