How to Change Career Paths with No Experience or Grad School

Some days I miss college, but most days I'm just happy it's over. (I'm sure most people have a similar sentiment.) But what can you do when you fall out of love with the job you got your college degree for or you end up on a career path that isn't a match with your degree or interests? Is it possible to change careers without going back to school when you're closer to 40 than 20…and still come out ahead? Yes, it is. I'm proof. For those wondering how to change career paths with no experience (or even without going back to grad school), I thought I'd share my story.

How many times does the average person change careers?

During a person's working life, changing careers is more common than you think. 

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, baby boomers (those born between 1957 and 1964) held an average of 11.7 jobs between the ages of 18 and 52.
• The BLS also notes that between ages 35 and 44, 36% of people changed jobs in less than a year and 75% in fewer than five years.
• CNN Money estimates that an average of four job changes before the age of 32 is quite common as people start to figure out what they really want out of work and life, and how to live their best financial life.
• As far as Gen Xers go, those who graduated from college from 1986 to 1990 averaged two job changes in their first 10 years out of college, with the most prominent job hoppers working in industries such as media, entertainment, government jobs, and nonprofit organizations.

How many people make a career change at 30?

The University of Phoenix ran a study and found that nearly 3/4 of workers want a career change in their thirties due to loss of interest in their current field or being sick of stagnant wages.

Most people seeking a job change at this point wish for a more profitable venture. But of these people, almost 40% are unsure of what to pursue.

A lot of them think “why change?” when they already have a steady gig, and they are put off by the thought of having to learn something new and/or having to go back to school for qualifications in a new field.

However, the reality is, you don't have to completely start over from square one. You may already have a lot of the transferable skills and experience needed to begin something new.

Think of it this way: In your thirties, you have at least 35 more years of working life to establish yourself in a new career field before retirement.

According to Monster.com, some individuals still change careers after the age of 50 and end up leading happier and more productive lives.

The bottom line is if you want to make the change, then you WILL find a way. It's never too late and you are never too old to make a positive change in your career.

Signs of job burnout at work

When is making the decision to change careers beneficial? Any time you are experiencing any of the symptoms of burnout. These may seem benign, but they're actually a huge red flag. My own case of burnout caused me to sell this website in 2019. 

The types of symptoms can be attributed to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism and detachment, feelings of ineffectiveness, and lack of accomplishment.

Signs of exhaustion can include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Insomnia
• Forgetfulness/impaired concentration and attention
• Increased rates of illness
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger

Cynicism and detachment:

• Loss of enjoyment at work
• Pessimism
• Isolation
• Detachment from work outcomes

Ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment:

• Feelings of apathy and hopelessness
• Increased irritability
• Lack of productivity and poor performance

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms at your current job, then looking at a career change might be a beneficial solution, no matter your age or the industry you work in.

If you're uncertain whether it's just burnout or your current employer, or whether you need a total career overhaul, consider investing in professional help and talking with a therapist to navigate your feelings and any subsequent changes. Therapy is way less expensive than making a career move you're uncertain about and (potentially) losing wages. No matter what career you choose, mental health is key.

How to change career paths with no experience – 7 Steps

I'm lucky that my blog led to a different career path than the one I was on, but I worked hard at learning how to blog before I earned a single dollar. (Here's how much I've earned to date.) With my own path in mind, here are the steps I took to go from actress to administrative assistant to a full-blown career in marketing as a content strategist, and finally a professional blogger.

I used the steps listed below to successfully change careers in my twenties, without going back to school or losing any earning power. In fact, I was able to increase my income 5x from age 25 to 32. And at 36 it's still climbing, each time I change jobs.

Step #1 – Get clear on what you (actually) want to do for a living.

If you know your current gig isn't working out for you but aren't sure of what comes next, my best advice is to do something small each day to attempt to figure out it out. Examples include:

• Researching a career path on the internet that sounds interesting.
• Taking a class that you've always wanted to take.
• Starting a blog just to write to clarify your feelings or put it all out there.

The first step to making a career change is dabbling a bit in what you think you might want to do. You know, kick the tires before you commit. Because once you commit, that shit is hard work. So you better love it. Be gentle with yourself, and take your time. This is your life's work and your dream job you're trying to figure out.

Step #2 – Become a subject matter expert.

A decade ago, I found myself unemployed and used my free time to start the blog I always wanted to write but couldn't when I was working full-time at a hedge fund. I got a subscription to Money magazine and took every webinar under the sun about social media. Over time, I got better and better. I'm lucky that digital marketing is a field where you can gain practical experience that will replace formal education.

Either way, if you want to make a career change without going back to school, you're going to have to become an expert by other means: code camp, Masterclass, online certification, internships, and more.

Going to school gives you the knowledge, but that isn't the only way to get where you want to go (unless of course, you want to become a doctor or lawyer or need some other type of post-professional degree).

There are other ways to build and demonstrate your expertise:

• Volunteering with an organization or business in your chosen field.
• Taking courses in the related subject matter.
• Writing. It's a great way to show thought leadership and build your portfolio. Articles are proof you know what you're talking about!
• Getting to know others in your field by reading their thought leadership.

