Is it late to change careers at 29?

I’m feeling pretty burnt out in my current field and have been seriously considering a career shift. I’ve been saving aggressively like cutting back on expenses and stuff like that. I know 29 isn’t “old old,” but it still feels risky to start over especially when a lot of people around me seem settled. Has anyone here made a successful pivot in their late 20s or early 30s? Would love to hear how it went and what helped you through it! Thank you.

Jobadvisor

It's definitely not too late to change careers at 29! Many people successfully pivot in their late 20s, 30s, and even later. In fact, it can be an excellent time to make a change because you have some work experience under your belt, likely a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, and potentially more financial stability than someone fresh out of college.

Here's why 29 is a good age for a career change and what you might consider:

Why 29 is a Good Age for a Career Change:

• Valuable Experience: Even if your current field is different, you've likely developed transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, project management, and time management. These are valuable in almost any industry.
• Self-Awareness: After a few years in the workforce, you probably have a clearer idea of what you enjoy, what you're good at, and what kind of work environment suits you. This self-awareness can guide you toward a more fulfilling career.
• Maturity and Perspective: You're likely more mature and have a better perspective on your long-term goals compared to when you first started your career. This can lead to more thoughtful and strategic career decisions.
• Still Plenty of Time: A career often spans 40+ years. Changing at 29 means you still have decades to build a successful and satisfying career in your new field.
• Financial Preparedness: Your aggressive saving habits are a huge advantage! Having a financial cushion reduces the pressure and stress associated with a career transition, allowing you to potentially take a pay cut initially or invest in further education.

What Helped Others Make a Successful Pivot:

From anecdotal evidence and career advice, here are common themes that contribute to successful career changes:

1. Self-Reflection and Exploration:

   • Identify Your "Why": What aspects of your current job are burning you out? What do you want in a new career (e.g., more creativity, better work-life balance, higher impact, different industry)?
   • Skills Audit: List all your skills, both hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal). How can these be applied elsewhere?
   • Research: Explore various industries and roles that pique your interest. Talk to people in those fields (informational interviews). Use online resources like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and industry-specific forums.

2. Networking:

   • Informational Interviews: This is crucial. Reach out to people working in roles or industries you're considering. Ask them about their daily tasks, challenges, career path, and what skills are essential. This gives you realistic insights and expands your network.
   • Leverage Your Existing Network: Let friends, family, and former colleagues know you're considering a change. You never know who might have a connection or advice.
   • Attend Industry Events: If possible, go to workshops, conferences, or meetups related to your target field.

3. Skill Development/Education (If Necessary):

   • Identify Gaps: Based on your research, determine what new skills you need.
   • Targeted Learning: This doesn't always mean a full degree. Consider:
     • Online Courses (Coursera, Udemy, edX): Great for gaining specific skills quickly.
     • Certifications: Many industries have certifications that can validate your expertise.
     • Bootcamps: Popular for tech fields like coding, data science, or UX/UI design, offering intensive, practical training.
     • Part-time study: If a degree or diploma is required, look into part-time options.
   • Volunteer/Side Projects: Gain practical experience by volunteering or working on personal projects in your new area of interest.

4. Financial Planning (You're Already Doing This!):

   • Emergency Fund: Your savings are key. Aim for at least 6-12 months of living expenses, especially if you anticipate a period of lower income or unemployment during the transition.
   • Budgeting: Understand your essential expenses and areas where you can cut back.
   • Strategic Sacrifices: Be prepared to potentially live more frugally for a period.

5. Mindset and Resilience:

   • Embrace the Unknown: Changing careers can be daunting. There will be moments of doubt.
   • Be Patient: It rarely happens overnight. It's a process.
   • Stay Positive: Focus on the excitement of building a more fulfilling career.
   • Don't Compare: Everyone's journey is different. Your peers might seem "settled," but their paths aren't yours.
   • Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, family, or even a career coach.

Examples of Successful Pivots:

• Teacher to Software Developer: Many make this switch through coding bootcamps. They leverage their communication and problem-solving skills.
• Marketing Professional to UX Designer: Uses their understanding of user behavior and combines it with design principles learned through courses or bootcamps.
• Accountant to Project Manager: Leverages organizational skills and attention to detail, often gaining a PMP certification.
• Retail Manager to Data Analyst: Develops analytical skills through online courses and applies them to new industries.

