Anyone have experience with switching careers in your 30's?

[ArgentCy]

Not to usurp the thread, but I had an opportunity to take over a big book of insurance (I don't work in insurnace but would have gotten my license) until I found out I'd have to keep selling new accounts. I asked why can't I just retain what was there and they said, even with the huge book, if I didn't sell more they'd break it up and give it to multiple agents.

Why? Why can't an agent just serve her/his clients well and let that be it?

Because Wall St and almost all business execs have been taught that if you are growing you're dying. Plus they see it as lazy. Have a friend who took over just a part of a local investment guy's large book. The company wanted to see who could succeed so they brought in like 4 people to split up the book.

 

[cowgirl836]

I would think a couple of the things here are good suggestions - seeing if there is a different role in your current company that would fit you. And if not, working the relationships with vendors. As a couple others have said - your knowledge of the industry should be a huge plus to them.

 

[Bobber]

Good questions and answers. Applaud the original poster for not keeping his head stuck in the sand and thinking ahead and asking questions.

 

[tazclone]

Random question, but im sort of at an unexpected crossroads. I'm 33 and work as a golf course Assistant Superintendent. Have a liberal studies degree from ISU and Turfgrass degree from IWCC. Loved the job and excelled at it, until the last 3 yrs in which I've developed horrible back problems. Had 2 surgeries in 2014 and was never the same. Problems were manageable until recently, but have started getting worse. I've come to the realization that if I don't want to be in a wheel chair in my 50's, I should probably change career paths.
Now that the back story is out of the way, I'll get to the point. I really have no clue where to go next. Out of college I worked in group ticket sales with the Omaha Royals and financial sales with Wells Fargo Financial. The job with WFF felt unethical, so I quit and went back to school. I feel comfortable in sales and feel a strength of mine is forming relationships, but am not sure of the best way to network myself at this point, being out of sales so long. I've heard there are recruiting services and companies you can pay to help you figure out your options, but I don't want to waste my money.
This has been long and rambling, but I felt it necessary to explain my past to show how I got where I am now at. Anyone with experience, suggestions, encouragements on what my next move should be? I'm all ears and open to any suggestions.

P.s. I'm currently in the Omaha metro, but would LOVE ago move back to the Des Moines area. I love Des Moines and have been looking for a reason to get back for years. I appreciate any feedback you guys have to offer.

Was in the golf industry for 20+ years and made a change. Biggest mistake I ever made

 

[cycloner29]

If you are the type of person that can start a conversation with a stranger, I could see sales in your future. I went from being a subsidized farmer (seed research) to selling ag equipment, I dealt with farmers both times though.

Sure hope you can get rid of the medical issues!!

 

[cyclonespiker33]

P.s. I'm currently in the Omaha metro, but would LOVE ago move back to the Des Moines area. I love Des Moines and have been looking for a reason to get back for years. I appreciate any feedback you guys have to offer.

@IowaRealEstate is looking for people to sell houses

 

[KnappShack]

I would think a couple of the things here are good suggestions - seeing if there is a different role in your current company that would fit you. And if not, working the relationships with vendors. As a couple others have said - your knowledge of the industry should be a huge plus to them.

This is a true key. I was recently laid laid off. Didn't change careers (this time) but reached out to my vendors and landed a better job as a result.

Networking. Communication. Take an inventory of your skills and interests.

Never and I mean never be afraid to gamble on yourself. I'm in an industry with little stability. I always need to keep my skills sharp and be ready for changes.

Best of luck to the OP. OP, you got this

 

[Triggermv]

I'm 32 and have had nearly the identical back problems with failed surgeries and whatnot too, so you have my deepest sympathies. Nobody really truly knows what people like us deal with exactly chronic pain wise unless they were to experience it themselves. Its hard. With that said, I'm fortunate that I already have a desk job working for myself out of my fathers home. Therefore, I've got high flexibility, a standing desk, and the ability to walk and lie down when I need to. Truthfully, I don't know how I'd survive otherwise at this point. Therefore, I think it is good you are looking to get out earlier than later.

On the job front, I think there is some great advice here for sure, particularly the stuff with leveraging people you know. If you maybe have some interest in energy (selling propane, diesel and gasoline) sales, seed sales, or agronomy sales with a Coop anywhere in the state of Iowa, I could probably help you out some through my connections, but I'm not sure if that interests you at all. If so, shoot me a PM and I could get you in contact with someone. All those jobs would require some driving around locally calling on customers, but not really manual labor at all.

