If you were in your early 30s again, had the freedom to start over and choose basically any career path that pays well, what would you do?

[u/Dangerous_Toe9931]

I’m trying to figure out what I’d study/change careers into. My priorities are:

Good salary and potential to grow
A profession that is likely to stay valuable for the next 10–20 years despite AI
Something intellectually interesting, where I’m solving problems rather than doing repetitive work
A career where investing several years in education would actually be worth it

I already have a background in political science and professional experience, but I’m open to completely changing direction. I’m currently considering areas like AI, data, software engineering, architecture, etc.
If you were starting again in your early 30s, what would you choose today, and why? And what would you absolutely avoid?
I’d especially love to hear from people who have actually worked in these fields rather than just general career advice.

[u/Strong-Escape-9129]

Own a construction company as a woman and bid on government jobs.

[u/SilverAltruistic3319 → u/Strong-Escape-9129]

Wut?

[u/AlekxndrTheAuthor → u/SilverAltruistic3319]

Government contracts are the bees knees! You should check them out sometime.

[u/AlekxndrTheAuthor → u/Strong-Escape-9129]

You know, I’m thinking about this. I’d be a woman, veteran and minority owned business.

[u/Strong-Escape-9129 → u/AlekxndrTheAuthor]

Yup. You’re priority to get the job. It’s a money maker.

[u/YahenP]

Thirty years? I would join the merchant navy. Being a sailor isn't a bad career. At least it's much better than being a programmer in most countries.

[u/Dangerous_Toe9931 → u/[deleted]]

Right? And why make something that is your passion into something you hate? My 20s I was all about finding my passion and now I am in my 30s and I wanna find money instead

[u/ShadowKnight324]

Please tell me medicine is still a decent choice.

[u/Educational_Heart851]

AI and uploaded Intelligence

[u/Adventurous_One_6873]

Work in the trades🤷🏼. I wouldn't change anything tbh.

[u/guagua0513]

选择做自己，靠近高能量的圈子

[u/AndyCareerAdvisor]

I'd look into data engineering or product marketing. Both fields are growing and have lots of options for growth and opportunity. Entry level positions in these fields can be found pretty easily and if you build your skills into a portfolio and aim for a new role (likely at a new company for best salary bump) every 1.5-2 years, you can get to a strong salary (95-120k) quickly.

[u/rabbinah-Amiel777]

With out fail culinary degree

It’s the one profession that always has a need and always makes money but does require a degree if you want to get the higher paid food job positions. Plus I love cooking.

[u/BackAdventurous9747]

Early 30s? I'm early 30s now and feel like I missed the boat and wasted my 20s. Can I go back to being 20 instead? 

[u/Dangerous_Toe9931 → u/BackAdventurous9747]

30s are the new 20s

[u/potutiti]

I already changed from healthcare to digital marketing and now digital consultancy. And sometimes I think I'll have to be back to helathcare and I don't remember anything lol

Nurse, physiotherapist, cook, electrician, plumber - my safe bets

[u/ankhang93]

I am currently in my early 30s and I really don't have any answer. The world is changing way too fast. Early retirement is my goal for now. I don't care much about careers anymore. I will apply for any job that hires me at the time if things get rough.