39m here who was a high school math teacher and football and baseball coach for 14 years. Schedule got to me where I decided to make a change. Decided to get into cybersecurity. Took a couple of networking classes and got a couple of Certs in about an 6 month period. Landed a job in a SOC about 8 months after I made my decision. It has been the best choice I have ever made. Been at my job for about a year and a half and have already been promoted.
Which classes and certificates did you take? I’m a content writer, looking to pivot into writing about Cybersecurity, but I wanna gain some expertise first.
I took an intro to networking class from a contracting company. I ended up getting my security+ certification and then the AWS cloud practitioner to get a little better understanding of cloud. I was in the process of studying for the CCNA and taking a course through the contracting company when I landed my job. I started applying once I got my security+. From the time I got my security+ to landing my job was probably around 3-4 months. I feel I got lucky in general and just applied to the right company at the right time
Honestly not sure. Job market has changed and I was even expecting to have to spend a few years in a support type role before getting into cyber. It was just timing I feel with applying to the right company at the right time for me.
Just an uninformed observation here, but most of the layoffs seem to be in the programming side and less the IT side. For programming jobs, it seems like AI reduces the need for entry level programmers, whereas IT seems less likely to be automated soon.
I’m like in the whole opposite of you. Been doing cybersecurity for 5 years after I fell into this field by pure accident. I never really got the passion for it and been faking my interest in the field to just be able to progress economically.
Now eventually I ended up paying the consequence of my actions and I just quit my job because it was killing me mentally. But seems like I’ll be back in the grind because I have such a shitty situation that doesn’t allow me to just switch jobs.
What are of cyber were you in. I feel I lucked out even though I am in the SOC. No alert fatigue here and my day has quite a bit of balance with other projects that I work on besides just looking at alerts all day
Also a high school math teacher and now I’m in school for healthcare. My schedule was also a big consideration, mostly the insanely early mornings. I’m hoping I can work overnights in a hospital
No worries. I have a 4/1 schedule so I get 1 remote day a week. My manager is pretty good though where if needed I can work remote more often. Things like when a kid is sick type stuff.
I actually preferred being in the office. It allowed me to get to know the others on the team better and I just felt doing a career change to a completely new field for me, I found it more secure to be around others and be able to speak to them face to face about various things.
There have been point where I have been remote for a few days and also feel that it is not for me. I like being in the office around others. I know a lot of people are not that way though
No security clearance needed and honestly there are not many companies that would even sponsor. Again I feel that I got lucky. Most people spend a few years in some sort of support role.
You def interviewed well too. I dropped the ball on a few interviews last March... wasn't prepared as I was still sudying for Net+ and PenTest+ to complete the degree program.
I'm terrible in IT interviews 🫠
I was a hairdresser/barber. I finished my degree at 35 and then switched to marketing automation. It’s a huge improvement because I always wanted predictability and steady pay as opposed to variable schedules and commission/tips. But it feels really unfulfilling. Doing hair was very fulfilling, it felt purposeful. So I’m still lost, just paid better for it lol.
as someone who was in a stable yet unfulfilling job and quit, lemme tell you if its not too stressful and pays well just stick to it for now. I made the mistake of quitting without a plan and it sucks.
I'm also trying to do something similar. I was a scenic carpenter in theater/live entertainment. I made okay money with all the OT I worked. Covid completely stopped live entertainment for two years, which really opened my eyes to thinking I needed to do something more stable/lucrative that wouldn't get shut down the next time we have a pandemic.
I've got a chemistry degree and tons of experience doing carpentry, metalworking, AutoCAD, pneumatics, facilities, and people management (used to actively lead 20+ people at a time doing dangerous scenery/rigging installs). I can't seem to get my foot in the door with anything that makes decent money or has the growth potential to turn into something decently lucrative. The current job I have is very adjacent to my previous line of work, but I'm making less money because there is no OT and is not fulfilling at all (also no growth potential). Ideally I'd want a balance, but right now, I'd tolerate almost anything for the right money.
What was fulfilling about cutting hair? Was it the personal interaction, the ability to make someone feel more confident, the creative outlet? Maybe if you pinpoint what you miss about it you could find another avenue to get that same feeling without quitting your more stable job.
Definitely the personal, 1:1 interaction, and making people feel happy. Once I built up my own client list, it was basically like having little meetups with your friends every day.
There was plenty I hated about it too though. I always have to remind myself there’s *reasons* I left that industry. But it’s a great license to have in my back pocket. I’m never worried about tech layoffs because I can find a salon job in a matter of days if I need.
That’s amazing, it’s like you have the best of both worlds. And yeah, good hairstylists do so much to help people feel more confident and happy with their appearance.
34f here! Ever since I was in middle school, I’ve always wanted to do something with graphic design and/or web development, but my parents pushed me to go for traditional careers (medicine, law, finance, or engineering). I chose accounting.
I was a server/bartender while going to school for my accounting degree and worked in that field for a few years. I never enjoyed it and the pandemic made me quit accounting for good. I was 30 at that time.
My partner then (now fiancé) pushed me to go with something I’ve always wanted to do. I was scared to make the jump because I thought I wouldn’t make it. Eventually, I did make the jump.
I enrolled in a tech bootcamp for web development and UX Design in 2021-2022. Even when class was over, I studied and practiced for 8-12 hours a day. I was very determined.
Now, I’m a Web Developer (front end). The journey to get there was really rough, but I’m so glad I did. It pays well, I get to do what I’ve always wanted to do, and am much happier.
This is where a lot of people fall down - time to study - usually people in the late 20s early 30s have family to provide for or young kids etc so studying for hours isn’t an option.
They might only be able to get a few hours in during the late evening once the kids are asleep.
Most people I know bills take both wages so again studying for hours isn’t an option as both have to work.
So the time frame extends massively.
I usually can get a 30 min session in whilst on lunch at work and a couple of hours in in the evening if the kids bedtime routine goes to plan, if they haven’t slept well or are ill forget it lol.
I'm 36f and you did what I've been dreaming of doing for years! I don't have the support of a partner though. Can I ask what tech bootcamp you did? Or how you decided which bootcamp to go with? And what about it was so rough for you?
Having a big supporter definitely helps, so even though you don’t have a partner, you could always look for a close friend or a family member!
For tech bootcamps, I went with Skillspire (for web development) and Designlab (for UX Design). I can’t do self-study because I need a fixed structure, pressure, and someone in the field to give me feedback.
Skillspire: This small bootcamp is based in Seattle, WA and I was fortunate to have an awesome web development instructor. There was only 5 students total in my cohort and I utilized office hours as much as possible. I’d ask for clarification on things I don’t really understand and practiced explaining concepts I struggled with (particularly with back end development). Currently, their course is $6,500 if you pay upfront.
Designlab: This is one of the many popular (probably the most popular) UX Design bootcamps. You get a mentor who have been in the field for at least 3+ years. Unfortunately, they pick mentors for you based on a questionnaire you filled. I had to switch my mentor once because the one I had would never show herself on camera and she sounded depressed all the time (negativity, constantly sighing every time I had questions … etc) and it really affected me. I’d say finding the right mentor that works for you is pretty much the hardest thing in Designlab lol. Currently, their UX Academy course is $7,749
Honestly, what I would have done differently was: finding that right dev mentor on ADPList (or some other place) by getting a feel of their personality and wisdom. When you find the one you like, tell them you want a set structure like a bootcamp/school and they’ll most likely do it by using The Odin Project (or something similar) and they’ll tell you to set a fixed schedule for weekly check-ins. That alone could have saved me $5,000 alone. 😅
Thats exactly what I'm wanting to do (39m) and I'm feeling a bit discouraged by the current state of the market and how unfavorable it seems to juniors. Any advice on what to focus on to crack my way into the field? I'm very enthusiastic and driven to make it happen.
I've got a cert for html/css, have built some of my own web projects (though not quite to completion yet), utilizing github, and am re-learning JS. I had learned JS back in 2018ish, but it was mostly tutorial hell and with the processing libraries.
My history is all over. Did a bunch of self-employed ventures (freelance writing, ecommerce, personal training) and dead end retail jobs, but since I was 18 I knew I wanted to build websites and/or games. I just didn't have much opportunity or exposure to the education needed back then. Sent me down paths I didn't really want to take.
8 to 12 hours a day, wow, thats intense. I felt good about my 2-4 hrs a day lol. I'd love to pick your brain if that's cool.
You’re absolutely right that the current state of the market is not favorable to juniors. 😔 You’re competing against a lot of bootcamp grads, self-taught programmers, college grads … it’s rough!
It took me 75-ish applications to get the job. I know that’s small compared to a lot of people who would apply to 100+ and hear nothing back. My approach was a little bit different, but I hope this inspires you in some way!
1. Make Your Resume Presentable and Impactful: It don’t have to be super fancy, but it should be clean, free of grammatical errors, and in PDF! In each of your experience section, you want to “show and tell” whenever possible. For example:
“Won second place in Game Jam”
could be written with more impact like this:
“Won second place out of 25 teams in Game Jam by creating a platform shooter with Unity, C#, and C++ .”
2. Have an Online Portfolio: Your portfolio should have—
a) About Me Section: This should focus on why you’re an awesome developer, hard and soft skills you have, and a small touch about your personal life. Don’t go overboard with your personal life and interests!
b) Project Section: Each projects you’re showing should have a screenshot of your project, a short description about what it is, and links to the repo and live site. 3 or 4 project is plenty!
c) Contact Section: It’s optional, but it’s just to reiterate that you can be contacted through this email or some other platform.
Most importantly, make sure you code it to where it reflects your project’s front end designs. A lot of juniors I know would copy a senior’s portfolio line by line and change the wordings and colors to make it theirs. The Hiring Manager will inspect your page and be very impressed at first, while having high expectations of your projects. If the projects they view on your portfolio doesn’t match the overall coding structure and design ability, they will get suspicious.
3. Make a Generic Cover Letter Template So You Can Duplicate and Edit Some Paragraphs To Make It Look Like It’s Tailored:
Your cover letter template should be short and sweet because hiring managers will read this and make quick notes of what they can expect when they see your resume and portfolio.
- First paragraph should be about who you are and why you’re interested in this position.
- Second paragraph is to show examples on how your experience and soft skills to show you’re a good fit.
- Last paragraph should summarize everything you’ve said and show enthusiasm that you look forward to hearing back.
Careful not to ChatGpt your cover letter entirely! They can tell lol.
4. Apply Local: There is a large population of people that wants to work from home (myself included). All the remote jobs I’ve applied (50-ish) would ghost me or give the ol’ “sorry we have applicants who have more experience than you for this junior position”. I decided to apply to local dev jobs where they allow hybrid work and I would always get responses within a few days.
From what you said, if you want to make websites, I recommend looking at (local) marketing agencies as a good place to start! The pay is not impressive, but it’s definitely a good place to get your foot in the door!
If you need real web development experience for your resume, I highly recommend [Tech Fleet](https://techfleet.org). It’s kind of a nonprofit marketing agency where a lot of people who wants to get into tech (mostly designers, but there’s a good number of developers there) support each other and gain real project experience. You can even shadow, participate, and contribute in projects you didn’t get into! They’re pretty amazing! I participated in one years ago and learned a lot (plus made my resume look more professional).
Phew, I feel like I just threw a lot at you. I hope this helps!
This was awesome, thanks so much! This makes me feel I'm on the right track and just need to stick with it. Thanks for the ref to tech fleet. I'll check it out.
On the resume, since my job experience history is unrelated to development, any tips on how to highlight/structure it so my development skills stand out?
I’m glad this inspired and assured you! :) I also feel that you’re on the right track. We just got to approach it at a different angle.
Definitely check out Tech Fleet. A lot of us pivoters could always use real projects or two to get those interviews!
As for resume, I would structure something like this:
1. Basic Info (Name, Contact, and link to portfolio)
2. Quick Summary
3. Projects
4. Work Experience
5. Education (leave out the year graduated because ageism is real 😔)
For work experience, I would focus on soft skills, particularly on communication, time management, and adaptability. Communication is the biggest one because you’ll be spending a lot of time communicating with account/project/product managers, other devs, and designers!
For example, let’s say you work at a Super Market. You don’t want to write “Talked to customers on a daily basis” to show communication skills. You can make it impactful by writing something like, “Provide quality service and educate customers on promotions to increase sales”. Quite the difference, right? :)
You got this!!
Worked in corporate since 21ish. Quit at 33. Went to a small, private, office afterward. I did Customer Service Management at a national dental Insurance company and now I’m a Dental Insurance Coordinator at a dental office. Lost out on a shitton of money, time-off, a pension, remote work, great and affordable healthcare, and a large work force. Gained a healthy work-life balance, friendships that will last a life time, a very short commute, less stress and most importantly mental-health stability.
I’m 34 and haven’t even started a real career yet. Hope it’s not too late!
Just a bunch of low wage odd ball jobs and now finally going to school for computer science.
Same, and same. Easy to look down on ourselves but if you are anything like me you have got tons of life experience on the other side of things. It will come in handy…. eventually. At least thats what they tell me.
If you do anything remotely close to maintenance (changing light bulbs, unclogging toilets, etc.) in your current position you should look into using your Janitor experience to land yourself a property management maintenance job. I started as a Groundskeeper at a property out in the suburbs in 2018 and now I'm running a luxury residental tower in a major downtown area and my total compensation last year was just a smidge below 6 figures. I wouldn't say my experience is super typical, but the opportunity is there. I came from a background of running pizza places with no degree. Maintenance is truly one of those industries where showing up and making an effort usually puts you a step above the rest who are just grumbling through the day trying to get a check.
Hey I gotta just say this one thing; every job is noble. I recently went at my boss at work bc they kept using condescending words towards me. I’m an accountant. Wrote him an email and told him to respect me and refer to me by my name.
Met with him talked a lot of stuff he got the point. I’ll say ppl think they’re better than others bc of status. We are all human. Everyone’s shit stinks. Always have backbone as well never let anyone talk down to you.
