first job at 30

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How to get a first job in your 30s.

Stepping into the workforce for the first time may feel intimidating when you are in your 30s and have never had a job. Your reason for not seeking employment until now can work to your advantage. According to Marc Cenedella in a January 2011 article for website The Ladders, you should think about getting a first job that will help you gain skills and establish a long-term career. When looking for your first job, consider your work/life balance, the target wage you need to help maintain your family, benefits and job demands.

Create a list of the jobs that interest you. These jobs should include those related to your college major, if applicable, volunteer work you did in your 20s and 30s or a hobby that you have enjoyed since you were at least in your 20s in which you now consider yourself proficient.

Take career assessments . CareerOneStop counselors, which you may find at your local Department of Health and Human Services, can conduct career assessments. Career assessments are beneficial to complete if you are in your 30s and have never worked because they will give you a better idea about your interests, abilities and skills to help you start your career path in the right direction. Assessments can also tell you what job skills you need to strengthen so your talents, after receiving any needed training, are more equal to those who are your age and have worked for several years.

Create a resume. You can still make a resume even if you are in your 30s and never had a job. In your resume, include information about your postsecondary education, career goals, past volunteer work, relevant projects you have participated in and information about relevant groups of which you are a member. List your skills in a resume, as well. Use information from the career assessments you completed to help create a list of your skills, such as typing skills. Additionally, list life experiences that an employer could find helpful. For example, if you have been an avid hiker and rock climber since you were in your teen or 20s, your knowledge, skills and experience could make you a good job candidate at a recreation and sports equipment store.

Do not list your age on your resume. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act states that an employer cannot base a hiring decision on your age, so this information is irrelevant to gaining employment.

Make a job-hunting schedule. Job-hunting takes time, and creating a schedule can help you juggle your life as a person in her 30s. The CareerOneStop website states that creating a schedule and setting goals can help you stay focus on your job search. Set blocks of time to job-hunt throughout the week that fits in with your kids' and/or spouse's schedule, job training and other appointments you may have. During the times you dedicate to searching for a job, look through classified ads in newspapers and online, identify new employers to pursue and contact selected employers.

As you search for jobs, look for entry-level positions or jobs that do not require a lot of work experience, as well as jobs that match your level of education and general experience. In your 30s, having a lot of experience in a particular area can work to your advantage.

Network. Take advantage of the connections you have made up until your 30s and let everyone you know that you are looking for a job. These personal connections could make good job references, particularly if an individual has known you for more than three years. Participating in local networking groups that meet regularly and joining a professional association, if there is a particular field in which you want to work, can also help you establish new connections that can lead to information about a job opening that is a good fit for someone your age.

Fill out job applications, and give your resume to prospective employers.

Interview with prospective employers. A hiring manger will notice that you have never had a job; answer questions about this honestly. However, during an interview, you legally have the right to not discuss the fact that you are in your 30s, and a hiring manager should not even inquire about this. During the interview, highlight your postsecondary education, skills and experiences you have had in a manner that makes you look like an obvious and good fit for the company in spite of never having had a job.

Send a follow-up letter to the hiring manager within 24 hours after an interview. In the letter, thank the hiring manager for his time and briefly restate how you are able to benefit the company’s needs. It is not necessary to acknowledge the fact that you have never had a job or mention your age in a follow-up letter.

Related Articles

How to make a resume for a 16-year-old →.

How to Document Stay-at-Home-Mom Experience on a Resume →

How to Find a Job if You're Illiterate →

What Challenges Do Unemployed Individuals Face? →

How to Write a Perfect Resume →

What Should Be Included in a Career Portfolio? →

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Flora Richards-Gustafson has been writing professionally since 2003. She creates copy for websites, marketing materials and printed publications. Richards-Gustafson specializes in SEO and writing about small-business strategies, health and beauty, interior design, emergency preparedness and education. Richards-Gustafson received a Bachelor of Arts from George Fox University in 2003 and was recognized by Cambridge's "Who's Who" in 2009 as a leading woman entrepreneur.

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How to Get Your First Job: A Guide

Getting your first job can be a confusing process. Here's a guide on how to navigate it.

Whether you’re freshly graduated, still in school, or trying to launch a career in a new industry, finding and landing that first job is a major milestone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the job search.

How to get your first job with no experience

1. do your research.

Before you start applying to jobs, it’s a good idea to get a sense of what’s out there. What kind of job appeals to you? What industry are you drawn to? If you’re stuck, try making a list of areas and jobs you’re interested in. This can give you some clarity around what you want—and what you don’t want.

Once you have an idea of what kind of job you’d like, learn about it. Join some professional groups on LinkedIn and read through several job descriptions of the position. You’ll gradually build a sense of what skills are needed, and what recruiters are looking for.

If you’re still in school, talk to a career counselor about available opportunities they can connect you with. Ask about opportunities they’re aware of, and see if they can connect you with people who work in areas you’re interested in.

What if I don’t know what kind of job I want?

Don’t worry—it’s more normal than you think. You don’t have to narrow down your interests to just one job; picking several to keep on your radar is fine, especially as you’re just starting out. Don’t forget that your first job doesn’t have to be your dream job. If you find the work isn’t what you expected, you can always try something new. Often, the skills you learn doing one job will transfer to another.

2. Build your resume

Applying to your first job will inevitably mean you won’t have a lot of professional experiences to list, if any at all. That’s fine. Hiring managers will know you’re just starting out. Here are a few tips to building out a resume for your first job:

Education: List the name of your school, your graduation year, and your GPA. You can call out any relevant courses you’ve taken in a section called “Relevant coursework.”

Extracurricular and volunteer activities: If you’ve been involved in any volunteer work, school clubs, or other activities in your community like Scouting, call these out. What did you help achieve? What skills did you use?

Skills: What technical or human skills do you have? Listing skills you consider your strengths can signal to an interviewer the kind of person that you are. Some you might consider include language abilities, computer skills, analytical skills, time management, and organization.

