completely changing career paths at age 30

Recommended by Cecilia

I was a studio art major in college, I went down the entire path of graphic designer to art director to editor... freelance, in-house, you name it... and just this week, I started at a PR agency, which I had zero prior experience with. My new co-workers, who are all fab, are much more advanced than I am, and younger, but age is just a number anyway! I will learn so much. And I feel more sure of my choices now more than ever! Here's to a fun and fruitful new career path <3

what the hell, sure.

2 months ago

Comments

Hannah Harvey

@hannahharveyJun 17, 2026

good for you!!! i'm in a similar position and it's so easy to feel like you've gone too far down one path to change course...it's so freeing to feel like it's not that deep and you can change your mind whenever!!!

Cecilia

@ceciliaJun 17, 2026

thank you!! exactly! I at first felt embarrassed to be at the very bottom of the totem pole again, but Im reminding myself it’s okay to start over and it’s fair that I don’t know everything yet!! :)

Bookalli

@bookalliJun 17, 2026

I changed career paths a year ago at age 56 after many aborted attempts and I am so glad I finallydid. I only wish I had done it earlier as I truly enjoy my new job!

Cecilia

@ceciliaJun 17, 2026

Lovely! I hope you're proud of yourself, what an accomplishment! :)

Joselle

@joselleJun 17, 2026

I was an editor out of college and switched to nursing in my early 30’s. Part of it was the 2008 recession. My company was laying people off and doing salary cuts. I also hated sitting at a desk all day. I was always interested in women’s health so I decided to get my nursing degree. It’s a much better fit for me and I wouldn’t have known that at 20. Change your career whenever!

Cecilia

@ceciliaJun 18, 2026

Joselle! How lucky are your patients to have someone taking care of them that put so much love and thought into their life's path!! <3

Emily

@emilysoJun 17, 2026

…or age 40! I’ll be a social worker in two years after 20 years in corporate and nonprofit events. Feels great.

Cecilia

@ceciliaJun 18, 2026

Emily! That's amazing. Congrats!

Michael

@curiousJun 18, 2026

High five, Emily! 🖐️

Mary

@marybrazealJun 18, 2026

I bet your design background and trained eye will still be helpful at your new job! I was a studio art major in undergrad and then went back to school to get a business degree to break into the tech field. I’m a project manager at a web development company now, and my art degree helps me all the time! It’s good when you can tell something looks bad before a client sees it!

Meez Stephanie

@meezstephanieJun 18, 2026

I went back for my PhD at age 40, started playing a new instrument (Obsessively) at 55! As other have said, your past experience will help you at your next endeavour. Best of luck!