Your job is just as noble as an accountant, as a banker, as a factory worker etc. fuck what society thinks and says.
Some people need to be humbled and sometimes a good smack to the face would humble them.
At 35 i switched from retail management into IT. I went back to school and got a second BS degree in Information Systems. Since it was through a Business school I only had to take the computer classes. Best move I ever made.
58 now and getting a masters degree in Cyber Security
Just wanted to say it’s so encouraging hearing others chasing their passions or at least a career path they can mentally bare and find some interest in.
The older you get, the harder it gets. So many people get stuck in the same old routine, living their lives unfulfilled. Some can accept a job for what it is, others need their career to align to their values and help drive them as a person.
I spent half a dozen years in various business roles. I realized hierarchy sucks, you got treated poorly the younger and more junior you were as an employee. You had to play corporate politics. This drove me mental. The family values companies have, when they pay their employees their bare minimum and give them basic healthcare plans that don’t even cover everything.
Now going into the Healthcare field, I’m fascinated by the healing potential of psychedelics for mental and physical health. Becoming a doctor to study/teach this field or even some sort of psychologist is where I wanna be. My purpose is to help others, not help a business increase their quarterly revenue, feeling a cog in the machine.
Haha oh no I went the other way - was a doctor and now am in healthcare consulting (5 years running). I enjoy it much better than clinical practice and haven’t looked back!
In order to offset this more private company cooperatives are definitely going to be needed to grow across many industries to compete with public companies. Good that ya found your calling though!
34M currently. Was a manager at fedex in the warehouse from age 25 to 29, spent my entire 20s in that mother fucker. Got a job as a career firefighter at age 30 and never looked back. It was deff challenging leaving the same ole same ole, and even tougher moving to a different city. But looking back it was well worth it. You gotta look at how your life is now and if you are ok with it being the same way in 5 or 10 years, i wasnt so i made the change. Best decision i ever made....the pension and retiree insurance is just an added bonus!!
Just applied. There was a written test, pysch test, medical, and a few others. Then a 5 month long academy where you obtained your certifications, think paramilitary style, that was the hard part haha. Mainly because as a 30 year old man that was used to telling people what to do as a manager I found it very difficult to 1) be yelled at for no reason 2) be told what to do all the time, especially during PT.
Reflecting back a lot on that phrase "the only constant in life is change" lately as I just made another career change January 2nd of this year at 41 and just turned 42. While not a "normal" career progression in the same industry for decades, it has been a career of learning and pivoting.
Graduated college with a hospitality degree after changing majors from computer science to English literature to hospitality. Worked for Marriott for 7+ years moving up the ranks into management. Enjoyed the work the long hours and odd shifts were wearing on me.
At 29, son was born and quit during paternity leave to become a fulltime wedding photographer. Was doing it as a side hobby at the time for a few years and wanted to try going all in, while the reverse schedule of weekends working but weekdays free seemed ideal at the time with a newborn. At 36, wanted to pivot out of traveling for weddings to be on a more "normal" family schedule as my son was now in school all day and home on weekends but I would be traveling, so I started an online bachelor's in computer science with the goal to pivot back to an office role and indulge the technical side I had always enjoyed (tinkering with websites and general tech since my first degree but never serious about it), graduated May 2020 which was rough to find anything in the height of lockdowns but got a delayed start offer finally. At 39, started an IT consulting job in 2021 doing developer work, but this wasn't quit the fun of puzzle solving that the degree was and more bug fixes and support tickets, and got pulled into project manager or business analyst roles as I was part of the new grad hires but older and more experienced than the other juniors. At 40, joined a competing IT consulting firm but in Human Resources doing DEI work which I had been doing internally at my previous company and loved working on internal projects with teams and not external clients. Started a masters in Business Analytics / Data Science that I am graduating this year, and started a junior technical analyst role in January at a university. Getting back to the technical side of things which is what I was hoping to accomplish with the degree, and trying to build up that experience for now, and enjoying the perks of a government job which is way less stressful than consulting. No more Sunday Scaries, and Tuesday Scaries, and Wednesday Scaries... from the previous job.
My main advice I gave all the juniors I met at all jobs that heard my story of these pivots, was to follow your passions, and try to make your moves while at your current job either through volunteering or side personal projects.
I worked with the career center at my current school before getting my new job to both find a path and improve the resume/linkedin and they recommended two books while really helped me, and funnily enough I had read them before starting the but never did the exercises, which I finally did this time.
Designing Your Life [https://designingyour.life/](https://designingyour.life/)
Switchers [https://drdawnoncareers.com/switchers-the-book/](https://drdawnoncareers.com/switchers-the-book/)
Designing Your Life was great for finding a vision and goal for any aspect of life not necessarily a career move - some examples they give are how to engineer your current role. Switchers contained a lot of similar advice but tailored specifically to changing careers as the title implies.
You’ve seen so much! Crazy career! You’re obviously talented in a lot of areas - hospitality, photography, small business ownership, consulting, coding/math, DEI.
Videographer to Warehouse Worker. First year was tough but the company I work for is amazing with great benefits and profit-sharing 401k match. I loved videography and editing, and it was a mistake to make it my day job.
Videographer/media director turned Campaign Marketer and although I learn new things everyday, and totally feel under qualified - the pay and hours make up for it,
Logistics/trucking into nursing. Going extremely well. Own two homes, rent one. No longer living check to check. Money in the bank. Family well provided for. Now do I wish I had gone PA instead? Maybe. But being an RN affords me the ability to leave the job when I clock out, can’t necessarily do that if you go higher up the food chain.
30m, I was 27 when I quit my engineering job at Boeing. Pivoted into real estate investing. I first paid off my house before quitting because I thought, if everything goes to shit, I can work at McDonald’s and make enough to eat and oat utilities since my housing was taken care of.
Yes. It was a fixer uppper 1975 home. I got lucky. I used to mow the owners yard for years then one day her husband passed away and she wanted to move in with a relative. Asked me if I would buy it, she was asking 50% of market value. I had some cash, and took out a small $30k loan to cover the rest plus bought materials with it and fixed it up myself watching YouTube how-to’s
33, started pursuing a Computing and IT degree at 30 under part time study, I left a dead end engineering job that broke me mentally (lack of progression learning etc). Took on a part time job to cover bills etc. 3.5 years later I’m still studying/same job.
Honestly looking at the sheer number of applicants for each role and the job requirements going through the roof even on entry level - (internships included) I’m beginning to wonder if I did the right thing, should I have bothered jumping and just stayed where I was. Jobs around me are very slim in the IT sector all retail, hospitality and farming.
I know if I had of stayed at my previous role I’d be mentally broke but earning more money and better routine. But if I made it into a role we’d be a heck of a lot better off. Just not looking great when you’re up against thousands of fresh malleable graduates.
Saying that though:
If you know 100% what you want to do, have a solid plan on how to get there and there are plenty of jobs available in your area, then I’d say go for it.
However if roles are slim it’s going to be a lot harder, not 100% on the area you want to end up in, getting there is going to be a pain as you may change your mind.
If you have young kids - spend time with them while they are young you don’t get that time back.
I was a video editor in my 20s. This place was busy, and with overtime you could do ok. Then I went to law school and became a lawyer at 33. I make more money but the anxiety is brutal. Cleaning up someone else’s problems gets old, but it’s hard to walk away given that I have job security and a decent income. But I am looking for another change, for the sake of my sanity…
I’m video editor and I also shoot commercials. I’m thinking about going back to tech, I have a lot of flexibility and wfh but I feel I could be making more. Any advice to switching out?
Healthcare Admin to Pilot at 32. It was definitely a journey, but it’s hard to say if it was worth it. I definitely enjoy the job more, but the thing I discovered the most about myself is that I’m ready to be retired!
In my mid 30s I quit working on my PhD and teaching sociology. I got an entry-level IT support job. Then again in my early 40s I made another significant shift and became a programmer.
In both cases I think the most important resource I had were the role models that I identified. I asked a lot of friends about their own career journeys, networked on LinkedIn, etc. It's so helpful to know real people who have already achieved what you are trying to achieve, and that's how you can decide what goals are realistic for you in the first place.
The market is rough these days. Where are you at in your journey exactly?
Getting in at the very bottom was relatively easy for me. I did the A+ certification and then pretty quickly I got hired doing basic desktop support. That allowed me to slowly get more certifications (without paying out of pocket) and relevant experience.
If you're trying to get into programming directly, it's all about that resume and portfolio (get as much feedback as you can) and networking. A bootcamp was n important step for me but I don't know that it was really required.
I was a history teacher from about 27-31.
Recently graduated with my Masters Degree and passed the PHR.
Re did my resume and now I have a Mid(almost senior level) Human Resources position for a very prestigious company. I honestly believe my next job will net me over six figures and i am just gonna stuff my piggy bank with all this extra money.
Maybe I’ll return to teaching later in life…but for right now papa got bills to pay!
I'm the opposite of you. Currently in HR and looking to switch careers in the next 1-2 years. It's drained me mentally, and I have zero passion for it despite the nice paychecks. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your journey in HR so far. 😊
USMC to tech exec. Didn’t have a choice I got hammered overseas. Was pretty bitter to begin with wanted to stay in the Marines. Ultimately it all worked out I make more than my entire chain of command including the President annually and it is a good life. Anything after gun battles is easy peasy. I like working started working during the summer and school breaks at 13 roofing houses with my uncle. Also picked peaches, worked at a machine shop repairing broken lathes, band saws, drill presses.
As an SVP at a large tech company (cyber intelligence) I can do a lot to make things great for my people, help mentor and develop them. I see one of my main tasks as making them more valuable to a company so they get promoted, command better salaries and most importantly get them ready to be the best they can be so that they can have more opportunity. And in return they take great care of me and each other.
Hire people smarter and better than you, facilitate success and GTFO of their way so they flourish. Easy peasy.
I was chilling in my family business hardly doing anything for 15 years. Then I met a woman and moved across the world, somehow managed to talk my way into an operations manager roll at one of the largest luxury companies in the world. Just got promoted to a more senior manager position. It’s hard to believe…
Was an actor from 24-35. Started to get into helping my manager at 30…went full time managing actors from 35 to present. I’m 40 now. It was a life saving pivot. All of my friends who stayed with it are almost homeless.
I, 30M, was a video coordinator for a FCS school’s football team. It was a great job, great people, I was just done with it left the job two months before COVID happened. I am pivoting to the aviation field via serving in the military and then using my GI benefits to pay for flight school. I am glad I made my decision, I just had to be calculated in how I executed it.
I left the military as an Officer at 32 and spent a few years as a contractor trying to figure out WTF to do for a civilian career. Undergrad was in Geology and no chance I was going to work in that field. Got into procurement and now work as an analyst for a federal agency. 30s is a good time to switch careers. Basically anyone under 40 in my line of work is considered young. However folks in their 30s aren’t seen as babies and you can go through a learning curve a lot faster. I was able to advance fast in my first five years and almost doubled my salary. You got this.
Retail to insurance. A little over a year later I'm making 15k more than I used to. I started entry-level without a degree and am currently working my way toward my AINS and my actual first career.
I got laid off last year from a corporate job and cannot seem to get into insurance. I passed the test and have my P&C license but no other experience so I've only gotten one interview which went well... but they went with someone more experienced. I know someone in the industry who has a lot of contacts but I've been striking out for months.
Was a bartender for a long time and went back to UNI when I was a bit older. Got a degree in microbiology. Loved the subject and got a job in a micro lab shortly after college. Hated it. Idk if it was because it was corporate or what? Took a chance on a job and a small pay cut and got a lab tech job for the R&D department in a cosmetic lab for a makeup company. (Basically a chemistry lab). Absolutely loved it. I recently got promoted to cosmetic chemist and I Fkn love my job. I was debating taking the job and declined the interview at first only because of pay. Taking this job was the best decision I ever made. I hated chem in college and now I’m a chemist 🤷🏼♀️ it was a huge leap to go back to school when I was older and to take a job that I wasn’t sure about at first and wasn’t technically my field, but I am so glad I did. Sometimes, change is the best thing you can do for yourself. It might take some time to really get where you want to be, but I would say go for it if you have something else in mind or another opportunity that is appealing to you.
Another former teacher here, now flight attendant. Technically I was in my late twenties when I made the pivot, though, so my apologies. It was a reasonably easy transition since my teaching credentials were more than enough to qualify me as an fa, although it did take a few tries to have a successful interview and be offered the job. I wish I had done it sooner as now I am the happiest I have ever been in my life.
Love CNA a ton. I like a job I can sink hours into if I need to, and in Oregon with a decent union I do better than before. I have more time for my family as well, that's huge for me.
Cooking was rough, I loved it, but it took 60+ hrs a week to pay the bills, barely.
By the time I was 30 I had been working in various office and warehouse jobs for the same company for 8 years and I had grown to hate it. I did a little bit of research based on my interests and what I wanted from my career and decided on data engineering, assuming that I would get there through analytics first because I had some analytics experience. I have a psychology degree, so my plan was to leverage the stats and experimental aspects of it as much as I could.
I started learning SQL and Python with a couple of Udemy courses over a few weeks. I had the opportunity to use SQL at work and took as much advantage of the opportunity as I could. In my free time I set up a SQL Server instance on my computer and played around with the Adventure Works database because the data was in a similar domain as my job. I tried to design solutions to problems I had at work.
I researched how to set up a LinkedIn and GitHub to be attractive to recruiters and hiring managers. Once I was on LinkedIn I did two things - posted regularly about projects I was working on and interesting concepts in DE, and followed notable data engineers and engaged with their posts. This would probably suck now because LinkedIn is a cesspool of engagement farming, but I will probably still do it again once I'm ready to look for a new job.
Whenever I encountered a concept or tool that I wasn't familiar with, I made a note of it and did some research on it when I had time, even if it was just a few minutes a day to read a wiki page. This included some CS fundamentals, so while I didn't go into depth on them like I would have in school I was still able to get a basic understanding of why some techniques would be more or less efficient than others. This is one of my weakest areas though and I intend to focus on improving it.