Read more on how to make a resume for your first job .

Once you have your resume ready, you can start applying to jobs. After you find a few you’re interested in, tailor your resume to the position as best as you can. You can do this by swapping out relevant courses, listing different activities, and emphasizing skills that fit best.

Keep an eye out for entry-level positions, including internships. A little research should give you an idea of what kinds of positions are typical entry-level in the field.

Some entry-level jobs say they want people with years of experience. Why’s that?

Some job descriptions might say they’re entry-level, but then turn around and say they require a few years of relevant experience. This is because job descriptions often list their “perfect” candidate, knowing that most applicants might not have everything they ask for. Don’t be afraid to apply to these listings if you have most of the other qualifications.

Don’t forget that “relevant experience” doesn’t have to mean a job. Coursework or experiences where you showed any of the qualifications requested can count. Be honest about what you bring, and convey your enthusiasm for the job. A willingness to learn and other transferable skills you bring to the table might make up for your experience level.

4. Prepare for the interview

Preparing for an interview can help you do well on the day of, and calm your nerves. A few days before the interview, practice answering some common interview questions. It can help to write out several questions and jot down some notes on what you'd say. Try saying your answers out loud. You might also have a friend or family member play the role of the interviewer. Pick out the clothes you’ll wear ahead of time. 

Here are a few questions you might hear in your interview:

Tell me about yourself.

Why do you want to work for us?

What are your greatest strengths?

What makes you a good candidate for this position?

How would you deal with conflict?

Don’t forget to ask questions at the end. Do some research and prepare a few questions about the work or organization that you’d like to clarify, or are curious about. Feeling stuck? You can ask about the work culture, or what typical career progressions at the organization look like.

Should I ask about pay?

Talking about salary during an interview can be tricky, but it's also an undeniably important consideration in a job search. Many experts agree that it's best to avoid asking about pay during an initial interview; save your questions for when you're further along in the process. If and when you do decide to ask, consider asking for a compensation range, rather than a specific number.

Often, if a hiring manager is interested, they'll ask you about your compensation expectations. Do your research ahead of time on sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to get a feel for typical rates in the field in your location. Then come to your interview with a realistic range: from the lowest amount you'd accept to your ideal rate. Save the negotiations for after you receive a job offer.

5. Wait to hear back

You’re done with the interview—congrats! Regardless of how it went, interviews can be mentally challenging and deserve some recognition. 

It's a good practice to send a thank you email after your interview. Use this letter as an opportunity to reinforce your potential value to the company and enthusiasm for the role, as well as highlight any skills you may not have mentioned in the interview.

As you wait to hear back, it’s a good idea to apply to other jobs. It’s rare to get a job at the first place you apply to, and it’s better to open up more options for yourself.

You can also build up the skills you’ll need for the jobs you want as you wait. Whether it’s communication , computer programming , Microsoft Excel , Spanish , or data analysis , you’ll be able to find many different types of courses online. You can complete a professional certificate to learn in-demand skills.

What if I never hear back?

Sometimes you send in your application or finish an interview, and end up not hearing back at all. If your interviewer mentioned a timeline for next steps, use that as guidance for when to follow up. If, for example, the interviewer said that you could expect to hear back in two to three weeks, it's appropriate to follow up after the three-week mark. If you were not provided a timeline, follow up after five to eight business days.

What is a good first job?

In your first job, you might be a waiter, a sales clerk, or computer programmer. Whether it’s a good job will depend on your needs and interests. Remember, first jobs don’t always have to be dream jobs. If it can help you learn about the industry you’re interested in, or the skills you need to move forward, that can be valuable, too.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to evaluate potential jobs:

Will this job teach me new skills?

Will this job help me meet people that are in the field I’m interested in?

Is this job in a field I’m interested in?

What hours will I have to work?

Will I be able to support myself?

Can I meet the physical requirements for this job?

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What should you do when you start your first job ‎.

Before your first day, plan out the clothes you’ll wear, and make sure you know how to get to your workplace on time, even with unexpected factors like traffic. When you start, arrive on time or early. Introduce yourself to people, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. ‎

How long should you stay at your first job? ‎

Many suggest staying at your first job for at least a year. This is because it can be a red flag for recruiters if you jump frequently from job to job. That said, how long you stay at your job will depend on a variety of factors, including your personal satisfaction, how much you’re learning, your financial situation, and what your end goals are.  ‎

Related articles

10 Remote Work-From-Home Jobs that Pay Well

How to Make a Resume for Your First Job (+ Template)

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How old is too old to get a first job?

I just turned 33 and have never had a job before, due to factors outside my control. I have nothing to show on my resume, despite my age. I just finished a degree in programming, but taking the courses I decided I wanted nothing to do with the IT world. I tried to change my degree three times, but even the first time I was already too far in they told me, and besides, my local community college didn't offer anything more interesting me. I just needed to have a degree, so I could show SOMETHING to an employer. But honestly, I'm thinking I would prefer to hide it just so I don't get asked to do IT work.

Given all this, I think my prospects are remote. I mean, who would hire a 33 year old who's never had a job before? And that's all ignoring all the other problems I have that could get in the way, such as social ineptitude.

The only thing I could find was a Forbes article claiming the employers normally refuse to hire anyone over 65. I'm aware that older workers have a harder time finding work, and now that I"m getting on years I'm honestly afraid that it might be too late for me to find work anywhere. And I have it worse off since I have no prior work experience. I'm afraid new employers would assume that I'm just a lazy worthless good-for-nothing who wasted 15 years of my life instead of getting a job.

I'm about to enter the workforce and I'm scared. How can I possibly convince an employer to hire me despite the fact that I've never had a job before in my life? And I didn't do too well in college either, mind you.

