Changing careers in your 30s when you are a working mom might be scary, but it is possible with the right resources and tools. I transitioned from teaching to instructional design at the age of 38 and my daughter was 3 years old at the time. I had worked as an educator in different settings for approximately 15 years, but I needed a change. It was not a fast and easy process, but motivation, determination, and perseverance were key factors in my transition.

Timeframe for a Career Change

The timeframe it takes to change careers depends on your family situation and the time you can devote to learning. It took me approximately 2 years, but I have read about people accomplishing their goals in a couple of months. For that reason, never compare your career change journey to another person’s journey.

Steps to Transition

There are many steps that will help you reach your career change goals. I want to share the steps that were useful in my career transition.

Decide on Your New Career Path

The first step for any career change is deciding on your new career path. I have heard many working mothers say that they want to desperately change careers, but they do not know what to do. I would start by determining what skillset you already possess and what you’re good at. Some example questions you can ask yourself include:

•      Do you easily learn software programs?

•      Do you work well with others?

•      Are you good at editing or writing? 

•      Are you good at delivering speeches?

•      Are you good with numbers?

•      Can you manage your time effectively and meet deadlines?

Then think of your experience and what things about your current or previous jobs you liked doing the most. If you are transitioning to a new career field, you want to transition into something that you enjoy.

Another important thing to do is think of skills that are transferable. There are many skills that can be performed in different job settings. The U.S. Department of Labor has many useful resources to help with your career change.

Conduct Online Research

Finding a new career path will not happen in one day. You need to conduct research. I stumbled across instructional design when searching for careers that teachers can transition into. I was glad I did.

When I started searching for jobs in instructional design, I saw that many positions required experience with adults, therefore, I knew that working at a college was a positive thing. I also saw that many job descriptions listed requirements such as knowing how to write objectives, analyzing learner needs, and developing learning materials. I had already acquired many of these skills as an educator, which made me feel excited.

On the other hand, I started seeing the importance of knowing instructional design models, developing interactive content in software programs, and having mastery of basic graphic design and visual design. I knew that the skills I had acquired as a teacher were valuable but not enough to transition.

I searched online articles and followed blogs of experienced instructional designers in the field. I learned a lot on my own by just browsing the internet. However, there was so much information online that it became overwhelming for someone trying to transition into a new career field. I decided to join groups where I could interact with experienced people and learn as much as I could from them.  

Join Professional Groups

Professional groups are full of many knowledgeable professionals and people just like you trying to break into the field. These groups provide a space for networking and finding support on your new journey. You can ask questions about:

•      Top books they recommend in the field

•      Positive and negative things about working in this field

•      Things they wished they had known when starting out

LinkedIn has many online professional groups you can join while completing job searches. Facebook is also a great place to search for groups related to the new career field you are interested in.

Create a folder specific to your new career path and save any resources provided in the groups. Be sure to always check the search option in the groups to avoid asking the same question that others have asked and that there are answers to.

Enroll in Online Courses

When you are transitioning to a new career field, you want to learn as much as you can related to the field. I started purchasing courses on Udemy, which is a cost-effective platform. I also took courses on LinkedIn Learning. My local library gives free access to LinkedIn Learning to library card holders, which helped me save monthly on a LinkedIn Learning subscription. Check if your library does the same. Both Udemy and LinkedIn Learning give you completion certificates that you can add to your LinkedIn profile.

While I was gaining knowledge in the field, I felt I needed more guidance. Many people think that they must enroll in a university or college program to be able to transition successfully. However, that is not necessarily the case. Fields like medicine, engineering, and law require specific certifications and degrees from accredited universities. On the other hand, many fields in corporate settings do not require you to have a specific degree and focus more on the skills you possess or a combination of both education and skills.

Since my background is in education and many job posts had a bachelor’s in education as a degree option, I could find a program in my budget that would help me acquire the skills needed to be successful at the job. That is why I decided to apply to an online academy for instructional design created by an expert in the field. If you are a teacher looking to transition into instructional design, I highly recommend IDOL Academy, a state-authorized vocational school. This academy provides training, mentorship, completion badges, certifications, and paid experience opportunities. You will also build work samples to showcase in a portfolio.  

There are many experienced professionals that are creating courses and helping people transition into new career fields. Conduct a Google search or ask in professional groups and find the best option for your budget and needs.