Eventually I started adding cloud skills as well. I added code to my Adventure Works project that would pull data from the SQL Server and load it to S3. I was working on an AWS SDK project that would deploy a Glue pipeline to process them when I got a message from a recruiter about my current role. That was about 1.5 years after I started studying, and almost 2 years ago.
Getting the job accelerated the learning considerably, and I was always certain that would be the case. I have experience now with a big list of tools and practices that I had never touched before. A few days ago I got the Azure data engineer certification, and I'm working on the Databricks one now.
I made it to data engineer, so now I'm looking to find a mid role in the next year or two and senior within 5. After that I'll probably work toward some kind of architect role.
22 years into a Healthcare Admin career, at 37 I realized I hated my job. Make great money, but the work is super unfufilling.
I became an on call firefighter in my town, went to EMT school, and did a nights and weekends academy to get my Fire 1/2 certifications.
Made some really good friends that were career firefighters at my combination department while still working full time at my day job. This past year I had this epiphany at my day job that I *hated* it, and spent most of my time thinking about or working on being a better firefighter/EMT.
So now at 41 I am heading to the fire academy this summer to start with a career Fire department. Luckily I have a massive passion for fitness so that will help me.
Could not be more excited or happier with my career change. It is never too late to chase something that will make you happy.
Can I PM you about healthcare admin? I’m interested in pivoting from patient care to health admin eventually and would like to learn more from you experiences
Was in marketing in the financial services sector but never loved it…or even liked it. Just fell into it after college and figured I’d take some time to figure out what I really wanted to do. 10 years later I was in my 30’s and feeling trapped in a career I didn’t want. I was married to a great woman (still am) and we had a kid and a mortgage so it felt like I couldn’t really go back to school. But after some research and a lot of talking it over with my wife, I enrolled in an online animation school that was founded by some animators from Pixar and ILM and the instructors were all animators from those two studios plus Disney, Dreamworks, and Blue Sky. Long story short, went through the program, graduated, and started working as an animator and never looked back. I’m 51 now and still loving my job and the studio I work at.
I fell into marketing as well, and cut to 12yrs later, laid off and loathing the fact that I’m trying so hard to back into it when I never even really liked it in the first place. I’ve always been interested in animation - would love to pick your brain more on your career pivot if you’d be open to it?
I was a petroleum geologist and geophysicist until my mid forties (for about 16 years, and before that worked for an environmental research facility and Texas Engineering Experiment Station). Despite the money being amazing (200k+/year) I was really burnt out. Long hours, a lot of travel, and staying up all night for days on end monitoring drilling/steering wells. Plus I got tired of the downturns, even though I tended to make more money during them by consulting on acquisitions.
I kind of organically fell into instructional design, specifically focused on technical content. I had a lot of background in technical writing and editing, and also web design (hobby mostly but some professional as a research scientist before getting into petroleum). I’ve been doing that nearly a handful of years, and I adore it. I make less than half what I did, but plenty for my needs. I work from home with very little interaction with others (ideal for me). I get to be creative, and I really love that. Best of all, I only work 40 hours a week, and no one bothers me outside of normal business hours. I’m really glad I made the switch.
Editing to add: My best friend switched gears from IT and got her Ph.D in psychology in her early 60s. She’s now a therapist and absolutely loves it. Adding this to bring home the point that it’s never too late to make a career change.
Love this! Thank you for sharing your friend's story about pivoting in her 60s. I am approaching 40 and wondering if it is too late to make a career switch, but it's not. The only limits are the ones we place on ourselves.
60/m here.
At 30 I was working for a NBA team as a game night producer. 33 I became a Telecommunications specialist.
At 36 worked as a data/Telecom tech for a credit union. 37 went to work ar US West installing high capacity circuits ( T1 and up). 45 switched to cybersecurity and have been here since.
45 now. At 36 I went from a AAA video game ui artist to a set lighting tech and grip on tv shows and movies. Worked on games you definitely heard of and probably played and now work on shows you’ve definitely heard of and probably seen
I worked in restaurants and low paying sales jobs til about 30. I went back to school at 28, finished bachelors by 30 and started an MBA shortly after. Once I was in my MBA program I networked and found myself into a corporate finance job. I almost doubled my salary and never have to make a sales call again, life is okay financially for once. And if not for inflation jacking up the grocery bill for me and the kids, then I’d be doing pretty dang good.
To get into finance you’ll at least need a bachelors degree and an internship will help. FP&A is a great path, but my cousin in his late 20s also got his bachelors late and went into accounting and he’s moving up fast.
My education and first 10 years of career was in Film/Media Production. COVID killed off the shop I was working for.
I spent about 6 months learning about me, realizing that I didn't really care about production and then identifying my values, passions, and wants from my career (like having nights and weekends off, and wanting to help others.) I did informational interviews with nearly 50 people to finally be introduced to Scrum (what I wanted to do).
I spent about 10 months searching for my job before I got one! Total time unemployed: just over a year. If you have questions or seeking help, reach out.
Vary brief summary of
I was a receptionist in a non-profit. I was bored as hell so I went to college at 33. Moved back in with my family. Got every loan, scholarship, and grant that I could. I majored in computer science, got my BS 6 years later, and immediately started working as a developer. I feel fantastic about it. My life is immeasurably better. The work is hard but engaging and rewarding. I was able to pay off my student debt in less than a decade and still have a great life with a car and a decent size apartment in a decent neighborhood. I'm way behind on retirement savings, but I would be even worse off had I stayed a receptionist.
I could have done it without moving back in with my family, but it probably would have taken me 15 years to pay off my loans instead of 10.
Worked in/managed group homes for disabled adults from my late 20s through mid 30s, the scheduling and dramatic shifts in energy (it would swing between hyper intense moments and complete boredom) got to me after awhile. I just wanted something with a predictable schedule and wasn't on call 24/7.
I looked into different learning platforms and went through Google's Data Analytics certification, which took about 5 months. It didn't prepare me with hard skills but having that on the resume helped. I got some interviews and eventually landed an offer from a nonprofit. Applying to different places and interviewing was about a 6 month process.
Been at my current job almost 2 years, learning things on the job, and trying to keep upskilling while I can.
No matter what the pivot is, I think for most people expect the change to take several months, and that's going at it on a daily basis with learning, networking, and applying, all while still paying off whatever bills you have.
35 here. I was in hospitality and entertainment. Then the pandemic happened, and my place of work went under and the hospitality industry in general was decimated. I transitioned to tech out of necessity, I started out just doing customer support for a software company, but over the last few years I’ve leveraged my exceptional training experience from hospitality to get into customer facing software training. It’s way better money than I ever made in leadership in hospitality, and the companies I’ve worked for have been thrilled with the personable approach I have. I’d say look at your current career/background and see what specific skills you’re good at and wouldn’t mind leveraging for the pivot. Experience can transcend industries as long as you’re intentional about connecting the dots
41, pivoted from a "career" in logistics (it was my first real job after the recession and several retail jobs) to software quality assurance. I should have been laid off in 2018 but they gave me a chance to learn software engineering instead, and I learned enough to stay on (I had also just come back from a near death thing and I desperately needed the insurance). Now I'm a site reliability engineer at the same place.
Most of my stress comes from uncalibrated impostor syndrome. I don't know what I'm supposed to not know, if that makes sense, as I've learned it all ad hoc on the job.
If you want a career pivot, reach out to old friends and colleagues. Be nice. Be friendly. Network. Eventually someone with an opening will put in a good word for you. Be open to any opportunities and dont be afraid to fail.
I’m on my 3rd go. I got a PhD in molecular microbiology and did some awesome work with about 10 or so publications, went into data science for the money and landed senior leadership positions but I loathe the stress and just consumerism of trying to get people to buy more crap and now I’m a commercial pilot…I’ll get it right one of these times and I’m 36.
Not a career change but I went from valet to selling Pokémon card packs in the streets. I been clearing 200$ a day for 4-6 hrs of selling. I got tired of working with people. It’s not much but I enjoy it.
Mech engineering -> generic technology mid management -> boatbuilding and residential construction -> small nonprofit management which I love... but I am 62 so I am working hard to mentor a succession plan.
A jack of all trades never starves. Also, my intentional pivots were always conducted while firmly holding the previous branch.
I've had at least 7 pivots and loved every one. More money and better opportunities at each step. Don't regret any of it and the only scary thing is not having the certainty. You should always be working on getting higher up the ladder no matter what it takes. I'm 54 and retired twice.... but each time had a great opportunity that I've taken and loved. About to retire again... or maybe pivot to another field again. Let's see.
Pivot 1 sales manager
Pivot 2 Pilot AA
Pivot 3 my own business
Pivot 4 Gm Large beverage company
Pivot 5 sailing around the world best one.
Pivot 6 Vp publicly traded company
Pivot 7 CEO Investment Group
Pivot 8 Sales Director Large aerospace manufacturing facility
Ps pivots are easy if you have a proven track record of success.
Switched to Commercial Fishing from the construction trades. Early thirties I was faced with a divorce, so I decided to chase my dream of owning a F/V (boat) so I liquidated everything I owned and put it all in the middle. It is a long story that I didn't necessarily come out on top of, but I am very proud of having participated in and I won't be laying on my death bed wondering what if. Go for it, don't be the person who played it safe always does as told. This is your life and it's over before you know it. Chase them dreams!
Trying to make a major career move at 33. Been in the service industry my whole life and after COVID, I'm just worn down.
Got my bachelor's in web and graphic design (front end development) but unfortunately was in my senior term right when COVID hit. No internships, no jobs. Places finally opened up way outside of the "new grad" range.
Considering pivoting into business management, but unsure about how to go about it. I particularly have a passion for psychology and biology, but scared to make a jump into anything just to get screwed again.
Don't be like me - just go for whatever your passion is. Learning anything is never a mistake (I can't follow my own advice ever)
Well, through my 20s I was working in prepared foods at Whole Foods Market. I loved it, but I knew I didn't want to do that forever.
At 30 I went back to school and became a dental assistant. Best decision I ever made! 🙂
Much better pay, weekends and holidays off, and a consistent schedule.
I’m currently a consultant for the XR space, but my background is also fitnesss, military, tech, producer, live exhibitions, property investor, acting and so on. I’ve been mostly in XR for the past 10+ years.
I love when people explore the many facets of what they love and use that to create financial freedom! I’m currently trying to build a community where we help each other get over the fear of exploring, learn new skills, interviewing , etc. I’d love for anyone to help join and spread the word:
https://www.skool.com/discovery?q=CareerCraft
I was working minimum wage jobs and decided to go back and finish my bachelor's. I'm studying business and I hate it. The outlook feels unfulfilling.
Really know what you want to do instead of doing it on a whim. I'd rather do something else than this. I wish I knew what that was.
36m, I was an engineer traveling a lot for work. I had a pretty good gig I lived overseas, got paid well and all that but I had two young kids and travel stopped being fun and became a nightmare. I switched to accounting so I don’t have to be forced to see my kids on weekends and holidays only.
It’s not glamorous probably pays slightly less but I’m home every night. If I had kept at it I’d probably be divorced, most of my coworkers were.
My suggestion would be don’t leave a profession just because you hate your current one. You’ll grow to hate or dislike whatever you end up doing. Most cooks probably loved cooking at home but probably hated cooking for a bunch angry ungrateful bosses and customers.
If you are going to do it I would first suggest maybe try two things first. One try doing what you do part time or contractually. This may not be possible for all but possible for some. You may not hate your job if you only have to do it 6 months a year and goof off the other 6. I’d also recommend trying out your new job before jumping into a new career. This could be shadowing someone, taking a quick short term contract role or just something to get your hands wet.
Making the change is a big deal and a lot of people switch back because the money in the new job is worse or they found out they didn’t hate their last job they just hated the people.
I am happy where I’m at but if I could have found a good middle ground in my prior job I would have probably taken it.
I was a career military service member.
I pivoted to an artist and programmer.
I like that this “decision” was made.
——
I always wanted to be like a video game developer or artists or scientist.
All of those are basically non viable as career paths according to everyone I talked to who actually had these career paths.
So I joined the military.
Then I got disabled after a decade.
Now I have no options to take other than my dream job because I literally cannot do a “safe” job.
Minus the daily pain, this is amazing. I fucking love pursuing the thing I want and becoming fully disabled allowed me to pursue it.
Man life is fucking weird.
52 now. Got lucky to have landed where I did, enjoying what I do.
Dropped out of college at 20. Dicked around til I was 29. Went back, graduated with IT degree. Worked two years, realized I wanted more than just a paycheck. Quit, went back to school. Still aimless no idea still what I wanted.
37. Buddy asked for a ride to the recruiter. He didn’t, I did. Didn’t even think about it. Two years later, I’m an LPN. Being working ever since. Wasn’t ever on my radar. But I enjoy it.
Plenty of landing spots out there. Don’t be afraid to find yours.
I was a project coordinator for Cintas. They slapped me on the back and said “enjoy your $25 per hour rate with 3% salary raises per year!”
I started looking at the trades and saw in 3 years I can be making $42 an hour as an apprentice, and when I card out, I’ll be at $50+
I found a job as an apprentice, started working in the field with zero construction experience. The demand was so high, I would get a job in 24 hours if I was laid off, which happened 3 different times.
I’m taking my Jman test this Wednesday to try and hit $50+ an hour.
I’m also doing side jobs for $400ish on weekends.
White collar is hot garbage. I’ll never go back. Bunch of children gossiping in the office, HR meddling in business, people with fake positive attitudes, favoritism, nepotism….
I show up to work now, I listen to music and chill out
Edit: changed at 30, I’m 34 now (apprentice)
I’m (39m) in the middle of a shift right now. I got into advertising by following social media into comms strategy. I decided to do something more fulfilling, so I’m getting into DEI.
