Is switching industries at 35 too late?
I’m 35 and have been working in the same industry since my early 20s. It’s stable but I’m honestly burned out and can’t see myself doing this for another 20+ years. Lately I’ve been thinking about switching into a completely different field like something I’m more interested in and passionate about but I keep wondering if it’s “too late”
Part of me worries about starting over at this age especially when it comes to things like salary, career progression and competing with younger candidates who might have been in the field for years. On the other hand I know people who’ve made career changes later in life and ended up much happier.
For those of you who’ve switched industries in your 30s or later how did it go? What challenges did you face and what advice would you give to someone considering making the leap? And for hiring managers out there does age or a mid career switch make a candidate less appealing?
Jobadvisor:
Switching industries at 35 is absolutely not too late. In fact, it's becoming increasingly common as people live and work longer, and the modern career path is less about a single, linear progression and more about adaptability and continuous learning.
Here's a breakdown of the challenges you might face, advice from those who have made the leap, and the perspective of hiring managers.
Challenges You Might Face
Financial Adjustment: You may need to take a pay cut initially, as you'll be entering a new field with less direct experience. This is a common and often necessary step.
Competing with Younger Candidates: You're right to be aware of this, but it's not a dealbreaker. Younger candidates may have more recent technical training in a specific field, but you bring something they don't: years of professional experience, maturity, and a developed skill set.
2 Learning Curve: You'll be a "junior" again in some aspects, and you'll have to quickly get up to speed on new terminology, technologies, and industry norms. This can be humbling but also incredibly invigorating.
Imposter Syndrome: It's normal to feel like you don't belong or aren't qualified, especially when you're surrounded by people who have been in the field for years. This is a temporary feeling that will fade as you gain confidence and experience.
Advice from Those Who've Made the Leap
Identify Your Transferable Skills: Don't think of your past experience as irrelevant. Instead, identify the skills you've gained that can be applied to any industry. These are often called "soft skills" or "power skills" and include:
Communication and teamwork
Project management
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Client or customer relations
Leadership and mentorship
Resilience and adaptability
Bridge the Gap: Instead of a complete jump, consider a "bridge" role. For example, if you're in finance and want to move into tech, consider a financial analyst role at a tech company. This allows you to learn the new industry's culture and language while using your existing expertise.
Invest in Yourself: Be prepared to put in the work. This might mean taking online courses, getting a certification, or even going back to school. The good news is, at 35, you're more focused and have better study habits than you did in your early 20s.
Network Relentlessly: Informational interviews are your best friend. Talk to people who are in the industry you want to join. Ask them about their career paths, what they love, what they find challenging, and what skills are most important. This will not only give you valuable insights but also help you build a network.
Be Prepared for a Salary Dip: As mentioned, this is a likely reality. Create a financial plan that accounts for this. However, remember that you won't be starting at the bottom for long. Your maturity and transferable skills will likely accelerate your career progression in the new field.
A Hiring Manager's Perspective
A good hiring manager doesn't see a mid-career switch as a negative. In fact, they often see it as a huge positive. Here's why:
Maturity and Professionalism: Candidates who switch careers later often have a better understanding of professional norms, workplace etiquette, and the importance of teamwork. They've likely navigated office politics and client demands for years.
Diverse Perspective: A career changer brings a unique perspective and problem-solving approach. They can see things from a different angle and may be able to offer creative solutions that a lifelong industry insider might not.
Proactive Learning: A mid-career switch demonstrates a high level of motivation, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. It shows that you're not afraid of change and are dedicated to your personal and professional growth.
Proven Track Record: While you may not have direct experience in the new field, you have a proven track record of being a reliable, productive employee. You have references, a work history, and a resume that shows you can hold a job and perform well.
Bottom Line: The only person who can make it "too late" is you. The challenges are real, but they are surmountable. The satisfaction of doing something you're passionate about is well worth the effort. At 35, you have the advantage of experience and wisdom, which are far more valuable than a couple of extra years of specialized experience.
Can only talk english at work
Hi everyone,
I work at a retirement home in California. Management recently told us that we are not allowed to speak any language other than English at work, and that includes during our breaks and lunches. They said it’s a “respect thing” for residents and families, but also told us that if they hear us speaking another language, even to coworkers on break. we’ll get written up if they hear us.
This feels really unfair and honestly discriminatory. A lot of us are bilingual, and we speak to each other in Spanish (or other languages) during breaks or private conversations. I understand if they want us to speak English to residents and families so everyone feels included, but banning other languages at all times seems extreme.
Some housekeepers don’t speak english only spanish. They are always asking me to translate between her and a resident, Am I going to get written up for translating now?
Any advice? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Jobadvisor:
While I can't provide legal advice, I can offer some general information that may be helpful.
