Is 31 too late to change careers?

Not at all. Users frequently share stories of making successful career changes well into their 30s and 40s.

Do I lose all my experience when starting over?

No. Previous work experience provides transferable skills that help you climb faster in a new role.

What are some good fields for career changers?

Healthcare, commercial trades, project management, and IT networking are all highly recommended due to strong demand.

How should I figure out what career to pick?

Write down ten things you want most from a job. Define what you value, what you can tolerate, and what you absolutely cannot.

How to Start over Career Wise at 31

Starting over at 31 is far from too late. Many users have successfully changed careers in their 30s and beyond, often finding better pay and more satisfaction.

You do not need to start from scratch. Your varied background gives you transferable skills that apply to new fields. Make a list of what you want from a job, like specific hours or tasks, and define what you value and what you cannot tolerate.

High demand fields like nursing, respiratory therapy, and commercial trades are solid options. Project management and IT networking also offer growth. If you feel stuck, career coaches or therapists can help you figure out the transition.

How to Start over Career Wise at 31 — infographic

It is not too late to start over at 31, with many Users changing careers successfully in their 30s and beyond, often finding greater fulfillment or financial improvement.

Identify Your Priorities

Define your ideal work environment. Consider what you want most from a job, such as specific hours, commute, PTO, or daily tasks, to build your ideal environment and look for work that fits. "Make a list of what you want most from a job. 10 things. And look that way."

Reflect on your values and boundaries. Determine what you value, what you can tolerate, and what you absolutely cannot, as no one else can tell you what a good career will be for you. "No one can tell you what a good career is going to be for you -- you need to determine what you value, what you can put up with, and what you can't, and then start narrowing things down from there."

Leverage past experiences. Your previous work experiences, even if varied, provide transferable skills that can be valuable in a new field. "You don’t need to start over as much as you think your background is already unusually broad and practical like in marketing, sales, nonprofit, teaching, operations, property or airbnbs, seasonal field work."

Explore Potential Career Paths

Consider high-demand industries. Healthcare fields like nursing or respiratory therapy are often recommended due to high demand and job security, with many people going back to school for these careers in their 30s and 40s. "I went back at 40 to become a nurse. I never would have been ready when I was younger."

Look into skilled trades. Trades such as plumbing, electrical work, or HVAC offer strong demand and the potential to be your own boss. "Trades like plumbing or electrical or HVAC. Commercial is where the need is."

Explore project management or IT. Project management skills are broadly applicable across industries, and IT roles, particularly in networking, offer growth and good pay. "Project management is a solid skill that cuts across every industry."

Overcome Challenges

Address perceived ageism directly. While ageism can be a concern, many Users emphasize that maturity, soft skills, and transferable experience gained over time are assets. "You never truly start at the bottom. Like all that work experience doesn’t just disappear, you’ll be able to apply it and climb faster."

Seek guidance from professionals. Career coaches or even therapists specializing in career development can provide valuable guidance and help you navigate the transition. "Yes! I would pursue career coaching or even therapy with this focus."

Don't compare your journey to others. Recognize that everyone's path is different, and focusing on others' timelines can be detrimental to your own progress. "Comparison is the thief of joy."

Are you open to further education or certifications to facilitate a career change?

Best for: People in their 30s looking for more fulfillment or better pay from their work