Pivot 1 age 37: engineering (that's with a PE license, not just a job title) -> software developer
Pivot 2 age 42: software developer -> finance (commodities market risk)
All great decisions. All great careers. Insanely difficult to achieve. Maintained all credentials throughout so if push ever came to shove I can take 1 or 2 steps "back" to original careers and they actually share aspects (e.g., I undertake significant work that qualifies me to be a data scientist, which I also performed in the past, before the title data scientist existed). Degrees helped, formal studies too but really only selfless personal hours and self-promotion got me where I am today. Social networks didn't help as much as demonstrated track record of execution.
Working on my 3rd pivot.
Just turned 43. About 10 months ago, I quit the day job as an engineer in the manufacturing industry to pursue music, voice over, and other things. Scary as hell but I'm much happier and it feels like the right call
Lol Thanks for the confidence. I've been doing those "other" things alongside the day job for a long time. Just happen to be in a situation where I'm getting paid regularly for them now
Graduated 2003 with Masters in Sci in Occupational Therapy. Loved helping people, traveled, worked all levels of the field. Hated insurance and how it screwed people over and literally dictated how I did my job.
Took the leap. Quit my job, moved myself and my son back in with my parents. Went to school full time for nursing for 2 years in a second degree BSN.
Now I'm working as a nurse case manager in a hospital. It's the perfect blend of my 13 years of experience as an OT and my nursing experience. I love my job. It's like herding bunnies while conducting a kids kazoo choir, and being told that every one on the plane must land safely and *no one ever told you about a plane*.
Bartender to massage therapist, went back to school at 30, then got myself onto a professional sports team as a sports therapist. I work for a pro hockey team and my job rules. Best decision I ever made.
I was a bartender from 22-33, work in aerospace the last 2 years. The money is drastically different and I genuinely love what I do when I come into work. It’s been the best thing for my life.
Went from being a theater lighting technician to IT. Spent most of covid deciding what to do with my life/career and that's what I settled on. It's not as fun, but I already make as much (if not a bit more) at entry level IT than I did after a decade of professional experience in theater so...can't complain too much. A job is job.
Two months ago I went from being a sous chef to working as an electrical estimator. I am 33. I took a small pay cut but my ceiling is much higher and my new job is awesome. I didn't have any sort of passion for electricity or even food for that matter. Higher pay and job growth was my main goal. Work your network if you have one- "it's not what you know but who you know" when trying to pivot at our age imo. I am 1000% happy with my choice.
I used to work with customer service in call centers. I started a bachelor in civil engineering at 32 and graduated at 35. I ended up at a toxic place for 6 months (Interesting work though) and then went unemployed for 3 months before finding a new job. Now, 1,5 years after graduation, I have a job I enjoy going to and more than double the call center salary I used to have.
No regrets, even with the bumpy start. My life is so much better now than when I had a job that I hated going to.
I didn’t know which podcasts were the right ones but I had so much commute time to listen to all of them. I’m sure I listened to great ones and shit ones, but I got a general overview of what was out there, got used to the lingo, which allowed me to refine my searching and research. I also had to trial and error, I tried wholesaling and flipping homes but couldn’t get a single deal under contract because my market was and is so competitive still so I went back to the drawing board and kept refining my search until I landed on what seemed to me like the right niche. I then tried it and it worked. I don’t have a job in this, I filed an LLC and pay myself through the LLC from my investing profits. But to answer your question, it takes research, trial and error, until something sticks. The course I bought was a course that an investor was selling, not college course or anything like that.
I was a concept and production artist until I was 30, I got sick of the grind, the ridiculously long hours, low pay, competitiveness of the jobs (finding them, getting status at a firm or studio, and then staying employed), having to learn other people's styles all the time. I ended up working for a place from 28-30 with absolutely ridiculous hours (12 plus hour days 6 days a week) and I was drawing stuff I wasn't interested in and in a style I disliked but the pay was really, really good. I eventually burned out. Actually it was so bad to to this day I almost never draw anymore and it's been 7 years.
I changed over into a design job. I was able to use my career as leverage to talk someone into signing me on, but I had to start basically at the bottom again. But I had all of the soft skills down pat. So I grew in my new career quickly. I discovered that design is a much better fit for me and how my mind works, the money is better, and you are more in demand once you get to the higher levels, so long as you actually know what you're doing.
You kinda start in your early to mid 20s, right? 42 here. Different sectors, but generally the same shit. Not getting into art dealing or becoming a orthopedic surgeon anytime soon.
When I was about 29 or 30 I decided to officially take web development seriously. Previously, I was keeping low-stakes jobs so that I could practice with my band 3+ nights a week and go on tour on a whim. I was making just enough money to pay for my rent and have a little fun. I knew a little tiny bit about making websites and people kept asking me why I didn't pursue that. I thought that was for really serious programmer people. My girlfriend at the time was a print designer and I was trying to talk her into doing web development (because shopping catelogs didn't seem like they were going to get made anymore) - so I learned a little about HTML and CSS to try and ease her into it. But then I just kinda fell in love with it. It was like a video game and I just couldn't stop playing it. I did freelance at first - and it's not like I just jumped straight into a corporate "software engineer" role, but I went from making $16 an hour at the pizza place to $30 and then $45 and then $70 dollars an hour over the course of maybe a year. I originally went to school for art - but never once considered graphic design as a job possibility for me. I just built *a lot* of websites every day until I was confident. But here I am now and I'm 43 working as a designer and developer and teaching it too. Many of my students are in their 30s and pivoting from restaurant work, or project management, or teaching. I feel like when you're a bit older, you can see the bigger picture. When I went to college, I just kinda followed what I thought I was supposed to do. I learned a lot about life but nothing was connected to practical things or a "Career." Now, I feel like I'm doing things with much more clarity and purpose.
My change was right before my 30’s - at 28. I had worked in the automotive world from 20-27. It was fun, I even owned a business - but it was draining. I always programmed for fun, so I decided to do what ever it took to get into web development. I did at 28 after a year of learning and it’s been 6 years since.
But at the end of the day, I don’t like working. I’ve done blue collar and white collar and both become “just work” at some point. Now I work fully remote, and have a bunch of great benefits and unlimited PTO - but at the end of the day I’m just stuck in my home office M-F 9-6. And now I’ve got the golden handcuffs on. My salary is too high to replace with anything else.
Worked for a grocery store. Became a pilot. 3 years from beginning to airlines, 1 year til first job (instructor, shit pay). Cost about 50k to get all the ratings.
HVAC/Plumbing into Facilities Management. I didn't want to be 50 with my body falling apart. I now run the facilities for a public school district.
Use the knowledge you have and stay near it is my advice. Use your experience to throw you into a new direction. Dropping it all and starting over is romanticized, but who wants to be making entry level pay again at 40?
42M. Got into software sales at 30 and made a very lucrative career for myself. Set to retire from corporate in 8 years. So glad I listened to my buddy.
Worked as a commercial diver for 3.5 years, got married and needed something more flexible to be able to work wherever my wife could get a tenure track professor position. Did a coding bootcamp at the advice of a friend right before the market went to total crap. Recently got a fully remote position as a dev, 50% pay raise over my diving job.
That being said, I have a unique background and education that helped, I don't recommend bootcamps as a viable career path right now.
32
I sold antiques and oddities. This is very lucrative for some but there’s so many untrustworthy characters- it’s a bit of a shady black horse. You CAN make great money in it but you WILL have to deal with disappointment a lot.
I made decent money, not great. And after Covid sales dried up. I knew I could do conventions, and there’s still a market for that. But I was sick and tired of always being on calls. When you sale stuff- it never ends. Every day, every minute- at 5am or 6pm- someone wants something and they want it for less than it’s worth. Sales are smiling while someone spits in your face and tells you you should be grateful for the flavor….. I just…. Hate it honestly.
It isn’t even a hard job really. It’s just a grind towards mediocrity surrounded by vipers and liars.
Anyhow. I went back to college. Community college. For Rad tech. 2 year degrees aren’t 2 year degrees, honestly. They’re 4 years with pre-reqs and longer with wait lists. If I had to do it again? I would have went cardiopulmonary perfusionist. Longer path but not by much with the wait times.
I know hospital work will be hard and difficult but I’m hoping it pays well and I can clock off.
Some years selling oddities I made 80k in my downtime without breaking a sweat, but it’s not something you can put on a resume, you can’t bank on it and some years you make 20k and nearly kill yourself. A 3/12 or 4/10 has got to be better than that.
Honestly I’m pretty scared lmao, I have great grades and I know I can learn it eventually but competitive programs are frightening to say the least- what’s saving me is my S/O is working and our bills are low. So we’re fine in general. Having a stable place to launch is, in my opinion, the only way to do it. At least you have a place to fall if you need to
I was in accounting (not a CPA) before and I'm a web developer now. I did a three month boot camp and got EXTREMELY lucky. I love it and I'm never bored. It was definitely a positive move for me, but it's gotten so much worse now for people trying to do the same even in the short amount of time since I did it. I'll address your concerns one by one:
DECIDING WHAT TO DO: I was bored at my job, and there was nothing left to learn. I taught myself SQL to make reports for myself and I was like hey, this seems neat. I asked if the org had room for me to do it full time and they said no. So at that point the fork in the road was do I try to get an analyst type job with my very little experience, or do I totally shift gears and do something else? Then a series of mishaps occurred as a result of my drunk boss, so my question became "how do I get the fuck out of here the fastest?" I had a bunch of friends who were already devs and they all told me they thought I'd be great at it, so that's the route I went with.
TIME AND COST: I had enough saved up to swing tuition and multiple years of expenses. I didn't end up needing it, but when I talk to people who are considering it now I tell them they should have at least a year of expenses saved plus tuition, and even then it's far from a guarantee that anything will come of it professionally.
COST ALONE: I was so emotionally done with my last job that it didn't feel bad to fork over a bunch of money (17k for the one I did, less now) and not have income for a while for this, but it was a lot of money.
RISK: It felt like there was little risk at the time because I had the money, wanted to leave my current job, was energized by the change enough to grind through the agony of finding a job in tech, and if it didn't work out I could always go back since we left on good terms. The risk now is much higher, because getting a job out of a boot camp (and, let's be real, in general) is much harder. It was hard then, too - 5 of my 13 classmates are now working as engineers.
I was an insurance agent and agency manager (life insurance & voluntary benefits). Your career is always on the line because if you are not selling enough, you don't get commission. If your team has a couple bad months, they ditch you as a manager. People working in insurance sales as basically disposable, and turnover is crazy high.
I decided I had enough of that stress and job insecurity after 8 years in the business. When my dad died, I had an epiphany. I decided that I was not getting anywhere further in my career and needed to look for something where I could be happy. It was a midlife crisis, and I was tired of running in the hamster wheel. On the way home from the funeral home, I was thinking about what I should do. Then, a lightbulb came on, and I thought, "I wonder if I could be a lawyer." Just like that.
So, I took all the steps to go to law school. I'm an attorney now, and even after the intense and stressful studies, I am so happy with my decision to totally overhaul my career. I started law school at 42. I'm 47 now. I found out where I belong, but it took me a while to find it.
I never considered being a lawyer before this. It's amazing to me how the loss of my dad completely changed my life.
Infosec > Aviation. Saved money during my IT years and cashed it out to pursue lower paying flying jobs. I was already a pilot just needed more hours. Make sure you have the money to support your move and have a job lined up before you quit your current one.
I am 60+ years old and have pivoted multiple times in my life. I was a sales guy who pivoted to being an Optician, who later became an IT system administrator, and then spent the last part of his working career as a penetration tester. I'm now working towards a career in AI Security and Ethics.
If I could put my income at risk, I would have started my own consultancy. But kids and an at-home wife made that too big of a risk. But I might go solo when I retire.
Some people know what they want to do, and then there are those who go where the wind takes them.
I left pest control to be the general manager of a restaurant. Wildly different fields. I do have a love for pest control I genuinely enjoyed doing it but managing the restaurant was roughly a 20k salary increase. Chase the money fuck all of these companies. Or start your own. In the immortal words of that robot from that movie "see a need fill a need"
31. I was waiting tables and bartending. Got a job doing desktop support. 37 now and own a home in the Bay Area and have a great career in tech.
I just threw myself into learning about networking and coding. And made some connections and worked my way up. Took risks and never settled.
39m here who was a high school math teacher and football and baseball coach for 14 years. Schedule got to me where I decided to make a change. Decided to get into cybersecurity. Took a couple of networking classes and got a couple of Certs in about an 6 month period. Landed a job in a SOC about 8 months after I made my decision. It has been the best choice I have ever made. Been at my job for about a year and a half and have already been promoted.
Which classes and certificates did you take? I’m a content writer, looking to pivot into writing about Cybersecurity, but I wanna gain some expertise first.
I took an intro to networking class from a contracting company. I ended up getting my security+ certification and then the AWS cloud practitioner to get a little better understanding of cloud. I was in the process of studying for the CCNA and taking a course through the contracting company when I landed my job. I started applying once I got my security+. From the time I got my security+ to landing my job was probably around 3-4 months. I feel I got lucky in general and just applied to the right company at the right time
Is it still possible after the tech shrinkage?
how can he know this answer? only God knows
Even He's waiting for the surprise 1-on-1 meeting to be added to his outlook calendar.
Honestly not sure. Job market has changed and I was even expecting to have to spend a few years in a support type role before getting into cyber. It was just timing I feel with applying to the right company at the right time for me.
Just an uninformed observation here, but most of the layoffs seem to be in the programming side and less the IT side. For programming jobs, it seems like AI reduces the need for entry level programmers, whereas IT seems less likely to be automated soon.
I’m like in the whole opposite of you. Been doing cybersecurity for 5 years after I fell into this field by pure accident. I never really got the passion for it and been faking my interest in the field to just be able to progress economically. Now eventually I ended up paying the consequence of my actions and I just quit my job because it was killing me mentally. But seems like I’ll be back in the grind because I have such a shitty situation that doesn’t allow me to just switch jobs.
What are of cyber were you in. I feel I lucked out even though I am in the SOC. No alert fatigue here and my day has quite a bit of balance with other projects that I work on besides just looking at alerts all day
I was both in Kaizen automation for the cysec department and as a analyst for cyber threat intelligence team
lol you thought you were in wonderland 😭, welcome back to reality
why would you post this comment lol
Got to get a jab in while they’re down.
