If you told me ten years ago that I’d be walking away from process engineering, I probably would’ve laughed. For the longest time, I identified as an engineer. Numbers, problem-solving, equipment design… all the “tough stuff.” I loved it. I really thought I’d be doing it forever.

But life shifted—and so did I.

Changing careers in your 30s isn’t something most people do on a whim. It means facing fear, letting go of stability, and dealing with a long list of “What ifs.” But looking back, there were a few key things. These elements helped me make the leap with more confidence. This was true even when things felt unclear.

1. A Financial Safety Net

Let’s be honest: one of the biggest fears about switching careers is losing income. As an engineer, I earned well. Maybe even more than well. So the thought of suddenly having no income? It was uncomfortable to even think about.

That’s why I took the usual advice seriously: build your emergency fund. In fact, I went beyond that. Our “nomad” family lifestyle helped us live a bit more simply, which made saving easier. My husband is the main breadwinner, yes—but a cut in income still impacted us, so we had to make thoughtful compromises.

One tool that helped me stay clear and consistent was my Monthly Budget Tracker. It gave me a real sense of control over our spending, even in times of change. If you’re navigating a transition or just want more clarity with your finances, you can check it out here.

The moment I hit my savings goal, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a while: freedom. The freedom to pause and ask myself what I really wanted to do—not just what would pay the bills.

2. Constant Reflection

I’m not the most spiritual person, but I do take time to reflect. It usually comes from small, everyday conversations with my husband—”How was your day?” turned into “Why does it feel like you’re always drained?”

Eventually, after one too many work complaints, he asked, “Why do you even keep working?”

That question hit me. I thought about my passion—how it had faded—and why. And then, one day, I worked on a project that involved analyzing thousands of data points… and something sparked. I actually enjoyed it. I followed that feeling. I even signed up for a free data course, just to test the waters. And it clicked.

3. Adaptability

I’ve never had a hard time adjusting to new tools, systems, or environments. I know what I want, and when I go for something, I commit fully. So switching to a completely different industry didn’t scare me as much as it might for others.

That adaptability gave me a head start. I wasn’t trying to cling to how things “used to be.” I was open to what could come next.

4. Diligent Learning

I’m not the genius type—but I’m definitely the diligent one.

I’ve always been curious. Whether it’s something serious or just random trivia, I love learning. And I don’t let limiting thoughts like “coding is too hard” stop me. I focus on small wins. Unlocking new knowledge gives me energy.

That mindset helped me move through the transition one step at a time—without getting overwhelmed by the big picture.

5. Endless Support

I’ve never been one to compare myself to others. Everyone’s path is different—and we’re all running different races. That mindset helped me focus on my journey, without falling into the trap of competition.

I surrounded myself with supportive people, and I supported them too. I believe in sharing what I know—because one day, when I need help, they might lift me up in return.

My core support system—my husband and my family—never judged me for leaving engineering. In fact, my husband (who works in data) helped me navigate the learning curve. I never felt like I had to do it all alone.

6. Self-Belief, Compassion, and Passion

I once read this quote:
“Have more faith in yourself than others have doubt in you.”
That stuck with me.

If I don’t believe in myself, how can I expect anyone else to?

But believing in yourself doesn’t mean being hard on yourself. I’ve learned to be compassionate—to acknowledge what I still need to learn, and to celebrate the progress I have made.

And finally—passion. It’s underrated, but powerful. In my recent job interviews, I could tell the difference when I spoke with passion. I think the people on the other side of the table could feel it too. That energy? It’s contagious. It’s what helped me land the role I have today.

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Changing your career in your 30s can feel overwhelming. However, it’s also an opportunity to align your work with who you are today. This change reflects the person you have become, not who you were a decade ago. You don’t need to have everything figured out. What you do need is clarity, support, and the courage to take one step at a time.

If you’re considering a career change and want something to guide you through the messy middle, I created a free Career Pivot Checklist based on everything that helped me make my own shift with confidence.

🎯 Download the checklist to help you reflect, plan, and move forward—without the burnout.

You’ve got this. And you don’t have to do it alone 💛