• hiring-process

• 1 Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat . –  Lilienthal ♦ Jan 9, 2020 at 13:45
• 2 You mentioned that your don't wan't to do IT work. But yet you still have a degree in it. Have you considered just knuckling down and getting some entry level IT position, even if only for a year or so? It can't be any worse than going to school for 3 years for IT right? And once you have that "1 year experience" on your resume you might find that other jobs you are actually interested in are easier to come by. Maybe a trade? Even if you absolutely hate it and that year is the worst year of your life, it will at least get you out of the rut you appear to be in. –  McITGuy Jan 10, 2020 at 20:56
• Interesting question, what do you do for a living and is job a necessity for you? Most of people i know get jobs for money and looking for what they do best and what do they want to do in order not to be miserable while earning a living –  Strader Jan 10, 2020 at 21:59

17 Answers 17

How can I possibly convince an employer to hire me despite the fact that I've never had a job before in my life?

Consider this fact - every single one of us who is currently in a career had to find an answer to that question at some point in the past. There are literally billions of people out there in the world who overcame the obstacle of getting their first job. It can certainly be daunting, but it's not impossible.

Age is only an issue if you make it one. Don't focus on the negative, focus on what you're able to control, and how those things can help you towards your goal. Take the same approach that works for other first-time job seekers:

• Identify the type of job you actually want. Stop focusing on what you don't want.
• Research the entry level positions posted for the field you're interested in.
• Determine what criteria employers are looking for. The good news is, people who are hiring entry level people will not expect them to have a long (or any ) employment history. That's why they're called "entry level" jobs - they're intended to give you an entry point when you're not already in the system.
• Once you've done some research on what employers are looking for in terms of your ideal first job, make a plan to get those things. You may or may not have them currently. But that's okay - none of us were born with the skills that got us our first job.

Once you have a plan, stay focused on it. Cross things off one at a time. When you're at a point where you have a good percentage of the criteria addressed, start applying for jobs. Since you've been to school and have a degree, contact your school and ask if they have a careers program. Work with someone in that program to get practice interviewing and writing resumes. People who support students looking for their first job will be used to coaching you through how to write your "first" resume, even if you think it will be empty. Typically, this will involve focusing on things other than work experience - accomplishments you made in your classes, projects you worked on towards your degree, and so on.

The important thing is to get yourself a plan and work towards it. The steps may be different depending on things none of us know (what skills you have, what type of job you want, what employers are looking for in your area, and so on) - so we can't write the plan for you. It has to be your plan. But - again - this is a problem that gets solved every day and isn't something you need to be afraid of.

• 5 As an aside-- looking at what you DON'T want in a job can help to narrow down the job search, sometimes. If you know, for example, that you don't want to be out on the road regularly, that can help to narrow your search, especially if you don't know what you want yet. –  NegativeFriction Jan 8, 2020 at 21:19
• 1 @NegativeFriction Agreed. Instead of focusing what job you don't want, it's more useful to focus on what you don't want from a job. Set your deal-breakers and then find a job like that. Try to set as few of them as possible too. –  John Hamilton Jan 9, 2020 at 8:08
• 2 I agree with both of your comments - it is important to rule out what you don't want in a job. However, I think it's also important to devote time to thinking about positives, i.e. what you do want. The OP pretty much only listed negatives and things they didn't want, which seemed unbalanced, hence my focus on not focusing on the negative. –  dwizum Jan 9, 2020 at 13:52

I think you have two very important questions to ask yourself right now:

Do I want/need a job? It sounds like you're on the fence, and the tone of your question makes me think that you're leaning towards not having a job. No one can force you to want to have a job.

What job do I want to get? That's going to make a huge difference. If you want to be the CEO of Facebook, yeah, you're probably SOL. If you'd like to be an entry level employee at an accounting firm—maybe.

You mentioned your degree in IT and how you didn't want to use it in your job. That's fine, but I think it would be a mistake to leave it off of your resume. A degree conveys one very important thing: it tells people how good you are at learning complicated subjects. Maybe you're an IT guy who's looking to become an electrician. They're tangentially related, and they can use some of the same skill sets—you need to label everything that you're doing with useful variable names so that it doesn't get too confusing as your work grows, you need to be able to logically address issues in the system to debug, you need to be capable of grasping technical knowledge, etc.

Potential employers will most likely want an answer to the question "Why do you have zero work experience from ages 18-33?" You should have a good answer prepared. I assume it's something related to "I was married and a full-time housekeeper at the time." That's a valid answer. If you can keep ahold of small children and stop them from their desperate goal to eat everything that can hurt them and play with every sharp object/stick/electric outlet they can find, then you've proven yourself to be capable of handling a ton of responsibility at a time.

On the other hand, if you've never held a job because you just really liked playing video games, and Mom and Dad didn't kick you out until you turned 33… you'll want to work on a better explanation to give.

I think you can still get a job. Set realistic expectations, apply at the entry level, and be prepared for a lot of rejection. You're unlikely to get the first few jobs you apply for. You'll probably get an interview or two that you thought went really well, then never hear back from the interviewer. All of that is normal, and it does not mean that you've failed.

• 1 How can I not need a job? I need a source of income. I can't keep depending on my family members forever. How can I have income without having a job? I've considered some kind of self-employment, but that would require another degree that I can't afford to get. I'm at a loss as to what to do. I even looked into taking some classes on farming, but apparently that requires a whole degree to learn to do. My local community college doesn't really offer much of anything, and it took me three years to get this degree. I'd rather not spend another two. I'm too old as it is. –  user8600 Jan 8, 2020 at 21:30
• 12 @user8600 - The good thing about employing yourself, you are also the boss, and can determine what education you actually need for the job. In other words, you don’t need to have any education to be self-employed. –  Donald Jan 8, 2020 at 22:44
• 1 @Donald except more often than not local laws will require said business holds specific certifications held by at least one of its employees... –  DrMrstheMonarch Jan 9, 2020 at 6:35
• 6 "No one can force you to want or need to have a job." - uh, reality can? Unless you want to live off picking berries in the woods and build a little hut from fallen trees. –  user253751 Jan 9, 2020 at 11:40
• 2 Sorry for the typo-- I meant to write "No one can force you to want to have a job." It certainly changed the message when i implied that no one could force you to need a job. @user8600 it sounds like you have no idea what work you'd like to do. So a few questions: Would you like to work outside or inside? Blue collar or white collar? Doing repairs or doing design? Building something or inspecting something? These are ways to hopefully help you narrow it down from everything to 1/4 of everything, and then further from there. –  NegativeFriction Jan 9, 2020 at 12:53

If you really need a job, just find it. I don't see any problem with 33 especially in IT moreover with CS degree. There are hundreds of jobs where the only thing you need is to be alive.