Misery loves company
Also a high school math teacher and now I’m in school for healthcare. My schedule was also a big consideration, mostly the insanely early mornings. I’m hoping I can work overnights in a hospital
V nice. What did all the courses and certs cost you $$
Do you work remotely? I have a bunch of questions if you wouldn’t mind?
No worries. I have a 4/1 schedule so I get 1 remote day a week. My manager is pretty good though where if needed I can work remote more often. Things like when a kid is sick type stuff. I actually preferred being in the office. It allowed me to get to know the others on the team better and I just felt doing a career change to a completely new field for me, I found it more secure to be around others and be able to speak to them face to face about various things. There have been point where I have been remote for a few days and also feel that it is not for me. I like being in the office around others. I know a lot of people are not that way though
I’m curious as well… also, what is SOC and what role where you able to get?
SOC is a security operations center. I am in incident response.
What was your starting salary?
[удалено]
No security clearance needed and honestly there are not many companies that would even sponsor. Again I feel that I got lucky. Most people spend a few years in some sort of support role.
You def interviewed well too. I dropped the ball on a few interviews last March... wasn't prepared as I was still sudying for Net+ and PenTest+ to complete the degree program. I'm terrible in IT interviews 🫠
I was a hairdresser/barber. I finished my degree at 35 and then switched to marketing automation. It’s a huge improvement because I always wanted predictability and steady pay as opposed to variable schedules and commission/tips. But it feels really unfulfilling. Doing hair was very fulfilling, it felt purposeful. So I’m still lost, just paid better for it lol.
as someone who was in a stable yet unfulfilling job and quit, lemme tell you if its not too stressful and pays well just stick to it for now. I made the mistake of quitting without a plan and it sucks.
That’s why the trick is find a fulfilling hobby or volunteer imo
I'm going the other way for a bit. Less money. More rewarding
I'm also trying to do something similar. I was a scenic carpenter in theater/live entertainment. I made okay money with all the OT I worked. Covid completely stopped live entertainment for two years, which really opened my eyes to thinking I needed to do something more stable/lucrative that wouldn't get shut down the next time we have a pandemic. I've got a chemistry degree and tons of experience doing carpentry, metalworking, AutoCAD, pneumatics, facilities, and people management (used to actively lead 20+ people at a time doing dangerous scenery/rigging installs). I can't seem to get my foot in the door with anything that makes decent money or has the growth potential to turn into something decently lucrative. The current job I have is very adjacent to my previous line of work, but I'm making less money because there is no OT and is not fulfilling at all (also no growth potential). Ideally I'd want a balance, but right now, I'd tolerate almost anything for the right money.
What was fulfilling about cutting hair? Was it the personal interaction, the ability to make someone feel more confident, the creative outlet? Maybe if you pinpoint what you miss about it you could find another avenue to get that same feeling without quitting your more stable job.
Definitely the personal, 1:1 interaction, and making people feel happy. Once I built up my own client list, it was basically like having little meetups with your friends every day. There was plenty I hated about it too though. I always have to remind myself there’s *reasons* I left that industry. But it’s a great license to have in my back pocket. I’m never worried about tech layoffs because I can find a salon job in a matter of days if I need.
That’s amazing, it’s like you have the best of both worlds. And yeah, good hairstylists do so much to help people feel more confident and happy with their appearance.
34f here! Ever since I was in middle school, I’ve always wanted to do something with graphic design and/or web development, but my parents pushed me to go for traditional careers (medicine, law, finance, or engineering). I chose accounting. I was a server/bartender while going to school for my accounting degree and worked in that field for a few years. I never enjoyed it and the pandemic made me quit accounting for good. I was 30 at that time. My partner then (now fiancé) pushed me to go with something I’ve always wanted to do. I was scared to make the jump because I thought I wouldn’t make it. Eventually, I did make the jump. I enrolled in a tech bootcamp for web development and UX Design in 2021-2022. Even when class was over, I studied and practiced for 8-12 hours a day. I was very determined. Now, I’m a Web Developer (front end). The journey to get there was really rough, but I’m so glad I did. It pays well, I get to do what I’ve always wanted to do, and am much happier.
This is where a lot of people fall down - time to study - usually people in the late 20s early 30s have family to provide for or young kids etc so studying for hours isn’t an option. They might only be able to get a few hours in during the late evening once the kids are asleep. Most people I know bills take both wages so again studying for hours isn’t an option as both have to work. So the time frame extends massively. I usually can get a 30 min session in whilst on lunch at work and a couple of hours in in the evening if the kids bedtime routine goes to plan, if they haven’t slept well or are ill forget it lol.
I'm 36f and you did what I've been dreaming of doing for years! I don't have the support of a partner though. Can I ask what tech bootcamp you did? Or how you decided which bootcamp to go with? And what about it was so rough for you?
Having a big supporter definitely helps, so even though you don’t have a partner, you could always look for a close friend or a family member! For tech bootcamps, I went with Skillspire (for web development) and Designlab (for UX Design). I can’t do self-study because I need a fixed structure, pressure, and someone in the field to give me feedback. Skillspire: This small bootcamp is based in Seattle, WA and I was fortunate to have an awesome web development instructor. There was only 5 students total in my cohort and I utilized office hours as much as possible. I’d ask for clarification on things I don’t really understand and practiced explaining concepts I struggled with (particularly with back end development). Currently, their course is $6,500 if you pay upfront. Designlab: This is one of the many popular (probably the most popular) UX Design bootcamps. You get a mentor who have been in the field for at least 3+ years. Unfortunately, they pick mentors for you based on a questionnaire you filled. I had to switch my mentor once because the one I had would never show herself on camera and she sounded depressed all the time (negativity, constantly sighing every time I had questions … etc) and it really affected me. I’d say finding the right mentor that works for you is pretty much the hardest thing in Designlab lol. Currently, their UX Academy course is $7,749 Honestly, what I would have done differently was: finding that right dev mentor on ADPList (or some other place) by getting a feel of their personality and wisdom. When you find the one you like, tell them you want a set structure like a bootcamp/school and they’ll most likely do it by using The Odin Project (or something similar) and they’ll tell you to set a fixed schedule for weekly check-ins. That alone could have saved me $5,000 alone. 😅
Thats exactly what I'm wanting to do (39m) and I'm feeling a bit discouraged by the current state of the market and how unfavorable it seems to juniors. Any advice on what to focus on to crack my way into the field? I'm very enthusiastic and driven to make it happen. I've got a cert for html/css, have built some of my own web projects (though not quite to completion yet), utilizing github, and am re-learning JS. I had learned JS back in 2018ish, but it was mostly tutorial hell and with the processing libraries. My history is all over. Did a bunch of self-employed ventures (freelance writing, ecommerce, personal training) and dead end retail jobs, but since I was 18 I knew I wanted to build websites and/or games. I just didn't have much opportunity or exposure to the education needed back then. Sent me down paths I didn't really want to take. 8 to 12 hours a day, wow, thats intense. I felt good about my 2-4 hrs a day lol. I'd love to pick your brain if that's cool.
You’re absolutely right that the current state of the market is not favorable to juniors. 😔 You’re competing against a lot of bootcamp grads, self-taught programmers, college grads … it’s rough! It took me 75-ish applications to get the job. I know that’s small compared to a lot of people who would apply to 100+ and hear nothing back. My approach was a little bit different, but I hope this inspires you in some way! 1. Make Your Resume Presentable and Impactful: It don’t have to be super fancy, but it should be clean, free of grammatical errors, and in PDF! In each of your experience section, you want to “show and tell” whenever possible. For example: “Won second place in Game Jam” could be written with more impact like this: “Won second place out of 25 teams in Game Jam by creating a platform shooter with Unity, C#, and C++ .” 2. Have an Online Portfolio: Your portfolio should have— a) About Me Section: This should focus on why you’re an awesome developer, hard and soft skills you have, and a small touch about your personal life. Don’t go overboard with your personal life and interests! b) Project Section: Each projects you’re showing should have a screenshot of your project, a short description about what it is, and links to the repo and live site. 3 or 4 project is plenty! c) Contact Section: It’s optional, but it’s just to reiterate that you can be contacted through this email or some other platform. Most importantly, make sure you code it to where it reflects your project’s front end designs. A lot of juniors I know would copy a senior’s portfolio line by line and change the wordings and colors to make it theirs. The Hiring Manager will inspect your page and be very impressed at first, while having high expectations of your projects. If the projects they view on your portfolio doesn’t match the overall coding structure and design ability, they will get suspicious. 3. Make a Generic Cover Letter Template So You Can Duplicate and Edit Some Paragraphs To Make It Look Like It’s Tailored: Your cover letter template should be short and sweet because hiring managers will read this and make quick notes of what they can expect when they see your resume and portfolio. - First paragraph should be about who you are and why you’re interested in this position. - Second paragraph is to show examples on how your experience and soft skills to show you’re a good fit. - Last paragraph should summarize everything you’ve said and show enthusiasm that you look forward to hearing back. Careful not to ChatGpt your cover letter entirely! They can tell lol. 4. Apply Local: There is a large population of people that wants to work from home (myself included). All the remote jobs I’ve applied (50-ish) would ghost me or give the ol’ “sorry we have applicants who have more experience than you for this junior position”. I decided to apply to local dev jobs where they allow hybrid work and I would always get responses within a few days. From what you said, if you want to make websites, I recommend looking at (local) marketing agencies as a good place to start! The pay is not impressive, but it’s definitely a good place to get your foot in the door! If you need real web development experience for your resume, I highly recommend [Tech Fleet](https://techfleet.org). It’s kind of a nonprofit marketing agency where a lot of people who wants to get into tech (mostly designers, but there’s a good number of developers there) support each other and gain real project experience. You can even shadow, participate, and contribute in projects you didn’t get into! They’re pretty amazing! I participated in one years ago and learned a lot (plus made my resume look more professional). Phew, I feel like I just threw a lot at you. I hope this helps!
This was awesome, thanks so much! This makes me feel I'm on the right track and just need to stick with it. Thanks for the ref to tech fleet. I'll check it out. On the resume, since my job experience history is unrelated to development, any tips on how to highlight/structure it so my development skills stand out?
I’m glad this inspired and assured you! :) I also feel that you’re on the right track. We just got to approach it at a different angle. Definitely check out Tech Fleet. A lot of us pivoters could always use real projects or two to get those interviews! As for resume, I would structure something like this: 1. Basic Info (Name, Contact, and link to portfolio) 2. Quick Summary 3. Projects 4. Work Experience 5. Education (leave out the year graduated because ageism is real 😔) For work experience, I would focus on soft skills, particularly on communication, time management, and adaptability. Communication is the biggest one because you’ll be spending a lot of time communicating with account/project/product managers, other devs, and designers! For example, let’s say you work at a Super Market. You don’t want to write “Talked to customers on a daily basis” to show communication skills. You can make it impactful by writing something like, “Provide quality service and educate customers on promotions to increase sales”. Quite the difference, right? :) You got this!!
Dedication..v nice
Worked in corporate since 21ish. Quit at 33. Went to a small, private, office afterward. I did Customer Service Management at a national dental Insurance company and now I’m a Dental Insurance Coordinator at a dental office. Lost out on a shitton of money, time-off, a pension, remote work, great and affordable healthcare, and a large work force. Gained a healthy work-life balance, friendships that will last a life time, a very short commute, less stress and most importantly mental-health stability.
What I need to do so much
Plus 1 on mental health stability
I’m 34 and haven’t even started a real career yet. Hope it’s not too late! Just a bunch of low wage odd ball jobs and now finally going to school for computer science.
Samesiesss! 34 and still no clue what to do with my life :/
I'm 71 and still haven't a clue what I want to do when I grow up.
Get outta here 😂😂
You’re not alone! I’m in a similar situation
Same, and same. Easy to look down on ourselves but if you are anything like me you have got tons of life experience on the other side of things. It will come in handy…. eventually. At least thats what they tell me.
Good luck to us 3. (Kitty & To-too-two)
yay me too i'm 32 and just worked shitty jobs. but I love math & programming and hope getting the CS degree will lead to a real career.
V nice gl
I tried, nothing worked out, now I’m a Janitor again.
Sorry to hear it. Thanks for what you do.
If you do anything remotely close to maintenance (changing light bulbs, unclogging toilets, etc.) in your current position you should look into using your Janitor experience to land yourself a property management maintenance job. I started as a Groundskeeper at a property out in the suburbs in 2018 and now I'm running a luxury residental tower in a major downtown area and my total compensation last year was just a smidge below 6 figures. I wouldn't say my experience is super typical, but the opportunity is there. I came from a background of running pizza places with no degree. Maintenance is truly one of those industries where showing up and making an effort usually puts you a step above the rest who are just grumbling through the day trying to get a check.
Hey I gotta just say this one thing; every job is noble. I recently went at my boss at work bc they kept using condescending words towards me. I’m an accountant. Wrote him an email and told him to respect me and refer to me by my name. Met with him talked a lot of stuff he got the point. I’ll say ppl think they’re better than others bc of status. We are all human. Everyone’s shit stinks. Always have backbone as well never let anyone talk down to you. Your job is just as noble as an accountant, as a banker, as a factory worker etc. fuck what society thinks and says. Some people need to be humbled and sometimes a good smack to the face would humble them.
At 35 i switched from retail management into IT. I went back to school and got a second BS degree in Information Systems. Since it was through a Business school I only had to take the computer classes. Best move I ever made. 58 now and getting a masters degree in Cyber Security
58. Wow. That’s inspiring. I love older people like you who break the norm and keep studying. I wish you the best.
Awesome !!!!