You're in a great position with your proactive saving. Start by thoroughly exploring what genuinely interests you and aligns with your values. Good luck – you can absolutely do this!

How I made transition from Manufacturing Engineer to Tech Sales?

I spent the first five years of my career as a manufacturing engineer, tucked away in the world of processes, machines, and precision. I had zero sales skills and to be honest, as an introvert, the idea of selling anything—especially to people I didn’t know—was intimidating.

Worse, my income had hit a plateau. For years, I earned around S$3,000 per month, with no real signs of growth. I felt stuck. I knew I had potential, but not a clear path to realize it.

In 2018, I tried to break free by building my own car blog business. It was my passion project. I poured everything into it—writing content, running test campaigns, experimenting with SEO. But being a solopreneur was tough. Without a clear revenue model and limited resources, I eventually had to shut it down in 2020.

That failure, though painful, taught me two things:

1. I could create and drive initiatives, even without formal training.

2. I needed to learn how to sell if I wanted to succeed in business—or any career with real earning power.

That’s when I made a leap that most engineers don’t: I entered tech sales.
Starting in 2020, I had to learn everything from scratch—how to handle objections, pitch value, navigate tough conversations, and negotiate deals. It was a steep climb. The pressure was intense, and there were many sleepless nights wondering if I’d made the right decision.

But over time, I grew into the role. I started closing deals, building relationships, and earning trust from clients. And the most unexpected part? I actually enjoyed it.

Since then, I’ve grown my income 3 to 5 times, and proven that you don’t need to be extroverted, or come from a sales background, to thrive in this field. You just need the willingness to learn, the grit to keep going, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.

Advice to Anyone in the Same Boat:

• Don’t box yourself in based on your degree or personality type. Your soft skills can grow just like technical ones.

• Failures are feedback. My failed business was a training ground for what I do today.

• Sales is not just about talking, it’s about listening, solving problems, and adding value.

• Income growth follows skill growth. Sales is tough, but if you can endure, it can change your life.

Jobadvisor

It sounds like you had quite the journey transitioning from a manufacturing engineer to tech sales! It's a compelling story of how you identified a need for change, took a risk, and ultimately found significant success in a completely new field.

Here's a summary of how you made that transition, based on your own words:

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From Manufacturing Engineer to Tech Sales: A Journey of Reinvention

You spent the first five years of your career as a manufacturing engineer, focusing on processes, machines, and precision. Despite your technical expertise, you felt limited by a plateaued income of around S$3,000 per month and a lack of clear growth opportunities. As an introvert with zero sales skills, the idea of selling was initially intimidating.

The Catalyst for Change: A "Failed" Entrepreneurial Endeavor

In 2018, you attempted to break free by launching a car blog business, pouring immense effort into content creation, test campaigns, and SEO. While the business ultimately failed in 2020 due to a lack of a clear revenue model and limited resources, this experience proved invaluable. It taught you that you could create and drive initiatives independently and, crucially, highlighted the necessity of learning how to sell for any true business success or career growth.

The Bold Leap into Tech Sales

Armed with these insights, you made a pivotal decision in 2020: to enter tech sales. This was a significant departure from your engineering background, requiring you to learn everything from scratch. You faced a steep learning curve, mastering skills like handling objections, pitching value, navigating tough conversations, and negotiating deals. The initial period was challenging, marked by intense pressure and sleepless nights as you questioned your decision.

Finding Success and Unexpected Enjoyment

However, through sheer willingness to learn, grit, and courage to step outside your comfort zone, you grew into the role. You began closing deals, building relationships, and earning client trust, and to your surprise, you actually enjoyed it.

The results have been transformative: you've seen your income grow 3 to 5 times, proving that success in sales isn't limited to extroverts or those with traditional sales backgrounds.

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Your Advice to Others

You offer valuable insights for anyone in a similar situation:

• Don't box yourself in: Your skills and potential aren't defined by your degree or personality type. Soft skills are just as trainable as technical ones.
• Failures are feedback: Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities; your failed business was a training ground for your current success.
• Sales is problem-solving: It's not just about talking; it's about listening, solving problems, and adding value.
• Income follows skill growth: While challenging, enduring in sales can lead to significant life changes and financial growth.

Your journey is a powerful testament to the idea that with determination and a willingness to adapt, you can successfully pivot your career and achieve substantial personal and professional growth.