If you're still reading this, let me tell you a motivational story. A guy 26 years old moved to another country far from his homeland. He barely knew the language. He was alone in an foreign country, society and culture. He had about $1,000 in his pocket, and he gave 800 of it for a room in the first month. As you can see, he immediately started looking for job. And three days later, he found one, as a parker. This job was terribly paid, but he was so happy not to starve and have enough money to pay for the next month.

In short, he went through the first 2 hardest years of his life without any experience, language, money, support, even normal documents. He worked hard, learned the language, now pursues his bachelor in CS and works for the biggest and one of the best employers in his city (insurance company) as software developer. Many people asking him how he managed to get such a great job? He has nothing more to say - he has worked hard, very hard.

Some are looking for excuses, some are breaking through the walls. He is 33 now and still a student(1,5 years before his degree) and he gets every day emails about new opportunites.

• 17 +1 You seem to know this guy very well. –  Spehro Pefhany Jan 9, 2020 at 5:50
• 9 "There are hundreds of jobs where the only thing you need is to be alive" That comment made my day ;) +1 –  iLuvLogix Jan 9, 2020 at 9:52
• 12 "Some are looking for excuses" -- Sounds very much like OP. –  M.Y. Babt Jan 9, 2020 at 10:35
• 2 “Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and Determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “Press On” has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race.” -Calvin Coolidge –  Old_Lamplighter Jan 9, 2020 at 14:06
• Which company is the best employer in that city? I think there are really a lot of (good) employers here.. so I'm curious how/why you made that decision. edit: Ok, due to your website I found out. I didn't even know they have a location here tbh but I think everyone has individual POVs upon employers/companies :) Still I wish you success! –  Ben Jan 9, 2020 at 14:11

I just needed to have a degree, so I could show SOMETHING to an employer.

Cool, this was a great idea as it shows that:

• you have the intelligence to complete a degree
• you have the commitment to complete a degree
• you have some basic transferable skills

I would prefer to hide it just so I don't get asked to do IT work.

Wait, what?

This sounds like you don't want to work. Period.

If you want to work then you would be prepared to do almost any work. Including IT work. People do jobs much less pleasant than IT. Why? Because they want to support themselves financially.

To expand on this point a little: I suggest that you try to find a job. Any job. It could be an IT job, it could be a cleaning job, or maybe it will be a graduate position which is unrelated to IT (there are lots of these!). Once you have a foot on the ladder you will gain confidence and experience and can look for a better job.

• 8 @user8600 Remember, IT is just a technical job but it is not just in technical industries. IT workers work for school district, city planning offices, nonprofits and a whole host of other industries. If you don't like tech for whatever reason, no need to ditch your skills. Just find another venue to apply them that suits you better. –  ako Jan 9, 2020 at 5:29
• 3 @user8600 (might change depending on where you are) every job has an initial period where both you AND the company can see whether it's a good fit. This is typically 3-6 months. During this time, either side can cancel the work contract with a week or two notice. So don't be scared about falling into some scary job that forces you to do things—you have a good opportunity to see for yourself (also in the interviews before getting the job) what it's like to work there. Go get 'em. –  Mirror318 Jan 9, 2020 at 11:38
• 1 Yes, this. Every job, no matter what it is, even a dream job, will still have some aspects that won't be fun. If you're stubbornly going to refuse to do any part of your job that isn't fun, you're not going to get anywhere - you'll get pushed into a closet and soaked for whetever it is that you're willing to do. Being assertive and handling whatever needs doing, even if it's not your favourite thing, is what gets you ahead in a job more than anything else. –  J... Jan 9, 2020 at 15:59
• 1 @user8600 so you tell me that taking care of the IT of your local walmart or the town hall is evil? Is it evil to program controlers and displays for heavy lifting applications like reachstackers or cranes? The first thing you should do is get to know what you are talking about, before getting an opinion on it.... Plus if I had to choose starve or work for Heckler and Koch I would at least think about it. You can still find another job afterwards. –  Kami Kaze Jan 10, 2020 at 8:13
• 1 @user8600 "because the industry is often doing things that are clearly wrong" - most likely you read too much about the few well known companies and approximated this on whole industry. 1st of all - most likely you would not get a job in those companies for at least 5 years (unless you are in the Bay or Seattle area). 2nd - as a preparation step for the interview at the company you should always try to find out what company does and how it treats employees. If the result of search contradicts your ideals you can turn down interview or offer without any explanation. –  AlexanderM Jan 11, 2020 at 4:48

The good news is that in the current US economy, if you are in a mid-sized to large city, you can find a job that doesn't require any experience or a prior work background. The bad news is that almost all such jobs will pay minimum wage, and most of them will be boring and possibly unpleasant. Convenience store clerk, sport stadium vendor, and warehouse work are typical examples. With a little bit of training (4-12 weeks) you might be able to find work as a home-health care aid or a nursing aid.

If you convince yourself beforehand that you won't find work, and therefore won't bother applying, then you certainly won't find work. If you apply, you may get lucky. The more constraints you put on the type of work you are willing to do, the less chance there is that you will be able to find work. We live in a fallen world, and most of us have to work for at least a while at jobs we dislike, if not actively hate. The folks who pick your vegetables or butcher the chicken you eat probably don't enjoy their jobs very much. Why should you be entitled to avoid this? You just have to decide which is more unpleasant: a job you dislike, or remaining dependent on your family.