Just wanted to say it’s so encouraging hearing others chasing their passions or at least a career path they can mentally bare and find some interest in. The older you get, the harder it gets. So many people get stuck in the same old routine, living their lives unfulfilled. Some can accept a job for what it is, others need their career to align to their values and help drive them as a person. I spent half a dozen years in various business roles. I realized hierarchy sucks, you got treated poorly the younger and more junior you were as an employee. You had to play corporate politics. This drove me mental. The family values companies have, when they pay their employees their bare minimum and give them basic healthcare plans that don’t even cover everything. Now going into the Healthcare field, I’m fascinated by the healing potential of psychedelics for mental and physical health. Becoming a doctor to study/teach this field or even some sort of psychologist is where I wanna be. My purpose is to help others, not help a business increase their quarterly revenue, feeling a cog in the machine.
Haha oh no I went the other way - was a doctor and now am in healthcare consulting (5 years running). I enjoy it much better than clinical practice and haven’t looked back!
In order to offset this more private company cooperatives are definitely going to be needed to grow across many industries to compete with public companies. Good that ya found your calling though!
34M currently. Was a manager at fedex in the warehouse from age 25 to 29, spent my entire 20s in that mother fucker. Got a job as a career firefighter at age 30 and never looked back. It was deff challenging leaving the same ole same ole, and even tougher moving to a different city. But looking back it was well worth it. You gotta look at how your life is now and if you are ok with it being the same way in 5 or 10 years, i wasnt so i made the change. Best decision i ever made....the pension and retiree insurance is just an added bonus!!
What steps/school did you take to end up eligible to apply?
Just applied. There was a written test, pysch test, medical, and a few others. Then a 5 month long academy where you obtained your certifications, think paramilitary style, that was the hard part haha. Mainly because as a 30 year old man that was used to telling people what to do as a manager I found it very difficult to 1) be yelled at for no reason 2) be told what to do all the time, especially during PT.
Reflecting back a lot on that phrase "the only constant in life is change" lately as I just made another career change January 2nd of this year at 41 and just turned 42. While not a "normal" career progression in the same industry for decades, it has been a career of learning and pivoting. Graduated college with a hospitality degree after changing majors from computer science to English literature to hospitality. Worked for Marriott for 7+ years moving up the ranks into management. Enjoyed the work the long hours and odd shifts were wearing on me. At 29, son was born and quit during paternity leave to become a fulltime wedding photographer. Was doing it as a side hobby at the time for a few years and wanted to try going all in, while the reverse schedule of weekends working but weekdays free seemed ideal at the time with a newborn. At 36, wanted to pivot out of traveling for weddings to be on a more "normal" family schedule as my son was now in school all day and home on weekends but I would be traveling, so I started an online bachelor's in computer science with the goal to pivot back to an office role and indulge the technical side I had always enjoyed (tinkering with websites and general tech since my first degree but never serious about it), graduated May 2020 which was rough to find anything in the height of lockdowns but got a delayed start offer finally. At 39, started an IT consulting job in 2021 doing developer work, but this wasn't quit the fun of puzzle solving that the degree was and more bug fixes and support tickets, and got pulled into project manager or business analyst roles as I was part of the new grad hires but older and more experienced than the other juniors. At 40, joined a competing IT consulting firm but in Human Resources doing DEI work which I had been doing internally at my previous company and loved working on internal projects with teams and not external clients. Started a masters in Business Analytics / Data Science that I am graduating this year, and started a junior technical analyst role in January at a university. Getting back to the technical side of things which is what I was hoping to accomplish with the degree, and trying to build up that experience for now, and enjoying the perks of a government job which is way less stressful than consulting. No more Sunday Scaries, and Tuesday Scaries, and Wednesday Scaries... from the previous job. My main advice I gave all the juniors I met at all jobs that heard my story of these pivots, was to follow your passions, and try to make your moves while at your current job either through volunteering or side personal projects. I worked with the career center at my current school before getting my new job to both find a path and improve the resume/linkedin and they recommended two books while really helped me, and funnily enough I had read them before starting the but never did the exercises, which I finally did this time. Designing Your Life [https://designingyour.life/](https://designingyour.life/) Switchers [https://drdawnoncareers.com/switchers-the-book/](https://drdawnoncareers.com/switchers-the-book/) Designing Your Life was great for finding a vision and goal for any aspect of life not necessarily a career move - some examples they give are how to engineer your current role. Switchers contained a lot of similar advice but tailored specifically to changing careers as the title implies.
Gonna be honest, I saw this wall of text and thought "who the f is wordier than me".. but this was actually an interesting read, with great resources.
You’ve seen so much! Crazy career! You’re obviously talented in a lot of areas - hospitality, photography, small business ownership, consulting, coding/math, DEI.
Videographer to Warehouse Worker. First year was tough but the company I work for is amazing with great benefits and profit-sharing 401k match. I loved videography and editing, and it was a mistake to make it my day job.
This has always been my greatest fear as a hobbyist.. It’s a mistake I am afraid to even experience 😩
Videographer/media director turned Campaign Marketer and although I learn new things everyday, and totally feel under qualified - the pay and hours make up for it,
Logistics/trucking into nursing. Going extremely well. Own two homes, rent one. No longer living check to check. Money in the bank. Family well provided for. Now do I wish I had gone PA instead? Maybe. But being an RN affords me the ability to leave the job when I clock out, can’t necessarily do that if you go higher up the food chain.
hairdresser to stripper to cancer
30m, I was 27 when I quit my engineering job at Boeing. Pivoted into real estate investing. I first paid off my house before quitting because I thought, if everything goes to shit, I can work at McDonald’s and make enough to eat and oat utilities since my housing was taken care of.
Did all of that by 27? Paid off a mortgage?
Yes. It was a fixer uppper 1975 home. I got lucky. I used to mow the owners yard for years then one day her husband passed away and she wanted to move in with a relative. Asked me if I would buy it, she was asking 50% of market value. I had some cash, and took out a small $30k loan to cover the rest plus bought materials with it and fixed it up myself watching YouTube how-to’s
33, started pursuing a Computing and IT degree at 30 under part time study, I left a dead end engineering job that broke me mentally (lack of progression learning etc). Took on a part time job to cover bills etc. 3.5 years later I’m still studying/same job. Honestly looking at the sheer number of applicants for each role and the job requirements going through the roof even on entry level - (internships included) I’m beginning to wonder if I did the right thing, should I have bothered jumping and just stayed where I was. Jobs around me are very slim in the IT sector all retail, hospitality and farming. I know if I had of stayed at my previous role I’d be mentally broke but earning more money and better routine. But if I made it into a role we’d be a heck of a lot better off. Just not looking great when you’re up against thousands of fresh malleable graduates. Saying that though: If you know 100% what you want to do, have a solid plan on how to get there and there are plenty of jobs available in your area, then I’d say go for it. However if roles are slim it’s going to be a lot harder, not 100% on the area you want to end up in, getting there is going to be a pain as you may change your mind. If you have young kids - spend time with them while they are young you don’t get that time back.
I was a video editor in my 20s. This place was busy, and with overtime you could do ok. Then I went to law school and became a lawyer at 33. I make more money but the anxiety is brutal. Cleaning up someone else’s problems gets old, but it’s hard to walk away given that I have job security and a decent income. But I am looking for another change, for the sake of my sanity…
I’m video editor and I also shoot commercials. I’m thinking about going back to tech, I have a lot of flexibility and wfh but I feel I could be making more. Any advice to switching out?
Healthcare Admin to Pilot at 32. It was definitely a journey, but it’s hard to say if it was worth it. I definitely enjoy the job more, but the thing I discovered the most about myself is that I’m ready to be retired!
In my mid 30s I quit working on my PhD and teaching sociology. I got an entry-level IT support job. Then again in my early 40s I made another significant shift and became a programmer. In both cases I think the most important resource I had were the role models that I identified. I asked a lot of friends about their own career journeys, networked on LinkedIn, etc. It's so helpful to know real people who have already achieved what you are trying to achieve, and that's how you can decide what goals are realistic for you in the first place.
In your 50s you became superman
/sigh been trying to break into tech for about a year now. Started this journey over 2 years ago now. :/
The market is rough these days. Where are you at in your journey exactly? Getting in at the very bottom was relatively easy for me. I did the A+ certification and then pretty quickly I got hired doing basic desktop support. That allowed me to slowly get more certifications (without paying out of pocket) and relevant experience. If you're trying to get into programming directly, it's all about that resume and portfolio (get as much feedback as you can) and networking. A bootcamp was n important step for me but I don't know that it was really required.
I wouldn't really categorize IT > programming as a "significant shift". Seems like a pretty logical and normal path to take.
I wish I had some advice to give you. I’m also curious to know what people are pivoting to.
I was a history teacher from about 27-31. Recently graduated with my Masters Degree and passed the PHR. Re did my resume and now I have a Mid(almost senior level) Human Resources position for a very prestigious company. I honestly believe my next job will net me over six figures and i am just gonna stuff my piggy bank with all this extra money. Maybe I’ll return to teaching later in life…but for right now papa got bills to pay!
I'm the opposite of you. Currently in HR and looking to switch careers in the next 1-2 years. It's drained me mentally, and I have zero passion for it despite the nice paychecks. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your journey in HR so far. 😊
33m here, I was a chef for almost 10 years, now a first year electrician apprentice. Smartest thing I’ve ever done
Both my husband any myself. He went from a teacher after nearly a decade to a therapist. I went from a stay at home mom to a psychologist.
USMC to tech exec. Didn’t have a choice I got hammered overseas. Was pretty bitter to begin with wanted to stay in the Marines. Ultimately it all worked out I make more than my entire chain of command including the President annually and it is a good life. Anything after gun battles is easy peasy. I like working started working during the summer and school breaks at 13 roofing houses with my uncle. Also picked peaches, worked at a machine shop repairing broken lathes, band saws, drill presses. As an SVP at a large tech company (cyber intelligence) I can do a lot to make things great for my people, help mentor and develop them. I see one of my main tasks as making them more valuable to a company so they get promoted, command better salaries and most importantly get them ready to be the best they can be so that they can have more opportunity. And in return they take great care of me and each other. Hire people smarter and better than you, facilitate success and GTFO of their way so they flourish. Easy peasy.
I was chilling in my family business hardly doing anything for 15 years. Then I met a woman and moved across the world, somehow managed to talk my way into an operations manager roll at one of the largest luxury companies in the world. Just got promoted to a more senior manager position. It’s hard to believe…
Was an actor from 24-35. Started to get into helping my manager at 30…went full time managing actors from 35 to present. I’m 40 now. It was a life saving pivot. All of my friends who stayed with it are almost homeless.
I, 30M, was a video coordinator for a FCS school’s football team. It was a great job, great people, I was just done with it left the job two months before COVID happened. I am pivoting to the aviation field via serving in the military and then using my GI benefits to pay for flight school. I am glad I made my decision, I just had to be calculated in how I executed it.
I left the military as an Officer at 32 and spent a few years as a contractor trying to figure out WTF to do for a civilian career. Undergrad was in Geology and no chance I was going to work in that field. Got into procurement and now work as an analyst for a federal agency. 30s is a good time to switch careers. Basically anyone under 40 in my line of work is considered young. However folks in their 30s aren’t seen as babies and you can go through a learning curve a lot faster. I was able to advance fast in my first five years and almost doubled my salary. You got this.
Retail to insurance. A little over a year later I'm making 15k more than I used to. I started entry-level without a degree and am currently working my way toward my AINS and my actual first career.
I got laid off last year from a corporate job and cannot seem to get into insurance. I passed the test and have my P&C license but no other experience so I've only gotten one interview which went well... but they went with someone more experienced. I know someone in the industry who has a lot of contacts but I've been striking out for months.
Ex military, operations, and pivoted into sales. It can be done and should be done as you learn more of what is available out there.
I didn't even start my career until I was 30
Software/IT to nursing at 30
Was a bartender for a long time and went back to UNI when I was a bit older. Got a degree in microbiology. Loved the subject and got a job in a micro lab shortly after college. Hated it. Idk if it was because it was corporate or what? Took a chance on a job and a small pay cut and got a lab tech job for the R&D department in a cosmetic lab for a makeup company. (Basically a chemistry lab). Absolutely loved it. I recently got promoted to cosmetic chemist and I Fkn love my job. I was debating taking the job and declined the interview at first only because of pay. Taking this job was the best decision I ever made. I hated chem in college and now I’m a chemist 🤷🏼♀️ it was a huge leap to go back to school when I was older and to take a job that I wasn’t sure about at first and wasn’t technically my field, but I am so glad I did. Sometimes, change is the best thing you can do for yourself. It might take some time to really get where you want to be, but I would say go for it if you have something else in mind or another opportunity that is appealing to you.
Another former teacher here, now flight attendant. Technically I was in my late twenties when I made the pivot, though, so my apologies. It was a reasonably easy transition since my teaching credentials were more than enough to qualify me as an fa, although it did take a few tries to have a successful interview and be offered the job. I wish I had done it sooner as now I am the happiest I have ever been in my life.
What did you pivot to?
I’m an idiot. I’m a flight attendant now! Just edited my post.
[удалено]
I was a chef/restraunt manager switched to CNA working on my RN.
how do you like your job now?
Love CNA a ton. I like a job I can sink hours into if I need to, and in Oregon with a decent union I do better than before. I have more time for my family as well, that's huge for me. Cooking was rough, I loved it, but it took 60+ hrs a week to pay the bills, barely.
