Switch careers without betting a year on a guess
Tired of your field, curious about another, or both. I help you test the new direction cheaply, see what carries over and plan the move.
What usually gets in the way
“I don’t know what I’d switch to”
You know what you don’t want. What you do want is fuzzy, and every course promises it’s the answer.
“Is it too late for me?”
You’re 30 or 35 with years in one field, and starting again feels like throwing them away.
“Can I afford a pay cut?”
A switch might mean a lower salary for a while, and you have commitments that don’t wait.
How we work through it together
- 01
Get clear on the why
We talk through what drains you and what you’re drawn to, so the switch fixes the real problem, not just the job title.
- 02
Map what carries over
Send me your resume. I show which of your skills transfer to the new role and where the gaps are.
- 03
Test before you jump
We design small experiments: a side project, a short course, conversations with people in the role, and a money plan for the move.
What you leave with
A direction you’ve tested, not a leap of faith.
- A shortlist of target roles that fit your skills and interests
- A skills map: what transfers, what to learn, in what order
- Two or three small experiments to try in the next month
- A money plan for a possible pay dip
- A rewritten resume summary for the new direction
You: Seven years in sales. I keep thinking about product management. Is that realistic at 32?
Zia: It’s a common move. What part of product pulls you: the customer problems, the roadmap, or working with engineers?
You: Customer problems. I’m the one who brings feedback to the product team already.
Zia: That counts. Before you quit anything, could you own one feature request end to end with that team? It’s a cheap test, and it’s a story for interviews.
How to change careers, step by step
The switches that work are usually planned and tested.
Name the problem you’re solving
Is it the work itself, the industry, your manager, the pay or burnout? A new field won’t fix a bad team. Be honest about which one it is before you change everything.
Look for adjacent moves first
The easiest switches keep one thing constant: same industry and a new function, or the same function in a new industry. Sales to customer success or solutions, engineering to product, finance to strategy. Each step builds on the last.
Test cheaply before you commit
Talk to people already doing the job. Take on a project at work that touches the new field. Try a short course before a long one. If you still want it after a month of small tests, the signal is real.
Translate your experience
Rewrite your resume around outcomes the new role cares about. Seven years in one field isn’t wasted; it’s domain knowledge many career changers don’t have.
Plan the money
A switch can mean a lower salary at first. Know your monthly costs, build a buffer, and decide in advance how long you can take a dip.
What people ask
Is 30 too late to switch careers?
No. Many people change direction in their 30s and 40s. Your experience often helps, especially if you move into an adjacent role where your domain knowledge counts.
How do I switch careers with no experience in the new field?
Create some. Take on a related project at work, build something small on your own, or volunteer. Then show it on your resume and in interviews.
Will I have to take a pay cut?
Sometimes, especially for a big jump. Adjacent moves often keep pay closer to where it is. Plan for a possible dip and decide how long you can afford it.
Should I quit my job before switching careers?
Usually not. Testing and learning while you’re employed keeps your income steady and your options open. Quit when you have an offer or a clear, funded plan.
Test the new direction before you jump.
Tell me where you are and where you’re curious about. We’ll find the cheapest way to find out.