Robert Himelfarb on 5 Things Wish I Knew About Career Changes in My 30s

I5 Things I Wish I Knew About Career Changes in My 30s

By Robert Himelfarb

Making a career change in your 30s can feel like standing at a crossroads without a map. I’ve been there. After years of building experience in one field, I decided to pivot — and while it’s one of the best decisions I ever made, it came with unexpected challenges and lessons.

If you're thinking about switching careers in your 30s, here are five things I wish I had known before I took the leap.

1. It’s Not “Too Late” — It’s Just a Different Starting Point

In my 20s, I thought careers were like train tracks: pick one and stay on it. But the truth is, your 30s are a powerful time to reassess what really matters to you. You bring more maturity, self-awareness, and often a clearer sense of purpose.

Changing careers now doesn’t mean starting from scratch — it means starting smarter.

2. Your Transferable Skills Are More Valuable Than You Think

At first, I worried that none of my old experience would matter in a new field. I was wrong. Skills like communication, project management, leadership, and critical thinking carry huge weight across industries.

The key is learning how to frame your past experience in the language of your new field.

3. You'll Need to Learn (and Unlearn)

One of the most humbling parts of changing careers is going back into "student mode." Whether it's learning new tools, certifications, or just understanding a different work culture, there’s a learning curve.

But I also had to unlearn habits that no longer served me — like assuming seniority equaled job security. In a new field, humility and curiosity go a long way.

4. Networking Isn’t Optional — It’s Essential

I underestimated how important relationships would be in making the shift. Most of my best opportunities came not from applying to jobs, but from talking to people already in the space.

Informational interviews, coffee chats, and even cold outreach helped me learn the ropes and get noticed. If you're pivoting, invest time in your network — online and in person.

5. Your Identity Isn’t Tied to a Job Title

This was the hardest lesson. For years, I defined myself by what I did for a living. Changing careers felt like losing part of who I was. But I’ve learned that growth means letting go of old labels.

Today, I’m still evolving — and that’s the point. Your job title may change, but your values, strengths, and drive come with you.

Final Thoughts

If you're in your 30s and considering a career change, know this: it's not reckless, it's brave. It takes clarity, resilience, and a willingness to bet on yourself. It may not be easy, but it is worth it.

I’m Robert Himelfarb, and I’ve made that leap — and you can too.