It’s a curious thing how one’s career takes shape. From a childhood summer job to your first entry-level position, where we find ourselves in our work lives can be attributed to a chance mix of factors. Maybe you started working the local ice cream window because you lived in a beach town, or maybe you were exposed early on to the inner workings of a family business. Either way, we don’t usually have much control over where we begin our career paths. 👣

Before you know it, you’re set up in a profession that you haven’t really chosen for yourself. By the time you’re in your 30s or 40s, most of us will have worked for somewhere between 10–20 years. That’s a lot of time and experience! You’ve likely learned more about yourself, what you like, and what is possible in the workforce. (Not to mention the changing landscape of job opportunities — some jobs that existed 10 years ago simply don’t anymore!) So, it makes sense that after quarterlife hits, you might have an inkling that something else is out there for you.

“Before you know it, you’re set up in a profession that you haven’t really chosen for yourself.”

The great thing about making a change at an older age is that you may feel less precarious than you did when you started your career. But even if that is the case, there’s still no shortage of reasons why we hesitate at the brink of pursuing a new path. If only I had a nickel for every time I’ve felt that it’s “already too late” to try something new. Rarely is it true (except, okay, it might be too late for me to become a prima ballerina). More often than not, this type of thinking is simply a defense against pursuing your desire. Interrogate it closely enough and you’ll find an insidious cocktail of anxiety around failure, comparison to others, and sheer confusion about where to start.

So from one career-changer to another, here’s my best advice based on what I’ve learned as a 30-something with a definitively non-linear career path. If you’re looking to discover your passion, then I recommend a brief (or not so brief) detour through this piece. But, if you have your sights set on something new and you’re just not quite sure about taking the leap, read on for some gentle guidance.

Don’t ask for permission

One of the most liberating things you can do is to stop waiting for someone else to give you the go-ahead to pursue your new path. Don’t wait to be hired or given approval before you start to get down to business. Dive in and start doing the work yourself, even if it’s just on a small scale. Volunteer, take on freelance gigs, or start a side project that lets you practice the skills you want to develop. Not only will you learn much faster, but you’ll also be building your portfolio. If you haven’t held a position before in the field, you can show those you’re interviewing and networking with that you have the ambition and the chops to do the job. If you’re able to showcase your work using an Instagram account, TikTok, are.na board, or something similar, then do that! It will act as your 21st-century business card and open up doors.

Work = success

While we all have reservations about our abilities, there is a simple truth that is helpful to remember. The more you work on something, the more success you’ll find. Progress comes from consistent effort, not from waiting for the perfect moment or feeling completely ready. Yes, that entails encountering difficulties that might be tricky to overcome. But, again, those difficulties are resolved through more work — time, conversations, and thought. If you’re not actively working, it’s easy to remain stuck in your thoughts. Trust me, making steady progress, even if it’s just a little bit each day, will save you from spiraling. Bonus: The more consistently you show up in your new profession, the more natural it will feel for you to take on that title.

You’re learning, and that’s okay

An essential part of switching careers is having conversations with others who have followed a similar path. And the best way to have a really valuable meeting is to ask honest questions. Too often, I’ve held back in asking fundamental questions because I wanted to seem like I knew more than I did. Don’t make my mistake! The best time to ask questions is at the beginning. If you don’t, they’ll only circle around your head longer, and you’ll have to ask them down the line.

Another temptation when you’re learning from those with more experience is to compare yourself to people who have been in your profession for years. It might sound simple, but sometimes I find myself frustrated at the gap that exists between my mentors and me, even if we have about 40 years between us. Embrace the fact that you’re at the beginning of a journey. It won’t always be that way.

Remember, your skills are transferable (even if you think they’re not)

If you find your confidence flagging, or if you need to speak about yourself as you’re networking, it can be helpful to remember that you’re not showing up to your new career as an empty slate. Even if you come from a vastly different background, you have lots of skills that you’ll bring into this new chapter. Your capacity to write a great email, make decisions quickly, build consensus around your ideas, or generate creative directions are all professionally agnostic. You’ll find they help you wherever you go. Plus, there is most likely a logical through-line between where you started and where you’re going. Share your interesting story and let others draw their conclusions about what you have to offer, too.

Find ways to support your work

Now for the hard truth: You’re not as young (or as reckless) as you once were! Taking on a big change after the age of 30 means you’ll be that much more sensitive to the impact of hard work on your life — whether that be on your health, your family life, or your routine. Since changing careers takes perseverance, it’s important to consider how you can support yourself for the long haul. For instance, you might have a goal of getting hired in a junior role in your new profession. Even then, you’ll spend months or years developing your skills and climbing the ladder. Have candid discussions with those in your life about what the time commitment will be to your new opportunity. It will help to set expectations and also give them an opportunity to offer you their support. And above all, allow yourself certain nights and weekends off, time to make yourself breakfast, and space for workout classes. All of this will be essential for deepening your learning and sticking with your development for the long haul.

Starting a new career that feels more aligned with your passion is an exciting and extremely worthwhile endeavor. Have you started a new career, or are you considering it? Let us know in the comments how you’re thinking about pursuing your unique direction in life!

Ashley D’Arcy is the Senior Editor at AlsWell Blog. She holds an MA in Philosophy from The New School for Social Research and has contributed to esteemed outlets such as The Nation, 032c, and Yale School of Management’s Insights where she’s leveraged her expertise in making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. In addition to her editorial work, she is training as a psychoanalytic mental health professional and provides care to patients in New York City. Ashley also explores sustainable fashion, clean beauty, and wellness trends, combining thoughtful cultural critiques with a commitment to mindful living.