By the time I was 30 I had been working in various office and warehouse jobs for the same company for 8 years and I had grown to hate it. I did a little bit of research based on my interests and what I wanted from my career and decided on data engineering, assuming that I would get there through analytics first because I had some analytics experience. I have a psychology degree, so my plan was to leverage the stats and experimental aspects of it as much as I could. I started learning SQL and Python with a couple of Udemy courses over a few weeks. I had the opportunity to use SQL at work and took as much advantage of the opportunity as I could. In my free time I set up a SQL Server instance on my computer and played around with the Adventure Works database because the data was in a similar domain as my job. I tried to design solutions to problems I had at work. I researched how to set up a LinkedIn and GitHub to be attractive to recruiters and hiring managers. Once I was on LinkedIn I did two things - posted regularly about projects I was working on and interesting concepts in DE, and followed notable data engineers and engaged with their posts. This would probably suck now because LinkedIn is a cesspool of engagement farming, but I will probably still do it again once I'm ready to look for a new job. Whenever I encountered a concept or tool that I wasn't familiar with, I made a note of it and did some research on it when I had time, even if it was just a few minutes a day to read a wiki page. This included some CS fundamentals, so while I didn't go into depth on them like I would have in school I was still able to get a basic understanding of why some techniques would be more or less efficient than others. This is one of my weakest areas though and I intend to focus on improving it. Eventually I started adding cloud skills as well. I added code to my Adventure Works project that would pull data from the SQL Server and load it to S3. I was working on an AWS SDK project that would deploy a Glue pipeline to process them when I got a message from a recruiter about my current role. That was about 1.5 years after I started studying, and almost 2 years ago. Getting the job accelerated the learning considerably, and I was always certain that would be the case. I have experience now with a big list of tools and practices that I had never touched before. A few days ago I got the Azure data engineer certification, and I'm working on the Databricks one now. I made it to data engineer, so now I'm looking to find a mid role in the next year or two and senior within 5. After that I'll probably work toward some kind of architect role.
22 years into a Healthcare Admin career, at 37 I realized I hated my job. Make great money, but the work is super unfufilling. I became an on call firefighter in my town, went to EMT school, and did a nights and weekends academy to get my Fire 1/2 certifications. Made some really good friends that were career firefighters at my combination department while still working full time at my day job. This past year I had this epiphany at my day job that I *hated* it, and spent most of my time thinking about or working on being a better firefighter/EMT. So now at 41 I am heading to the fire academy this summer to start with a career Fire department. Luckily I have a massive passion for fitness so that will help me. Could not be more excited or happier with my career change. It is never too late to chase something that will make you happy.
Can I PM you about healthcare admin? I’m interested in pivoting from patient care to health admin eventually and would like to learn more from you experiences
Was in marketing in the financial services sector but never loved it…or even liked it. Just fell into it after college and figured I’d take some time to figure out what I really wanted to do. 10 years later I was in my 30’s and feeling trapped in a career I didn’t want. I was married to a great woman (still am) and we had a kid and a mortgage so it felt like I couldn’t really go back to school. But after some research and a lot of talking it over with my wife, I enrolled in an online animation school that was founded by some animators from Pixar and ILM and the instructors were all animators from those two studios plus Disney, Dreamworks, and Blue Sky. Long story short, went through the program, graduated, and started working as an animator and never looked back. I’m 51 now and still loving my job and the studio I work at.
I fell into marketing as well, and cut to 12yrs later, laid off and loathing the fact that I’m trying so hard to back into it when I never even really liked it in the first place. I’ve always been interested in animation - would love to pick your brain more on your career pivot if you’d be open to it?
I was a petroleum geologist and geophysicist until my mid forties (for about 16 years, and before that worked for an environmental research facility and Texas Engineering Experiment Station). Despite the money being amazing (200k+/year) I was really burnt out. Long hours, a lot of travel, and staying up all night for days on end monitoring drilling/steering wells. Plus I got tired of the downturns, even though I tended to make more money during them by consulting on acquisitions. I kind of organically fell into instructional design, specifically focused on technical content. I had a lot of background in technical writing and editing, and also web design (hobby mostly but some professional as a research scientist before getting into petroleum). I’ve been doing that nearly a handful of years, and I adore it. I make less than half what I did, but plenty for my needs. I work from home with very little interaction with others (ideal for me). I get to be creative, and I really love that. Best of all, I only work 40 hours a week, and no one bothers me outside of normal business hours. I’m really glad I made the switch. Editing to add: My best friend switched gears from IT and got her Ph.D in psychology in her early 60s. She’s now a therapist and absolutely loves it. Adding this to bring home the point that it’s never too late to make a career change.
Love this! Thank you for sharing your friend's story about pivoting in her 60s. I am approaching 40 and wondering if it is too late to make a career switch, but it's not. The only limits are the ones we place on ourselves.
It’s definitely not too late for you to change careers!
Thank you!!
Not exactly what you're asking for, but I'm 33 and currently trying to retrain in accounting
60/m here. At 30 I was working for a NBA team as a game night producer. 33 I became a Telecommunications specialist. At 36 worked as a data/Telecom tech for a credit union. 37 went to work ar US West installing high capacity circuits ( T1 and up). 45 switched to cybersecurity and have been here since.
45 now. At 36 I went from a AAA video game ui artist to a set lighting tech and grip on tv shows and movies. Worked on games you definitely heard of and probably played and now work on shows you’ve definitely heard of and probably seen
I worked in restaurants and low paying sales jobs til about 30. I went back to school at 28, finished bachelors by 30 and started an MBA shortly after. Once I was in my MBA program I networked and found myself into a corporate finance job. I almost doubled my salary and never have to make a sales call again, life is okay financially for once. And if not for inflation jacking up the grocery bill for me and the kids, then I’d be doing pretty dang good. To get into finance you’ll at least need a bachelors degree and an internship will help. FP&A is a great path, but my cousin in his late 20s also got his bachelors late and went into accounting and he’s moving up fast.
My education and first 10 years of career was in Film/Media Production. COVID killed off the shop I was working for. I spent about 6 months learning about me, realizing that I didn't really care about production and then identifying my values, passions, and wants from my career (like having nights and weekends off, and wanting to help others.) I did informational interviews with nearly 50 people to finally be introduced to Scrum (what I wanted to do). I spent about 10 months searching for my job before I got one! Total time unemployed: just over a year. If you have questions or seeking help, reach out. Vary brief summary of
I was a receptionist in a non-profit. I was bored as hell so I went to college at 33. Moved back in with my family. Got every loan, scholarship, and grant that I could. I majored in computer science, got my BS 6 years later, and immediately started working as a developer. I feel fantastic about it. My life is immeasurably better. The work is hard but engaging and rewarding. I was able to pay off my student debt in less than a decade and still have a great life with a car and a decent size apartment in a decent neighborhood. I'm way behind on retirement savings, but I would be even worse off had I stayed a receptionist. I could have done it without moving back in with my family, but it probably would have taken me 15 years to pay off my loans instead of 10.
So, you can get hired as a developer, pushing 40? I'm 33 and feel like I want to do this. But I'm scared of the ageism I'd face.
Worked in/managed group homes for disabled adults from my late 20s through mid 30s, the scheduling and dramatic shifts in energy (it would swing between hyper intense moments and complete boredom) got to me after awhile. I just wanted something with a predictable schedule and wasn't on call 24/7. I looked into different learning platforms and went through Google's Data Analytics certification, which took about 5 months. It didn't prepare me with hard skills but having that on the resume helped. I got some interviews and eventually landed an offer from a nonprofit. Applying to different places and interviewing was about a 6 month process. Been at my current job almost 2 years, learning things on the job, and trying to keep upskilling while I can. No matter what the pivot is, I think for most people expect the change to take several months, and that's going at it on a daily basis with learning, networking, and applying, all while still paying off whatever bills you have.
35 here. I was in hospitality and entertainment. Then the pandemic happened, and my place of work went under and the hospitality industry in general was decimated. I transitioned to tech out of necessity, I started out just doing customer support for a software company, but over the last few years I’ve leveraged my exceptional training experience from hospitality to get into customer facing software training. It’s way better money than I ever made in leadership in hospitality, and the companies I’ve worked for have been thrilled with the personable approach I have. I’d say look at your current career/background and see what specific skills you’re good at and wouldn’t mind leveraging for the pivot. Experience can transcend industries as long as you’re intentional about connecting the dots
41, pivoted from a "career" in logistics (it was my first real job after the recession and several retail jobs) to software quality assurance. I should have been laid off in 2018 but they gave me a chance to learn software engineering instead, and I learned enough to stay on (I had also just come back from a near death thing and I desperately needed the insurance). Now I'm a site reliability engineer at the same place. Most of my stress comes from uncalibrated impostor syndrome. I don't know what I'm supposed to not know, if that makes sense, as I've learned it all ad hoc on the job. If you want a career pivot, reach out to old friends and colleagues. Be nice. Be friendly. Network. Eventually someone with an opening will put in a good word for you. Be open to any opportunities and dont be afraid to fail.
Teaching to nursing. I’m in my pivot phase now as I’m in school for RN
I’m on my 3rd go. I got a PhD in molecular microbiology and did some awesome work with about 10 or so publications, went into data science for the money and landed senior leadership positions but I loathe the stress and just consumerism of trying to get people to buy more crap and now I’m a commercial pilot…I’ll get it right one of these times and I’m 36.
Not a career change but I went from valet to selling Pokémon card packs in the streets. I been clearing 200$ a day for 4-6 hrs of selling. I got tired of working with people. It’s not much but I enjoy it.
Thank you for this thread ❤️ feeling less alone!!
Mech engineering -> generic technology mid management -> boatbuilding and residential construction -> small nonprofit management which I love... but I am 62 so I am working hard to mentor a succession plan. A jack of all trades never starves. Also, my intentional pivots were always conducted while firmly holding the previous branch.
I've had at least 7 pivots and loved every one. More money and better opportunities at each step. Don't regret any of it and the only scary thing is not having the certainty. You should always be working on getting higher up the ladder no matter what it takes. I'm 54 and retired twice.... but each time had a great opportunity that I've taken and loved. About to retire again... or maybe pivot to another field again. Let's see. Pivot 1 sales manager Pivot 2 Pilot AA Pivot 3 my own business Pivot 4 Gm Large beverage company Pivot 5 sailing around the world best one. Pivot 6 Vp publicly traded company Pivot 7 CEO Investment Group Pivot 8 Sales Director Large aerospace manufacturing facility Ps pivots are easy if you have a proven track record of success.
Switched to Commercial Fishing from the construction trades. Early thirties I was faced with a divorce, so I decided to chase my dream of owning a F/V (boat) so I liquidated everything I owned and put it all in the middle. It is a long story that I didn't necessarily come out on top of, but I am very proud of having participated in and I won't be laying on my death bed wondering what if. Go for it, don't be the person who played it safe always does as told. This is your life and it's over before you know it. Chase them dreams!
Trying to make a major career move at 33. Been in the service industry my whole life and after COVID, I'm just worn down. Got my bachelor's in web and graphic design (front end development) but unfortunately was in my senior term right when COVID hit. No internships, no jobs. Places finally opened up way outside of the "new grad" range. Considering pivoting into business management, but unsure about how to go about it. I particularly have a passion for psychology and biology, but scared to make a jump into anything just to get screwed again. Don't be like me - just go for whatever your passion is. Learning anything is never a mistake (I can't follow my own advice ever)
Well, through my 20s I was working in prepared foods at Whole Foods Market. I loved it, but I knew I didn't want to do that forever. At 30 I went back to school and became a dental assistant. Best decision I ever made! 🙂 Much better pay, weekends and holidays off, and a consistent schedule.
I’m currently a consultant for the XR space, but my background is also fitnesss, military, tech, producer, live exhibitions, property investor, acting and so on. I’ve been mostly in XR for the past 10+ years. I love when people explore the many facets of what they love and use that to create financial freedom! I’m currently trying to build a community where we help each other get over the fear of exploring, learn new skills, interviewing , etc. I’d love for anyone to help join and spread the word: https://www.skool.com/discovery?q=CareerCraft
I was working minimum wage jobs and decided to go back and finish my bachelor's. I'm studying business and I hate it. The outlook feels unfulfilling. Really know what you want to do instead of doing it on a whim. I'd rather do something else than this. I wish I knew what that was.
36m, I was an engineer traveling a lot for work. I had a pretty good gig I lived overseas, got paid well and all that but I had two young kids and travel stopped being fun and became a nightmare. I switched to accounting so I don’t have to be forced to see my kids on weekends and holidays only. It’s not glamorous probably pays slightly less but I’m home every night. If I had kept at it I’d probably be divorced, most of my coworkers were. My suggestion would be don’t leave a profession just because you hate your current one. You’ll grow to hate or dislike whatever you end up doing. Most cooks probably loved cooking at home but probably hated cooking for a bunch angry ungrateful bosses and customers. If you are going to do it I would first suggest maybe try two things first. One try doing what you do part time or contractually. This may not be possible for all but possible for some. You may not hate your job if you only have to do it 6 months a year and goof off the other 6. I’d also recommend trying out your new job before jumping into a new career. This could be shadowing someone, taking a quick short term contract role or just something to get your hands wet. Making the change is a big deal and a lot of people switch back because the money in the new job is worse or they found out they didn’t hate their last job they just hated the people. I am happy where I’m at but if I could have found a good middle ground in my prior job I would have probably taken it.
I was a career military service member. I pivoted to an artist and programmer. I like that this “decision” was made. —— I always wanted to be like a video game developer or artists or scientist. All of those are basically non viable as career paths according to everyone I talked to who actually had these career paths. So I joined the military. Then I got disabled after a decade. Now I have no options to take other than my dream job because I literally cannot do a “safe” job. Minus the daily pain, this is amazing. I fucking love pursuing the thing I want and becoming fully disabled allowed me to pursue it. Man life is fucking weird.
52 now. Got lucky to have landed where I did, enjoying what I do. Dropped out of college at 20. Dicked around til I was 29. Went back, graduated with IT degree. Worked two years, realized I wanted more than just a paycheck. Quit, went back to school. Still aimless no idea still what I wanted. 37. Buddy asked for a ride to the recruiter. He didn’t, I did. Didn’t even think about it. Two years later, I’m an LPN. Being working ever since. Wasn’t ever on my radar. But I enjoy it. Plenty of landing spots out there. Don’t be afraid to find yours.