 

[4theCYcle]

I would say start networking. I know you said that isn't your strong suit, but you can look at temp agencies and recruiting agencies that don't charge a commission from you, they get paid by filling spots from the companies itself. Career fairs wouldn't be a bad idea, just to see if you come across another path that may trip your trigger. I did this in my mid 20's where I walked from a job I hated. Was off a year trying to decide on what I wanted to do - so I interviewed with a few companies, looked at getting my masters, worked a temp job in between, and then ultimately landed a job with a good company. You'll know what's right when you come across it. Good luck!

 

[FOREVERTRUE]

The company I work in Nevada, IA sometimes has sales positions open and currently has a marketing position open(I know a little different, but foot in the door) plus once in access to bigger opportunities with our parent company based in Minnesota and locations through the Midwest. I hesitate to name the company specifically due to discretionary reasons, but think food manufacturing and sales.

 

[throwittoblythe]

I've been in the midst of figuring out what I want to do for the past 3 years. I'm in the Civil Engineering/Construction Industry myself. I stayed at my first job out of college for 7 years, then decided to leave. My boss told me I was crazy. I'm about to leave my current job for what I feel like could be my "dream job."

A few nuggets of advice, some that have been said here, that I can share are:

1. As others have said, leverage your network. I'm about to enter my 4th job and other than the first one out of college, I've never really done a hard interview. If you know someone on the inside, they can "sell" you to their company, then it's just a matter of meeting others to see if they are comfortable with you. My next job opportunity occurred out of several casual meetings with a guy that was willing to give me career advice. Then, 6 months later, when they had a need and saw I could fill it, I jumped at it.
2. Try and figure out what your unique skills are. Then find a need that must be met. Align those two things in seeking to find the right position.
3. Recognize that no job is perfect. Every job has it's a-holes and tough stretches, but if you enjoy what you're doing, you'll be able to get over the bad parts.

Good luck!

 

[TOFB4ISU]

I'm in my 50's and am ready to change planets.

Whoops wrong thread.

 

[carvers4math]

We certainly need more electricians and I know nothing about being one, but it seems like it also could be a bit physically challenging if you have back issues. (We have been waiting for one to come do some non-urgent updates to our ancient house for about a year. Unfortunately and obviously, this is not an area of Amish expertise, we have had them do roofing and other construction work for us.)

 

[Cyclonepride]

Related question- I've considered IT training for a switch if I ever decide to make a change (I've been with the same company for 23 years). Is there any hesitation in the IT industry to hiring people that are a bit older (40's/50's)?

 

[cyclonebillski]

Thanks everyone. Truly some great insight and suggestions. I'll take them all into consideration. I'd like to stay with my current employer, but it is a city position and they don't make it that easy to transfer depts like that. I think I may reach out to a company that connects you with prospective employers and can help identify my strengths and maybe suggest jobs I've not thought of. Again, thanks to everyone.

 

[LarryISU]

I retired a year ago after 30 years in claim adjusting. So I started at age 32.

There is a lot of insurance in Omaha/Council Bluffs and also Des Moines. No one sets out to be a claims adjuster so your background is not important. Almost everyone gets into that work by default or after trying other things. A degree is the only requirement. But I really enjoyed it. The insurer will train you in everything you need to know. Most adjusters simply work all day at a computer, handling the work via phone, mail or e-mail. So it fits your need to avoid physical labor.

My degree from ISU was in broadcasting, so as I say, your education or your work history does not matter. As you progress you will learn auto repair, home repair, insurance terminology, the legal system, medical terminology. This was what I liked, that you become a quasi-expert in several different fields and there is no end to increasing or updating your knowledge or expertise.

 

[ZJohnson]

I went from being involved in some aspect of golf basically my whole life to selling produce. I went to school for golf management and worked at country clubs, public courses and spent five years as a club fitter/club builder before making the switch about 16 months ago. It was a major transition to go from golf to sales, but the end return is much greater. It was made easier by the company I work for and that has helped with the transition. I also grew up around farming and had a good knowledge base; granted corn and beans are nowhere similar to selling grapes and citrus.

I'd recommend it if is the right job and time and helps your family in the long run.