Workplace language policies can be a complex legal issue. In the United States, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has specific guidelines regarding "speak-English-only" rules. The EEOC generally views these rules with scrutiny, and they may be considered discriminatory if they are not necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the business.
Here are a few key points from the EEOC's guidance:
Necessity: An English-only rule must be justified by business necessity. This could include situations where it is needed for communication with customers, co-workers, or supervisors who only speak English, for safety reasons (e.g., in an emergency), or to ensure effective supervision.
Reasonableness: The policy must be tailored to the specific business needs and cannot be overly broad. For example, an English-only rule that applies to all times and places, including breaks and lunch, is more likely to be found discriminatory.
Discrimination: If the rule is adopted for a discriminatory purpose, such as to create a hostile work environment for people of a certain national origin, it is illegal.
In your situation, the policy raises several concerns:
Breaks and Lunch: The fact that the rule applies to breaks and lunch, when you are not actively working with residents or families, is a major red flag. The EEOC typically views such broad rules as lacking business necessity.
Translation: The situation with the housekeeper highlights the potential for the policy to hinder, rather than help, the workplace. If you are needed to translate for a resident, and the policy prohibits you from doing so, it could negatively impact the care and well-being of the residents.
Communication with Coworkers: The policy prevents you from communicating with your bilingual coworkers in your native language, which can be a significant part of your cultural identity and a way to build rapport.
Given these concerns, you may want to consider the following options:
Communicate with Management: You and your coworkers could collectively express your concerns to management respectfully and professionally. You could ask for clarification on the policy's purpose and how it applies to situations like translating for a resident. You could also point out the potential negative effects of the policy, such as creating a less inclusive environment and making communication more difficult.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of any incidents related to the policy, including dates, times, and what was said. This documentation could be useful if you need to take further action.
Seek Legal Counsel: You may want to consult with an employment lawyer or contact the EEOC to get specific advice about your situation. They can help you understand your rights and determine if the policy is in violation of the law.
How do people not hate life?
This is a genuine question. I honestly just hate this life and the whole concept of it. Work 40 hours a week for job you really don’t like, just to pay bills and before anyone says anything, there isn’t any job I can see myself doing for 40 hours a week for the rest of my life.
And yes I have hobbies I like, one of them being the gym. I love fitness and working out but still I don’t believe all the crap that comes alone with life is worth it. You can’t even find reliable girl friends to hangout with, people only care about themselves.
Jobadvisor:
That's a really tough and honest question to ask, and it sounds like you're carrying a heavy burden. The feelings you're describing are more common than you might think. A lot of people struggle with the grind of a 40-hour work week and the feeling that life is just an endless cycle of responsibilities. It's easy to feel like you're just treading water, especially when you feel disconnected from others.
It's clear that the conventional path isn't working for you, and that's okay. When people talk about not hating life, it's not usually because they've found the perfect job or a life without any problems. Instead, it's often about a shift in mindset and a change in perspective.
Redefining Your Relationship with Work
It sounds like your current job is a major source of your frustration. The idea that you have to "love" your job to make it worthwhile is a modern myth that can set us up for disappointment. Instead of looking for a job you love, what if you looked for a job that allows you to live the life you want?
This could mean finding a job that is:
A means to an end. This is a job that pays well enough to fund your passions and hobbies outside of work. The focus here isn't on finding fulfillment at work but on using work to enable fulfillment elsewhere.
More flexible. Maybe a traditional 9-to-5 isn't the right fit for you. Could you find a job with a shorter work week, remote work options, or a project-based structure?
Lower stress. A job that doesn't demand all of your emotional or mental energy can be freeing. It leaves you with more bandwidth to enjoy the parts of your life that you do care about.
Your love for fitness is a great example of this. You don't have to turn it into a job to get value from it. You can let it be a source of joy and purpose that exists completely outside of your career.
Shifting Focus to What You Can Control
It's easy to get caught up in the things that feel out of our control—like the 40-hour work week or the perceived selfishness of others. However, people who find happiness often focus on the small things they can control.
Think about what you're doing with your free time. You mentioned the gym, which is fantastic. What are other things that bring you a sense of purpose or a brief escape? It could be:
Building skills: Learning to play an instrument, taking a cooking class, or working on a personal project.
Connecting with nature: Hiking, gardening, or just sitting in a park.
Volunteering: Helping others can be a powerful way to feel connected and find purpose outside of your own problems.
Instead of looking for reliable people to just hang out with, maybe you could try to connect with others through shared activities or goals. For example, joining a gym class, a sports league, or a book club can be a way to find a community built around a shared passion rather than a friendship that starts with the pressure of "hanging out."
You're not alone in feeling this way, and acknowledging these feelings is the first step. The goal isn't to suddenly love life, but to find small ways to make it more tolerable and, eventually, more meaningful for you. It's a journey of adjustments, not a sudden transformation.