It does sound like you are struggling with this, and you are in a hard situation. Strangers on the internet really can't offer very much. Have you considered getting advice from a professional counselor or psychologist?

• That,s sadly lowbrow. The person does have tech skills, and those are high in demand. –  Harper - Reinstate Monica Jan 9, 2020 at 7:35
• 1 @Harper-ReinstateMonica but the OP has repeatedly stated that they do not want to work in IT. As I state in my answer, the more jobs they rule out, the more limited their options are. –  Charles E. Grant Jan 9, 2020 at 7:46
• 6 Yes, there seem to be a great many things OP does not want to do. –  Harper - Reinstate Monica Jan 9, 2020 at 8:19

It sounds like you don't want to enter the workforce.

Your concern about age is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. I highly suggest that you either ask a new question of "How to motivate myself to get employed?" or stay unemployed. Programmers don't get left in utility closets like gremlins of yesteryear; they are an integral part of a business's success so being courteous and approachable (not necessarily sociable) is an absolute must and this will be your main hurdle as it sounds like you despise people.

You have several core issues to work through and age is the absolute least of your concerns.

If you really wish to be left alone then you can find employment in a third-world sweatshop. They will happily ignore you and even deny you the ability to talk to others during your shift.

• You make some good points, but this comes across as really harsh. –  Neo Jan 9, 2020 at 18:31
• 4 @MisterPositive after reading some of OPs comments, I start to feel the same as MonkeyZeus. It sounds harsh but maybe that is necessary. –  Kami Kaze Jan 10, 2020 at 8:17
• 1 +1. I can't believe most people are ignoring the comment where OP said he doesn't want to work with others or have bosses tell them what to do (that's sort of their job tbh). He also doesn't want to work for any corporation that he considers "evil", nor does he want to do IT. It's hard to be sympathetic in this case. –  Catsunami Jan 10, 2020 at 19:24

I've been a factory worker for 5 years. I just turned 30. Your are only 3 years older than me. I was just hired on my first programming job 4 months ago. As long as you are breathing, don't give up. I had this quote in my mind when I was on factory. It may sounds corny but here it is. "If pople don't give you experience, then give yourself experience". I don't know what job you want. But if you can do that in your spare time, people will see that you are willing to learn and is passionate about what you do.

In the end, your actions defines you not your age.

When you are dead you are to late to get a job. All other ages, barring laws on child labor, are perfectly able and fine to get a job.

Now, what kind of job, how to find one and get it are a different things.

Try to remember that jobs are temporary ways to gain income. They can change, and often are the best way to get more of what you actually want. Be that working hours, money, location or other things. If you don't try, you will not succeed. Job hunting will get No as an answer. And very likely you will have to tell someone No .

But, this world being what it is, you very likely need a job for income. Find one that suits you. Find that one, or make it yourself.

Sorry, but this question is striking me the wrong way right up front:

I just turned 33 and have never had a job before, due to factors outside my control.

... uh, what? Are you telling me that you haven't had any control over your life, at all, up until this point? That you were physically prevented from getting a paper route as a teen, a job as a cashier during highschool, chained up and not allowed into the real world once you'd graduated high school, etc? C'mon, unless you were sold into human trafficking and just escaped recently, this simply isn't true. You may have made choices that ended up meaning you didn't have a job the last 15 years - but trying to pawn that off onto external forces that you have no control over is a terrible approach to life in general.

It's also why a lot of people are saying "the age isn't the problem in this picture." Because they're right - the problem here isn't an issue of age. I guarantee you, if you walked into several HR offices and eagerly/honestly said, "I'm looking for a starting data-entry job - and I guarantee you that I'll put in more hours and work harder than anyone else in the department."... well, I'd be surprised if you didn't get a job offer from at least one of them.

The problem is, that's not your mindset; instead, you're casting about for (external) reasons to blame a failure that hasn't even happened yet !

That should be more specific in the cover letter - anything from family reasons, work permit, even medical reasons are IMHO better than nothing.

I have nothing to show on my resume, despite my age.

You have a degree.

I just finished a degree in programming, but taking the courses I decided I wanted nothing to do with the IT world. I tried to change my degree three times, but even the first time I was already too far in they told me, and besides, my local community college didn't offer anything more interesting me.

This really doesn't sound good. It would be great if you would list your strengths, and not tell the story that "they told me".

I just needed to have a degree, so I could show SOMETHING to an employer. But honestly, I'm thinking I would prefer to hide it just so I don't get asked to do IT work.

Not a good idea. I really suggest that you consider a job where you have some IT work, but can switch later. This circumstance is not beyond your control.

Given all this, I think my prospects are remote.

Not if you accept partial work which partially involves programming.

I mean, who would hire a 33 year old who's never had a job before?

Everybody looking urgently enough for a programmer.

And that's all ignoring all the other problems I have that could get in the way, such as social ineptitude.

Social ineptitude? Not a big deal in a lot of jobs.

The only thing I could find was a Forbes article claiming the employers normally refuse to hire anyone over 65.

If that's really the only thing which you could find, you looked too narrow.

• https://www.cio.com/article/3198472/the-hard-truths-of-navigating-ageism-in-it.html
• https://www.hrdive.com/news/does-an-experience-range-read-as-age-discrimination/524956/

and many others ....

I'm aware that older workers have a harder time finding work, and now that I"m getting on years I'm honestly afraid that it might be too late for me to find work anywhere.

No, 33 is not a relevant age for this. I know several people with a similar record which got a job.

And I have it worse off since I have no prior work experience.

This can be a real problem, so I suggest not to apply to jobs which require a lot of experience, then it's not so bad.