Practice New Skills

Learning theory is important in any workplace, but theory alone is not enough to be successful in a demanding career. Employees need to be able to apply the theory to a real-world environment. Therefore, practice is key.

One step I recommend is to start studying the job descriptions and the skills needed for the type of position you wish to be hired in. See what common skills are highlighted across different positions in the field. Focus on developing or strengthening those skills.

When I was reviewing job descriptions, I saw that many employers listed using eLearning software as a requirement. Hence, I downloaded free trials and started to get familiarized with the software. According to the job descriptions, I was supposed to be able to create training materials with the software indicated. I wanted to be able to use the software to apply the theory I learned.

Create a Portfolio (Industry Dependent)

Many companies ask for portfolios. This is very common for instructional designers, corporate trainers, graphic designers, programmers, writers, journalists, photographers, artists, and makeup artists. A portfolio highlights your skills and talents, giving employers a preview of your work. The sections and types of work samples that need to be included in a portfolio depend on the career field.

If many job descriptions ask for a portfolio, then be sure to start creating one. This is very important for people that have just graduated or people transitioning into a new career field. You need to stand out from the crowd and a good way to do it is showcasing your skills. Ask yourself:

•      Does the job description mention tools or software that I need to be able to use?

•      Are there any types of documents I need to know how to create?

•      Are there any specific skills that I can showcase in my portfolio?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a portfolio is a way that can get you closer to getting hired. The reality is that even though work experience is important and positions people in a better stance than people without experience, a well-designed portfolio can be the key for an employer in deciding to give you a chance or not to interview and can even be a deciding factor in the final decision.

You can host your portfolio on WordPress or use a website builder such as Squarespace, Wix, or Google Sites. Search portfolios of professionals in your field for inspiration. Add different samples that can showcase the skills needed for the type of role you are interested in.

Update Your Resume

Why is updating your resume important?

Based on my personal experience, updating your resume is essential if you want prospective employers to consider you for an interview. Another recommendation is to include a cover letter summarizing how your experience and education make you a good fit for the position. Lastly, use Jobscan to optimize your resume for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

One thing I noticed when I first started applying for new jobs outside of teaching was that I was barely getting interviews. When I spoke to professionals in the field, they told me that I had to tailor my resume to the positions I was applying for. My resume only spoke to positions in teaching. Another issue I discovered was that I was sending the same resume for every position I applied for.

Start Applying

After you have conducted enough research in the new field, updated your resume, and created some samples for your portfolio (if needed), then it is time to start applying.

Check if a job title is used interchangeably with other titles so you do not limit your options. In instructional design, I learned that other job titles that can be searched and have similar requirements are the following: learning designer, training specialist, instructional systems specialist, curriculum designer, and curriculum developer.

Apply to jobs even if you do not possess all the skills or experience indicated. If you have enough transferable skills, you may be considered, and the other skills can be learned on the job. I also encourage you to read company reviews and see what former and current employees are saying about the company culture and workplace environment.

Establish Your Non-Negotiables

Think about what things are non-negotiable if you get an interview and are offered a position. Consider the salary range, job type (full-time or part-time) benefits, and work model (on site, hybrid, or remote).

Another thing to keep in mind is that sometimes transitioning into a new career field will require a pay cut. This is not always the case, and I have heard people say that they were offered way above what they were earning. However, if you are new to a field and lack many skills needed for mid-senior roles, you may need to start in an entry level role.

Remember that you need to consider what is best for you and your family and how taking a position will affect the household dynamics.

Volunteer

If you do not have any experience in the field you are trying to transition into and are having trouble getting interviews, you can consider volunteering. There are many non-profit organizations that need help and will let you use completed work as samples for your portfolio. You will be contributing to a cause while building content for your portfolio.

Ask about non-profit organizations in your professional groups or simply conduct a Google search and you will find different organization and companies looking for volunteers.

What I Learned From This Journey

As busy working mothers, it’s important that we continue dreaming and working hard to achieve our personal and professional goals. I was able to change careers in my late 30s while being a new mom. It is never too late to start. The key is to stay focused and believe in your capabilities.

If you need further assistance with your resume, visit CareerOneStop. Are you ready to find a new job?

Best Wishes,

Mel