How to Choose a New Career at 35

Choosing a new career at 35 may seem daunting, but it's also one of the most empowering decisions you can make. Most people feel trapped in their career by this age, but what's fascinating is that more than ever, individuals are finding freedom, fulfillment, and even financial success by pivoting in their mid-thirties. But, how do you decide where to go from here?

Instead of jumping straight into choosing a new career, let's start with something unconventional: the fear of making the wrong decision. Fear, often disguised as indecision, is what holds most of us back from pursuing something new. We convince ourselves that after investing a decade or more in a certain profession, it's too late to switch. But what if this fear is misplaced? What if, by addressing it head-on, we could make a career move not only smoother but more rewarding?

Step 1: Reframe Your Experience as an Asset, Not a Liability

Many people believe that starting a new career at 35 means they’re starting from scratch. That's a dangerous myth. In reality, by this age, you have built up years of valuable experience, regardless of your profession. The trick is learning how to translate these skills into your next career. For example, if you’ve spent the last decade in marketing, those same skills can apply to a host of new industries: tech, healthcare, education, or even entrepreneurship.

Think about it: problem-solving, communication, time management, and leadership are universal skills. Most employers will recognize the value of these skills, even if they aren’t in the exact field you’ve been working in. Your experience is leverage, not baggage. So, take stock of your transferable skills and look for industries where they can shine.

Step 2: Experiment with Small Bets

One of the strategies I learned while researching for my book was to approach new ventures with what I call small bets. These are low-risk, high-reward experiments that help you determine if a new career path is right for you before fully committing. It could be something as simple as taking an online course in a new field, freelancing on the side, or volunteering in an industry that piques your interest. This allows you to get a taste of the field without feeling like you’re putting everything on the line.

Let’s use data to back this up. According to a recent survey by CareerBuilder, one in three workers plan to change jobs this year, and many are doing so by exploring side hustles first. By testing out a new career part-time, you’re not only building a portfolio but also increasing your confidence that this is the right direction for you. It’s about minimizing risk while maximizing clarity.

Step 3: Identify Your Strengths Through Introspection and Feedback

Most people assume they know their strengths, but here’s the catch: We’re often blind to our best qualities. The things we do naturally well are easy to overlook because they seem too simple. That’s why getting feedback from others is crucial. Ask trusted colleagues, friends, and mentors what they see as your unique strengths. You might be surprised by their responses.

Here’s an interesting exercise: write down ten times in your life when you felt like you were at your best, where everything clicked. Were you solving a problem? Were you leading a team? Did you enjoy working alone or with others? These moments are windows into your natural talents. By identifying patterns in your experiences, you can zero in on careers that align with your strengths.

Step 4: Look at the Future, Not Just the Present

One of the mistakes people make when choosing a new career is focusing too much on what they think will be stable or secure today. The future is where you need to place your bets. Look at industries that are growing and have a future trajectory that excites you. For example, fields like AI, green energy, and healthcare are on the rise. Even industries like marketing and education are being transformed by technology, creating new career opportunities that didn’t exist 10 years ago.

Take the tech industry: Cybersecurity, data science, and digital marketing are all booming fields that have evolved rapidly. If you’re considering a new career, it’s essential to think about how the world will look in the next 5-10 years. You don’t want to switch to a field that’s shrinking; you want to enter one that’s expanding. Research what industries are thriving and see where your interests and skills fit into this future.

Step 5: Network Strategically

Here’s an often overlooked truth: your network is one of the most valuable assets when switching careers. It’s not about having the largest network; it’s about cultivating a strong and strategic one. Start by reaching out to people already working in the field you’re interested in. Ask for informational interviews, attend industry conferences, and engage with relevant online communities. People love to share their stories and insights, and many are willing to help if you approach them authentically.

I’ve found that one of the best ways to build your network is through the "give-first" approach. Offer to help someone in your network with a skill you already possess. In exchange, you might get valuable career advice or even a foot in the door of your desired industry. Networking is not just about what you can get, but what you can give.

Step 6: Don't Underestimate the Power of Mentorship

Finding a mentor is a game-changer when navigating a career transition. A mentor who’s already established in the field can provide invaluable guidance, helping you avoid common pitfalls and fast-track your growth. A good mentor can also open doors for you, providing access to job opportunities and key connections in your new industry.

Look for mentors who not only have the experience but also the willingness to invest in your success. Many successful professionals are more than happy to mentor those who are genuinely passionate about entering their field.

Step 7: Be Willing to Fail (and Learn From It)

The fear of failure is a major reason people stay stuck in careers they don’t love. But failure is part of the process, especially when making a big change. You’re going to hit roadblocks, and that’s okay. The key is to learn from each setback and continue moving forward. Many successful career changers faced multiple failures before they found their ideal path. The difference is they didn’t let failure stop them; they let it teach them.

Here’s something counterintuitive: Plan for failure. What will you do if your first attempt at a new career doesn’t pan out? What’s your contingency plan? By preparing for setbacks, you’ll be in a much better position to handle them and keep going.

Conclusion: It’s Never Too Late to Redefine Success

Choosing a new career at 35 is not just possible; it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make if you’re no longer fulfilled by your current job. Success is not about sticking to a rigid career path; it’s about growth, adaptability, and finding fulfillment. Whether you decide to enter a booming industry or pivot toward something more aligned with your passions, the key is to approach the process with an open mind, a willingness to experiment, and the confidence that it’s never too late to build a career you love.