I'm afraid new employers would assume that I'm just a lazy worthless good-for-nothing who wasted 15 years of my life instead of getting a job.

Here it really is important that you are more specific. The "worthless good-for-nothing" option may not be the worst thing what your employer can think (that would be jail time or a criminal career).

I'm about to enter the workforce and I'm scared.

Well, that's OK as long as you have it under control.

How can I possibly convince an employer to hire me despite the fact that I've never had a job before in my life? And I didn't do too well in college either, mind you.

Apply for a job which

• you find interesting
• matches your personal strengths (and please, focus on these when thinking about the situation)
• partially matches your qualification
• does not have requirements which you don't have
• has not too much competition

Points to consider:

• if there is no other way be ready to work for sometime in a lower level job (e.g. call center) to show that you have no attitude problems
• if a 20 year old if your boss/supervisor, he/she/they is your boss/supervisor
• try to make the "problems outside of your control" into "problems under your control" if that is possible, by help/support or otherwise

One important thing is missing from the opening question and this is what the person is interested in doing .

OP mentioned a degree in IT, where getting a job is currently exceedingly easy, even with zero experience. But of course, the more you put on the table, such as experience and qualification, the better you can select your employer. This also means better pay, better work environments and the possibility to select the field at will.

For OP I see red flags regarding this:

• They have a two year IT degree, however barely programming language experience, because they only scratched the surface of Python and C++. There are candidates entering the market with very high qualifications in these areas, so selection of a workplace with the goal of developing C++ or Python application becomes a lot more narrow (not impossible however).
• OP also mentions, that their degree is mostly in web development and how they "like to code websites by hand, because this is more precise" (see chat discussion). To me this is nonsense showing inexperience. Web development uses arguably too many frameworks, but they are expected in the industry. When starting out with my degree, I too did want to do all by hand - best way to learn the basics. But in the industry this does not happen. If you waste time reinventing the wheel, your output w.r.t. time is poor and yet your wheel is still not that good a wheel.

However, OP already mentioned unwillingness to work in IT, so let me get to my initial criticism. There is no mention of what OP wants to do.

The list of excuses (paraphrased):

• In IT you are forced into contracts, where you provide work that is indecent.
• College didn't offer any other areas that peaked OP's interest.
• College did not allow a switch, because OP is "too far in" (???)
• Age, hence the initial question. This is absolutely an understandable concern on its own, but here is a lot more than just that.
• Social incompetence.
• Unwillingness to have a superior "breathing down their neck", something that most people in the workforce deal with and most do not like.

I have learned, that whenever someone has a lot of reasons for one problem, rather than a single solid one , chances are, they are making excuses.

This is exactly how I see OP. The college did not "offer them anything more", because degrees require work and in addition work after the degree is also work. OP is thinking about becoming self employed, apparently not realizing, that self employment is probably the hardest of all w.r.t. workload and time investment, even though no one "breathes down your neck". In addition self employment often requires social skills which OP claims not to possess - you need to sell your product or your service to customers, clients don't just magically appear out of nowhere.

In any case, arguing age is pointless in this context. As other answers mention, age can be overcome and this specific issue of being inexperienced at the age of 33, while being an obstacle, can be dealt with when having reasonable expectations and putting the effort in. I think there is consensus in this regard.

This does not appear to be the problem though. OP does not want to work, never got used to working and has surreal expectations regarding their future work environment. I suggest looking at this as an attitude problem and seeking appropriate counselling as to how to find motivation. Otherwise OP will likely only enter the workforce once they absolutely have no other choice, yet the longer this is delayed, the smaller their selection of employers will be.

• Look into counselling options to be able to find motivation. If you can, find additional support from family and friends.
• Decide what you actually want to do . If you feel you have no idea what the job you envision entails - do an internship. I say this, because from what you have written your idea of self-employment is ridiculous.
• Once you have decided what you want to do, put all your effort into that direction only.

Most importantly - actually do these things. If you just delay all of this, as in, "I can do that tomorrow" or "next week", these then become months and years. This is not just waiting, because you are already paying for this, just not with money but with future selection of fields, salaries and work environments.

• “IT, where getting a job is currently exceedingly easy, even with zero experience” Maybe where you live, but where I live, every single IT company posts jobs through recruitment companies who are only interested in checking off items on checklists and toss your resume in the bin if you don’t meet their list of criteria because none of the companies want to spend any money on training because they want you to hit the ground running because they’re terrified of turnover. –  nick012000 Jan 13, 2020 at 7:17

What about self-employment?

Do you have an interest (and at least modest skill) that you could turn into a personal business? Maybe you like technical writing (maybe even IT related?) and could freelance? Maybe you like making crafts and could sell them online? Or almost anything else. This option is likely to require a lot of hard work and may not pay a high salary, but it could be a good choice for you given your stated desire (in comments) to work by yourself. And you could ease into it while living with your family, reducing your personal financial risk. Just make sure you don't let security become a crutch that keeps you from trying hard. Set a personal goal to be living on your own within X months/years, and work as hard as you can to achieve that goal. Oh, and don't forget to use your personal network for help. Ask friends and family for suggestions on what careers might fit you well, possible good employers, references (if you go that route), etc. If you go the self-employment route and need help setting up a website, ask for it. Don't feel like you have to solve all problems all by yourself.

Bottom-line: don't give up!

Your situation is scary, but it's not insurmountable. IT may not be the field for you, but that doesn't mean there isn't something out there you could do (whether working for others or yourself) if you try hard and put yourself out there.