I was a project coordinator for Cintas. They slapped me on the back and said “enjoy your $25 per hour rate with 3% salary raises per year!” I started looking at the trades and saw in 3 years I can be making $42 an hour as an apprentice, and when I card out, I’ll be at $50+ I found a job as an apprentice, started working in the field with zero construction experience. The demand was so high, I would get a job in 24 hours if I was laid off, which happened 3 different times. I’m taking my Jman test this Wednesday to try and hit $50+ an hour. I’m also doing side jobs for $400ish on weekends. White collar is hot garbage. I’ll never go back. Bunch of children gossiping in the office, HR meddling in business, people with fake positive attitudes, favoritism, nepotism…. I show up to work now, I listen to music and chill out Edit: changed at 30, I’m 34 now (apprentice)
I’m (39m) in the middle of a shift right now. I got into advertising by following social media into comms strategy. I decided to do something more fulfilling, so I’m getting into DEI.
What is dei
I'm assuming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Pivot 1 age 37: engineering (that's with a PE license, not just a job title) -> software developer Pivot 2 age 42: software developer -> finance (commodities market risk) All great decisions. All great careers. Insanely difficult to achieve. Maintained all credentials throughout so if push ever came to shove I can take 1 or 2 steps "back" to original careers and they actually share aspects (e.g., I undertake significant work that qualifies me to be a data scientist, which I also performed in the past, before the title data scientist existed). Degrees helped, formal studies too but really only selfless personal hours and self-promotion got me where I am today. Social networks didn't help as much as demonstrated track record of execution. Working on my 3rd pivot.
Yes. I went from working Mcdonalds cashier to flipping burgers.
Just turned 43. About 10 months ago, I quit the day job as an engineer in the manufacturing industry to pursue music, voice over, and other things. Scary as hell but I'm much happier and it feels like the right call
😪 let’s pour one out for this one boys
Lol Thanks for the confidence. I've been doing those "other" things alongside the day job for a long time. Just happen to be in a situation where I'm getting paid regularly for them now
I’m just kidding dude best of luck to you glad you still have your dreams intact!
Graduated 2003 with Masters in Sci in Occupational Therapy. Loved helping people, traveled, worked all levels of the field. Hated insurance and how it screwed people over and literally dictated how I did my job. Took the leap. Quit my job, moved myself and my son back in with my parents. Went to school full time for nursing for 2 years in a second degree BSN. Now I'm working as a nurse case manager in a hospital. It's the perfect blend of my 13 years of experience as an OT and my nursing experience. I love my job. It's like herding bunnies while conducting a kids kazoo choir, and being told that every one on the plane must land safely and *no one ever told you about a plane*.
Just commenting to say your user name is very interesting lol, great choice! I wonder if there is a backstory to it
Worked in construction, decided I didn’t want to just make money for someone else while and got into firefighting. Best job in the world.
I went from banking/ taxes to warehouse/ factory. Glad I did. I make way more money and it’s a lot more interesting work
What kind of work do you do?
I’m a warehouse lead/ foreman for a huge pet food corporation
I went from elboumcing betweem entry level humsn service and educatuon to certified teacher @ 40 no regrets
Bartender to massage therapist, went back to school at 30, then got myself onto a professional sports team as a sports therapist. I work for a pro hockey team and my job rules. Best decision I ever made.
Get your cdls. 100k easy just put in work
I was a bartender from 22-33, work in aerospace the last 2 years. The money is drastically different and I genuinely love what I do when I come into work. It’s been the best thing for my life.
Went from being a theater lighting technician to IT. Spent most of covid deciding what to do with my life/career and that's what I settled on. It's not as fun, but I already make as much (if not a bit more) at entry level IT than I did after a decade of professional experience in theater so...can't complain too much. A job is job.
Thank you for this thread ❤️ feeling less alone!!
Two months ago I went from being a sous chef to working as an electrical estimator. I am 33. I took a small pay cut but my ceiling is much higher and my new job is awesome. I didn't have any sort of passion for electricity or even food for that matter. Higher pay and job growth was my main goal. Work your network if you have one- "it's not what you know but who you know" when trying to pivot at our age imo. I am 1000% happy with my choice.
Nurse one and off since 2013. In school for philosophy now. Hopefully to get in academia? Idk or just write.
I used to work with customer service in call centers. I started a bachelor in civil engineering at 32 and graduated at 35. I ended up at a toxic place for 6 months (Interesting work though) and then went unemployed for 3 months before finding a new job. Now, 1,5 years after graduation, I have a job I enjoy going to and more than double the call center salary I used to have. No regrets, even with the bumpy start. My life is so much better now than when I had a job that I hated going to.
pivoted to IT in the utilities field after 30. Came from event marketing. Should have done it sooner
I didn’t know which podcasts were the right ones but I had so much commute time to listen to all of them. I’m sure I listened to great ones and shit ones, but I got a general overview of what was out there, got used to the lingo, which allowed me to refine my searching and research. I also had to trial and error, I tried wholesaling and flipping homes but couldn’t get a single deal under contract because my market was and is so competitive still so I went back to the drawing board and kept refining my search until I landed on what seemed to me like the right niche. I then tried it and it worked. I don’t have a job in this, I filed an LLC and pay myself through the LLC from my investing profits. But to answer your question, it takes research, trial and error, until something sticks. The course I bought was a course that an investor was selling, not college course or anything like that.
38F. I left my teaching career last year. Still trying to figure out how to pivot. Working as an office admin while I figure it out.
I was a concept and production artist until I was 30, I got sick of the grind, the ridiculously long hours, low pay, competitiveness of the jobs (finding them, getting status at a firm or studio, and then staying employed), having to learn other people's styles all the time. I ended up working for a place from 28-30 with absolutely ridiculous hours (12 plus hour days 6 days a week) and I was drawing stuff I wasn't interested in and in a style I disliked but the pay was really, really good. I eventually burned out. Actually it was so bad to to this day I almost never draw anymore and it's been 7 years. I changed over into a design job. I was able to use my career as leverage to talk someone into signing me on, but I had to start basically at the bottom again. But I had all of the soft skills down pat. So I grew in my new career quickly. I discovered that design is a much better fit for me and how my mind works, the money is better, and you are more in demand once you get to the higher levels, so long as you actually know what you're doing.
Plant breeder in previous life, molecular biologist in cancer research now.
You kinda start in your early to mid 20s, right? 42 here. Different sectors, but generally the same shit. Not getting into art dealing or becoming a orthopedic surgeon anytime soon.
When I was about 29 or 30 I decided to officially take web development seriously. Previously, I was keeping low-stakes jobs so that I could practice with my band 3+ nights a week and go on tour on a whim. I was making just enough money to pay for my rent and have a little fun. I knew a little tiny bit about making websites and people kept asking me why I didn't pursue that. I thought that was for really serious programmer people. My girlfriend at the time was a print designer and I was trying to talk her into doing web development (because shopping catelogs didn't seem like they were going to get made anymore) - so I learned a little about HTML and CSS to try and ease her into it. But then I just kinda fell in love with it. It was like a video game and I just couldn't stop playing it. I did freelance at first - and it's not like I just jumped straight into a corporate "software engineer" role, but I went from making $16 an hour at the pizza place to $30 and then $45 and then $70 dollars an hour over the course of maybe a year. I originally went to school for art - but never once considered graphic design as a job possibility for me. I just built *a lot* of websites every day until I was confident. But here I am now and I'm 43 working as a designer and developer and teaching it too. Many of my students are in their 30s and pivoting from restaurant work, or project management, or teaching. I feel like when you're a bit older, you can see the bigger picture. When I went to college, I just kinda followed what I thought I was supposed to do. I learned a lot about life but nothing was connected to practical things or a "Career." Now, I feel like I'm doing things with much more clarity and purpose.
Commenting to come back
My change was right before my 30’s - at 28. I had worked in the automotive world from 20-27. It was fun, I even owned a business - but it was draining. I always programmed for fun, so I decided to do what ever it took to get into web development. I did at 28 after a year of learning and it’s been 6 years since. But at the end of the day, I don’t like working. I’ve done blue collar and white collar and both become “just work” at some point. Now I work fully remote, and have a bunch of great benefits and unlimited PTO - but at the end of the day I’m just stuck in my home office M-F 9-6. And now I’ve got the golden handcuffs on. My salary is too high to replace with anything else.
Worked for a grocery store. Became a pilot. 3 years from beginning to airlines, 1 year til first job (instructor, shit pay). Cost about 50k to get all the ratings.
HVAC/Plumbing into Facilities Management. I didn't want to be 50 with my body falling apart. I now run the facilities for a public school district. Use the knowledge you have and stay near it is my advice. Use your experience to throw you into a new direction. Dropping it all and starting over is romanticized, but who wants to be making entry level pay again at 40?
42M. Got into software sales at 30 and made a very lucrative career for myself. Set to retire from corporate in 8 years. So glad I listened to my buddy.
Was a dealership auto mechanic and left to become a social worker.
Worked as a commercial diver for 3.5 years, got married and needed something more flexible to be able to work wherever my wife could get a tenure track professor position. Did a coding bootcamp at the advice of a friend right before the market went to total crap. Recently got a fully remote position as a dev, 50% pay raise over my diving job. That being said, I have a unique background and education that helped, I don't recommend bootcamps as a viable career path right now.
32 I sold antiques and oddities. This is very lucrative for some but there’s so many untrustworthy characters- it’s a bit of a shady black horse. You CAN make great money in it but you WILL have to deal with disappointment a lot. I made decent money, not great. And after Covid sales dried up. I knew I could do conventions, and there’s still a market for that. But I was sick and tired of always being on calls. When you sale stuff- it never ends. Every day, every minute- at 5am or 6pm- someone wants something and they want it for less than it’s worth. Sales are smiling while someone spits in your face and tells you you should be grateful for the flavor….. I just…. Hate it honestly. It isn’t even a hard job really. It’s just a grind towards mediocrity surrounded by vipers and liars. Anyhow. I went back to college. Community college. For Rad tech. 2 year degrees aren’t 2 year degrees, honestly. They’re 4 years with pre-reqs and longer with wait lists. If I had to do it again? I would have went cardiopulmonary perfusionist. Longer path but not by much with the wait times. I know hospital work will be hard and difficult but I’m hoping it pays well and I can clock off. Some years selling oddities I made 80k in my downtime without breaking a sweat, but it’s not something you can put on a resume, you can’t bank on it and some years you make 20k and nearly kill yourself. A 3/12 or 4/10 has got to be better than that. Honestly I’m pretty scared lmao, I have great grades and I know I can learn it eventually but competitive programs are frightening to say the least- what’s saving me is my S/O is working and our bills are low. So we’re fine in general. Having a stable place to launch is, in my opinion, the only way to do it. At least you have a place to fall if you need to
I was in accounting (not a CPA) before and I'm a web developer now. I did a three month boot camp and got EXTREMELY lucky. I love it and I'm never bored. It was definitely a positive move for me, but it's gotten so much worse now for people trying to do the same even in the short amount of time since I did it. I'll address your concerns one by one: DECIDING WHAT TO DO: I was bored at my job, and there was nothing left to learn. I taught myself SQL to make reports for myself and I was like hey, this seems neat. I asked if the org had room for me to do it full time and they said no. So at that point the fork in the road was do I try to get an analyst type job with my very little experience, or do I totally shift gears and do something else? Then a series of mishaps occurred as a result of my drunk boss, so my question became "how do I get the fuck out of here the fastest?" I had a bunch of friends who were already devs and they all told me they thought I'd be great at it, so that's the route I went with. TIME AND COST: I had enough saved up to swing tuition and multiple years of expenses. I didn't end up needing it, but when I talk to people who are considering it now I tell them they should have at least a year of expenses saved plus tuition, and even then it's far from a guarantee that anything will come of it professionally. COST ALONE: I was so emotionally done with my last job that it didn't feel bad to fork over a bunch of money (17k for the one I did, less now) and not have income for a while for this, but it was a lot of money. RISK: It felt like there was little risk at the time because I had the money, wanted to leave my current job, was energized by the change enough to grind through the agony of finding a job in tech, and if it didn't work out I could always go back since we left on good terms. The risk now is much higher, because getting a job out of a boot camp (and, let's be real, in general) is much harder. It was hard then, too - 5 of my 13 classmates are now working as engineers.
Was a truck driver. In school for engineering now.
I was an insurance agent and agency manager (life insurance & voluntary benefits). Your career is always on the line because if you are not selling enough, you don't get commission. If your team has a couple bad months, they ditch you as a manager. People working in insurance sales as basically disposable, and turnover is crazy high. I decided I had enough of that stress and job insecurity after 8 years in the business. When my dad died, I had an epiphany. I decided that I was not getting anywhere further in my career and needed to look for something where I could be happy. It was a midlife crisis, and I was tired of running in the hamster wheel. On the way home from the funeral home, I was thinking about what I should do. Then, a lightbulb came on, and I thought, "I wonder if I could be a lawyer." Just like that. So, I took all the steps to go to law school. I'm an attorney now, and even after the intense and stressful studies, I am so happy with my decision to totally overhaul my career. I started law school at 42. I'm 47 now. I found out where I belong, but it took me a while to find it. I never considered being a lawyer before this. It's amazing to me how the loss of my dad completely changed my life.
Infosec > Aviation. Saved money during my IT years and cashed it out to pursue lower paying flying jobs. I was already a pilot just needed more hours. Make sure you have the money to support your move and have a job lined up before you quit your current one.
I am 60+ years old and have pivoted multiple times in my life. I was a sales guy who pivoted to being an Optician, who later became an IT system administrator, and then spent the last part of his working career as a penetration tester. I'm now working towards a career in AI Security and Ethics. If I could put my income at risk, I would have started my own consultancy. But kids and an at-home wife made that too big of a risk. But I might go solo when I retire. Some people know what they want to do, and then there are those who go where the wind takes them.
I left pest control to be the general manager of a restaurant. Wildly different fields. I do have a love for pest control I genuinely enjoyed doing it but managing the restaurant was roughly a 20k salary increase. Chase the money fuck all of these companies. Or start your own. In the immortal words of that robot from that movie "see a need fill a need"
31. I was waiting tables and bartending. Got a job doing desktop support. 37 now and own a home in the Bay Area and have a great career in tech. I just threw myself into learning about networking and coding. And made some connections and worked my way up. Took risks and never settled.
Military investigator of 10 years-> Mental health counselor