By featured writer: Angela Ward

Your 20s were a time of freedom, exploration and uncertainty. But now that you’re in your 30s you’ve gained experience, wisdom and insight. You’re probably well into your career now, aiming for a promotion—or maybe you’re even considering making a major career change.

Here are the reasons why your 30s are a prime time for big decision-making:

You’re still early in your career

Most people work well beyond their 50s and 60s now, which means that your 30s are still the early years of your career. There’s no need for anxiety or worry for the future because you can use this time to position yourself for higher pay, a promotion or more meaningful work.

Like your 20s, you can use your 30s to explore your interests, passions and goals. Take stock of different scenarios. For example, if you’re thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, would the risk of entrepreneurship fuel you? If you were to do charity work for a year or so, would you love it?

See if your dream job is within reach.  

You can develop new skills and expand your experience

It’s important to be versatile and flexible in any career, especially with the rapid rate of change (both for big businesses and individual businesses). Look for opportunities for growth. This can mean taking classes, learning a new language, working internationally, developing new business contacts, or volunteering on boards and community projects.

These experiences will add to your portfolio and your experience, and they’ll show how versatile you are. These are also great ways to discover a passion or interest you never knew you had.

You can learn from mentors with experience

If you’re feeling lost or confused about the path of your career and how to get there, why not reach out to experts in your field? Those in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond have gained invaluable insight and wisdom. Build key relationships and maintain the ones you have, so that you have a strong support system. Your mentors can give you honest feedback and encourage you along the way.

You’ll be safeguarding your career for the future

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is gradually making its way into the workplace and our everyday lives. This will change the nature of our work, especially if it involves repetitive tasks or calculation. In order to adapt to the changes A.I. will bring, you’ll need to focus on developing your creative, intuitive, analytical and relationship-building skills. This way, you’ll be working with machines and using them for analysis, insights and inventions.

Your 30s is a time of transition

Between juggling a career and family, personal and professional relationships, and your own health, your 30s can be a time of immense change-- and that’s okay. Career changes, like anything in life, are normal. And if you feel like you’ve failed or you’re not quite where you want to be, take it as a lesson and grow from it. Find ways to work even harder and smarter. Accept that change is inevitable and learn to live in the moment.

You can reinvent yourself and your brand

Now is the perfect time to reassess your career, yourself and your brand. Take some time to ask yourself these questions: Am I happy and fulfilled in my current career? Am I making a positive impact on other people, communities and the world? Am I learning and growing (both as a professional and an individual)? Am I fairly compensated for my work?

This can help you figure out if you want to shift your path and make a change. From there, you can rebrand yourself according to how you want to be seen, not only as a professional but as a person as well. You may be in a different position now but you can brand yourself to show people you want to change career paths or move up the ladder.

Remember most of all that your 30s are an exciting and lucrative time, ripe with possibility and opportunity. If you’re well-prepared and see changes as opportunities for growth, you’ll be well on your way to making that major career move. Find out more about what we have discovered about personal branding: Here is what you need to know. Also, in need of a little quick and inspiring retail therapy? Here is what your personal taste and style says about your personal brand.

What about you?

What major career moves are you making? How are you getting there? Share with us, we love to hear from you.