• Actually, I can make my own website. I even did have a website once where I was uploading all my work for my web development classes, but it got taken down after being inactive for a year. Nothing's stopping me from making another though, minus the $20 per year price tag for actually getting to show up in search engines. –  user8600 Jan 9, 2020 at 16:34
• Good point--I forgot that detail. :) In that case that gives you a leg up! –  bob Jan 9, 2020 at 16:47

I was in a similar boat in that I finished college at the age of 29. And prior to that I had only held low-level, unskilled jobs (fast food, call center, mail room), never really supporting myself. Some of the things that helped me in finding employment:

Consider signing up with a work placement service or temp/contract work firm. It's their job to get you a job. Even if you're unsure of yourself, theses services will try to present you in the best light to their clients. These may send you to work with all sorts of clients in various industries; with little or no experience, it can be a good way of sampling what area you would might like to focus your career towards, or expose you to industries you had never considered before.

Practice interviewing. Even if you're not the best candidate on paper, being charismatic and "faking it 'till you make it" can land you a job.

Connections help, a lot. Do you have any friends or family who could recommend you for a position at their place of work?

For me, it took about 2 years of unstable employment (temp/contract work and failing start-ups) before moving into a stable position to grow a career. So, while it unlikely you'll fall into a great job immediately, you absolutely can find an employer who will hire you with no experience. From there, it may take some time to build your experience and resume a bit, but soon enough you'll find a job you'll like and want to stay at.

If you don't want to work in IT despite having a CS degree, be prepared to do some manual labor. Nobody is going to see your degree and try to force an IT position on you if you're applying for a fry-cook position.

I would heavily consider what your options are. You have no experience outside of programming. Think about what kind of jobs you will be eligible to do with that. If you don't think you would like a stable, climate controlled job with good benefits, no manual labor, good pay, and a competitive job market then contrast that with the jobs you will actually be able to get, because you won't get any of those things without your degree and no experience to back you.

IT world is going to start looking pretty good when you're breaking your back to make 1/3 of what you would be making by leveraging your degree.

One aspect that nobody mentioned yet is that you don't always have to convince an employer. One secret formula is called networking , or proteksia , colloquially.

Have people you know, or studied with, or played with as kids put in a good word for you at the place they work or with people they know. If they vouch for you then the employer may trust them and not ask to be convinced.

And I didn't do too well in college either, mind you.

As long as you are prepared to do well , then with real-world experience you will improve. I'm sure hoping that this is not an indication of a general attitude, in which case you won't last long anywhere, no matter how you got the job and which job it is.

Lastly, nobody can force you to be hired for a job you don't want to do. My suggestion is to become an expert at something you like to do, and then people will be happy to hire you for that. (You're an expert - as far as a potential employer is concerned - once you can do it "in your sleep" and talk about it enthusiastically and knowledgeably.)

• I'm in a similar position, never had a job (due to a disability why I now have under control) I'm good at and enthusiastic about coding but crushing fear is that they'll just turn me down with "you've never had a job before, bye" –  Mark kurti Jul 19, 2020 at 17:56
• 1 @Markkurti - in the "coding world" you can always replace job-experience with coding experience. Put up a web site or blog pointing to some coding you've done and nobody will complain that you've never had a job. Just create an app, exe or web site that does something - from a fake car rental to a world clock. Prove that you're good at and enthusiastic about coding and you're ready to go! –  Danny Schoemann Jul 20, 2020 at 7:33
• I'm been researching this for a while now (I'm feeling insecure about the gap) and most people say the same thing. I'm going to stop and just keep working. Thanks Danny –  Mark kurti Jul 20, 2020 at 13:03

From your question, I'm unclear on the why or how you are in your current situation, presumably it doesn't matter.

To answer your question, though, focus on getting an interview and during the interview focus on a willingness to learn.

To expand on why, consider the following:

• You don't need to list your age on a resume. Furthermore, it would not look good (and might be illegal) during an interview for someone to ask how old you are. If you are being interviewed, the focus should be on matters related to the job you will be doing.
• I think it's good that you figured out what you don't like in school. It's less good that you weren't able to switch degrees, but whatever. There are a lot of people out there who have a degree in one thing and do something completely different. Very often, a degree matters for the purposes of showing you can focus on something long enough to figure it out and finish it. The only time a degree is critical is if your profession requires specific licensure (i.e. doctors & nurses, engineers, lawyers, etc.). A former colleague of mine has a degree in journalism, he's a sector head of marketing at an engineering firm.
• Focus less upon finding the ideal job and more upon finding any job. There is a ton of things you learn on the job that cannot be taught in school, including but not limited to interpersonal skills, good employer practices, bad employer practices, management skills, etc. On the job I've learned had to learn how work with some very difficult people; how a bad employer will really screw me over; how to communicate with peers, subordinates, and superiors in order to determine an appropriate path forward; how to direct work that I need to oversee. Literally learned none of this in school.

A lot of the answers already given are valid and very good.

I remember having been in that situation ( like everyone with a job! ) and it resulted in me being extremely nervous in my first interview.

I can promise you that your insecurity will shine through in an interview. Whatever you need to do to make a better impression ( for me, it was simply practicing, doing more interviews, and getting some work experience ) - do it.

Otherwise, this can easily become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The point: At least pretend to be optimistic, and somewhat excited about your prospects. The job market is definitely good enough to land you something.

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Best Careers To Start at 30 Years Old

By: Author The GenThirty Team

Posted on Published: May 8, 2022  - Last updated: July 18, 2022

Categories Your Thirties , In Your 30s

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average person changes jobs 12.4 times between the ages of 18 and 54. That’s a lot! If you’re looking for the best careers to start at 30 years old, in this post we will cover a variety of industries and what that change of career path might look like.

The truth is, no one formula will work for everyone when choosing the best careers to start at 30. However, it is possible to make a career start or change whether you prefer high-paying professions with lots of prestige and advancement opportunities. Or whether you like more humble roles that offer flexibility or less demanding hours.

Is 30 Too Late To Change Careers?

At 30 years old, you have most likely already established your professional ambitions. Therefore, you can start to choose careers that suit your unique skills and interests. So if you are 30 years old and feeling like it’s time to start your career? You’re not alone. 

Many people reach a point where they feel like it’s time to buckle down and get serious about their professional lives. If you’re feeling this way, don’t worry-you’re making a great decision! 

