Thirty-five. Old enough to have a decade (or more) of work behind you. Young enough to have decades still ahead. So what happens when that mid-career itch becomes something you can’t ignore anymore? You start thinking about switching careers at 35. And if that’s you, you’re not the only one.
In fact, career switching at 35 is increasingly common in the UK. One survey by Indeed Flex found a 12% increase in people seeking new jobs in 2025. So, whether it’s burnout, boredom, or a complete shift in values (thanks, pandemic), more people are realising they don’t have to stay stuck in a job that no longer fits. The good news? There are plenty more fish in the proverbial barrel.
This guide walks you through what to expect, where to start, and how to make that leap as smooth (and successful) as possible.
Why 35 Is a Surprisingly Smart Age to Switch Careers
Let’s get one thing straight; switching careers at 35 isn’t late. It’s actually a sweet spot. By 35, you’ve built up a solid bank of professional skills, you’ve likely seen how businesses work (and how they don’t), and you probably know yourself a whole lot better than you did in your twenties. But crucially, you’ve still got decades ahead to build something new.
And here’s the kicker: you’re not alone in feeling the urge to change. As Coaching Psychologist, Caroline Clark, writes in the British Psychological Society, many people hit their mid-thirties or forties and start to question whether their career really suits them. It’s not necessarily a ‘crisis’, it’s often the start of a healthy ‘re-evaluation’. The article frames this midlife reflection as a powerful opportunity for reinvention, not a breakdown. It’s about aligning your working life with who you’ve become, not who you thought you were going to be at 22. You can read it here.
So, if you’re finding a new career at 35, you’re not late to the game. Instead, you’re stepping onto the pitch at just the right moment.
Common Fears About Changing Careers in Your Mid-30s (And Why They’re Normal)
Let’s be honest: finding a new career at 35 is not without its worries. Any of these sound familiar?
- “I’ll have to start at the bottom again.”
- “I can’t afford a pay cut.”
- “I’m too old to retrain.”
- “Employers won’t take me seriously.”
These fears are valid, but they’re also manageable. For instance, many people don’t start right at the bottom. Some careers offer fast-track entry for older candidates.
Furthermore, retraining is more accessible than ever (check out our post on retraining as an adult), and lots of UK employers are now actively recruiting older workers — yes, even for entry-level roles.
Besides, your ripe-old age of 35 can be a huge asset. You bring reliability, perspective, transferable skills and emotional intelligence to the table. These are things employers increasingly value.
So, What Do You Actually Want to Do?
That’s the big question, right? If you’re exploring how to switch careers at 35, start with honest self-reflection. What lights you up? Are you good at anything in particular? What could you happily do for another decade or two? Is there anything that just isn’t your cup of tea?
Need inspiration? Some of the most popular paths we see include:
- Tech: Coding bootcamps, digital marketing, cybersecurity. Many don’t require degrees.
- Education: Teaching, training, or coaching. (Explore our guide to becoming a teacher.)
- Healthcare: Allied health roles, counselling, or even NHS admin.
- Skilled trades: Plumbing, carpentry, or electrician training (yes, the UK still needs them!).
- Green energy and sustainability: A growing field. Start with our post on climate change careers.
Be sure to check out our list of the top 10 second career ideas in the UK. It’s a great place to spark ideas too!
What You’ll Need to Make the Switch
A new path often requires a few essentials:
1. A CV that tells your story
Your career changer CV should explain the “why” behind your move, highlight transferable skills, and show that you’ve done your homework on the new field. Use our guide to writing a CV for a career change to get started, and avoid these 5 words that weaken your pitch.
2. Possibly, retraining
Plenty of adults retrain through part-time study, apprenticeships or self-paced online courses. Here are five of the best retraining courses for adults right now.
Can’t afford to quit your job and study full-time? Look at night courses, flexible degrees, or short professional qualifications. Funding options exist, too. Even though career development loans are now defunct, there are alternatives worth considering.
3. A personal brand that aligns with your new career
No, this doesn’t mean becoming an “influencer”. It means shaping your CV, LinkedIn and even interview answers around your future ambitions, not just your past roles. Our personal branding tips for career changers show you how.
4. Support and a solid network
Career switches are easier with allies. Whether that’s friends, mentors, or online communities, don’t go it alone. Our networking tips for career changers can help you build useful connections without the awkwardness.
What About Money?
Yes, switching careers at 35 might mean a temporary dip in income, especially if you’re retraining or entering a new industry. But with some careful planning, you can weather the transition.
Our blog on balancing the financial aspects of career change walks you through budgeting, savings strategies, and income planning.
The key is to think long-term. A short-term salary sacrifice could set you up for 20+ years of better-paid and more fulfilling work.
Real Talk: It’s Not Always Easy
Let’s not sugar-coat it. A new career for a 35 year old can come with setbacks. You might get rejected a few times. You might doubt yourself. That’s normal. And the key is not to think of it as a sign that it won’t work.
Take breaks, talk to others, and try not to compare your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20. We’ve written a lot about the emotional side of changing careers, too. It’s well worth a read if you’re feeling stuck.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Chapter Starts Here
If you’ve read this far, you’re already doing what most people don’t: you’re taking it seriously. And that’s half the battle.
The truth is, switching careers at 35 isn’t just doable — it’s often the best career move someone can make. With the right support, smart planning, and a clear sense of what you want, you could be looking back in five years thinking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
Need help getting started? Start by reading:
- 5 Signs It’s Time to Switch Careers
- 6 Amazing Benefits of Changing Careers
- Popular Jobs for Career Changers
And remember: you don’t have to start from scratch! You’re bringing years of experience with you. Now it’s just about channelling it somewhere new.
Ready to start your new career at 35? Check out the Refreshing a Career jobs board for all the latest opportunities.