Becoming a “subject matter expert” is going to beef up your resume. You'll be able to list places you've been published, courses you've taken, and your blog and additional related experience on your resume in the place where your formal education would otherwise be.

Step #3 – Leverage online resources.

The internet is a place of boundless opportunity and knowledge, so it's only natural that there are a ton of online certificate programs for just about everything.

For example, if you want to work for an online blog or business that needs help with social media or search engine optimization, consider taking an SEO certification class.

You can also take courses in:

• Photography
• Data science
• Graphic design
• Business

Even if you take a course just to try it, be sure to put it on your resume. Not only do certifications look good on your resume, but they also can help you negotiate better pay or really prove your worth to your current company.

Just be sure you only take courses from trusted certificate programs – and always research before you pay for any class!

Step #4 – Network with existing contacts.

Everyone says to “network.” Everyone, everyone, everyone. Admittedly, I hate networking because it can often feel performative and inauthentic, but the more you do it, the more comfortable it becomes. I just always try to lead with value and connect others without thinking about if I'm the one making a connection or not. 

But, honestly, if you're looking to make a career change, the key to the position that starts you on the new career path most likely lies with someone you already know.

Someone in your network can vouch for your character, your willingness to learn, and your work ethic: the three things that matter when you don't have a wealth of education or work experience to speak for you.

Network with new people to get where you want to be, but don't discount networking within your existing contacts as well.

Did anyone read Michelle Obama's book Becoming? In it, she writes about struggling to find her own career path. She didn't want to be a lawyer anymore, so she went around and interviewed people who did things she thought looked cool. And eventually, that led her to a new career working for a nonprofit.

Anyway, I'm using this example to demonstrate how everyone – even the rich, successful, and famous – can change their minds about their career.

Step #5 – Take a pay cut if you have to.

Anyone can make a career change, but it's rare to shift careers completely and come in at the level and salary you had previously (unless you were entry-level before).

When you make a career change, often you'll have to start over. Being a career changer means starting from the bottom and working your way up, just as if you were right out of college. ( I took a steep pay cut when I left executive-level admin work for a career in marketing in 2012, but I knew there was more income growth at the top end in marketing.)

Honestly, losing money is what keeps a lot of people in jobs they hate. And depending on your age and circumstances, this may not be acceptable for you. Still, if you factor in the student loan/costs of school (whether traditional or online), a pay cut to change careers might be more economical.

If you forgo school, you'll have to make sacrifices or perhaps pick up a “side hustle” to boost your income until it matches your old full-time pay. You may have to stay up late and take courses after your 9-to-5 gig or dip into savings while you get your business off the ground.

Making changes is not without risks or sacrifices. But without them, there's also no reward.

Step #6 – Emphasize what makes you unique

If you want to make the shift into doing something you love, you're going to have to be your own biggest cheerleader, brand advocate, and champion.

If you've followed my steps and figured out what it is you really want to do, you should be unafraid to promote the things you are doing to your friends, family, and network. It could be a great way to get discovered.

Don't be afraid to bring up your new passion in conversation with others or on potential job interviews.

Even if the job is “just to pay the bills,” employers want passionate, hard-working people. You never know when the job could lead to something else, or who you could meet through that opportunity.

When I moved back to Atlanta, the CEO of my former company really wanted passionate folks at his start-up. I was interviewing for the executive assistant position (so I could move out of my parent's house), and he asked me about my interests outside of work.

I had just started blogging a few months before, so I proudly pulled up my blog and talked about my interest in finance and what I was learning about social media. He was so impressed he offered me a different job running that company's blog and social media accounts.

Step #7 – Tweak your resume for your dream career.

Since many potential employers now accept applications online, your resume is possibly going to be the only thing your potential employer knows about you before an interview.

Suffice it to say, you probably shouldn't be using the same resume you made in your college capstone class. Follow these beginner's tips for a quick update to the meat of your resume, but also be sure to tailor your resume to each company! (This is the part where you can add in those courses you've taken!)

The TL:DR : I love this advice from The Muse that walks through how to tailor your resume for the job description. Sure, you'll end up writing a different resume for each job, but when you're trying to switch careers – it takes that level of detail and amount of work.

How do I change career paths with no experience?

Start a side business or small side hustle.

Maybe instead of working for someone else, you want to start your own business. That's awesome! I've always said that everyone should have a side hustle, and I'm lucky enough that what was once a side project has become my full-time job.

A side hustle can totally change your life. 

You can also leverage a side hustle to get a full-time job using your new skills. For example, maybe you're an administrative assistant with a blog, but now you have enough design experience making your own graphics to work full-time as a graphic designer.

Everything is a learning experience, and everything you learn outside of a classroom can be turned into a skill.

Almost everyone has a skill or talent they can use to make money.

But keep in mind that it's not going to happen overnight. Grow your side hustle while still working that desk job to have some financial security. Then, when you've got a reliable stream of work and income, take the plunge into small business ownership!

The TL;DR: Click here to read my guide on starting your own side business, plus the 10 biggest things I've learned being my own boss.

Wrapping Up

It's possible to change careers without going back to school if you're willing to put in the work to make it happen. Do the research for what you want to do, find out if you can swing it without going back to school, and then lean into making it happen. I'm rooting for you.