There are a lot of great careers that are perfect for someone starting at 30 years old.

A midlife career change can also start as a side hustle. Consider starting to work on one of these career moves before leaving your job to help you prepare. You might not have much time to dedicate at first but it’s a great way to move yourself into a related field.

Why would you want to change careers in your 30s?

There are a lot of reason people want to change carers in their 30s but one of the biggest reasons is job satisfaction.

A study done by the Gallup organization found that only 13% of employees worldwide are engaged in their jobs. That means a whopping 87% of people are not enjoying going to their job every day. And only 1/3 of people actually enjoy their work.

If you’re someone who is not fulfilled by your current career, it’s definitely time to make a change. But how do you know what the best careers to start at 30 years old are? Here are some factors to consider:

• What are your skills and strengths?
• List your interests.
• What is your ideal work/life balance?
• Do you prefer a high-paying or prestigious job, or a more humble role that offers flexibility or less demanding hours?
• Are you wanting to advance quickly in your career or take a more relaxed pace?
• Do want new challenges?
• What are you hoping to get out of your new role?
• How open to learning new skills are you?
• Would you need higher education?
• What is the average salary you need to live your life?
• What are your career goals?

All of these factors are important to consider when choosing the best careers to start at 30 years old.

Best Careers To Start At 30 Years Old

Careers in healthcare to start at 30.

When it comes to deciding on a career, most people think that the ideal time to begin is in their twenties. However, several careers in healthcare can also be excellent choices. Moreso, for those looking to start or change their careers at 30. 

Whether you want to become a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, you can find many exciting career opportunities available in this growing industry. 

Benefits associated with pursuing a career in healthcare at 30

• These roles allow you to work directly with patients and provide essential health services.
• They also allow you to develop your skills over time and take on increasing levels of responsibility as your career progresses. 
• Additionally, a career in health care offers plenty of opportunities to advance your career and seek out additional responsibilities over time.
• Furthermore, these careers are often associated with solid training programs and competitive salaries, making them financially attractive options.

Challenges associated with pursuing a career in healthcare at 30

Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to considering a career in healthcare later in life.

• For example, jobs in this field can be quite physically demanding. So those with preexisting health conditions or mobility issues may find it difficult or impossible to do this type of work. 
• Additionally, competition for some positions may be intense if you are starting later than younger candidates who have been working in the field for years longer than you. 

Regardless of these challenges, however, there are many benefits to beginning your career in healthcare. Especially at 30, it is one of the most rewarding choices you could make as you start adult life. Ultimately, choosing a career in healthcare is about finding the right fit for your interests and abilities, regardless of your age.

Despite these challenges, a healthcare career can be an excellent choice for those looking to make a difference in the lives of others.

There are many careers in healthcare you can pursue from hospital billing to audiology to dental hygienist to nutritionist, there are a lot of options, especially for people with a college degree.

Careers in Education to Start at 30

Education is another field that offers many opportunities for those looking to start their careers later in life. Whether you want to become a teacher, administrator, or counselor, there are many different roles to choose from in this field. 

Benefits associated with pursuing a career in education at 30:

• Working in education offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people. 
• If you’re passionate about working with children and helping them reach their full potential, then a career in education may be perfect for you. 
• Additionally, jobs in this field are often gratifying and can offer competitive salaries and benefits packages. 

Challenges associated with pursuing a career in Education at 30:  

While there are many great things about starting your career in education later in life, there are also some challenges to consider. 

• For example, you may find it challenging to keep up with the latest technology used in schools if you’re not familiar with it. 
• Additionally, you may have difficulty establishing authority over much younger students than you. 

So if you’re looking for a field that will challenge you while also enabling you to make a positive difference in people’s lives, then look no further than education .

Some roles to consider in this field are school counselor, teacher, tutor, or an administrator. If you’re interested in a career path in education, consider getting in touch with your local community colleges

Careers in Technology To Start at 30

Technology is another field that is perfect for those looking for opportunities to start their careers later in life. You will find many different roles available in this growing industry. Some include becoming a software developer, web designer, or database administrator. 

Benefits associated with pursuing a career in technology at 30:

• The technology field offers many opportunities for growth and advancement. 
• If you’re interested in a particular technology area, you can often find a position that will allow you to specialize. 
• Additionally, jobs in this field are often very well-paying. Hence, they are an excellent option for earning a good income. 

Challenges associated with pursuing a career at 30:  

While there are many benefits to starting your career in technology later in life, some challenges are considered. 

• For example, you may find it challenging to keep up with the latest technological advances.
• Additionally, competition for some positions may be intense if you start later than younger candidates.

Roles in tech to consider:

• information security analysts
• web developer
• project management/project manager
• data scientist
• information security analyst

Some of these might require a master’s degree, so make sure you know what education requirements you’ll need.

Careers in Writing and Journalism

If you’re a good writer and have always been interested in journalism, then a career in writing or journalism may be a good fit for you. There are many different types of writing and journalism roles available, so you should be able to find one that matches your interests and skills. 

Benefits associated with pursuing a career in writing or journalism at 30:

A career in writing or journalism offers the opportunity to use your creativity and storytelling skills. 

If you’re passionate about current affairs or have a knack for research, then a career in this field may be perfect for you. 

Additionally, jobs in this field can be interesting and varied, providing you with the opportunity to learn new things all the time. 

Challenges associated with pursuing a career in writing or journalism at 30:  

The challenges associated with pursuing a career in writing or journalism are similar to those of other creative fields. 

For example, you may find it difficult to get your work published or to find steady work as a freelancer. 

Additionally, the hours can be long and the pay may not be as high as you would like.

Careers in Business

There are many different types of business careers available, making it a great option for those looking for a new career path. Some popular options include becoming a business analyst, marketing manager, or sales representative. 

Benefits associated with pursuing a career in business at 30:

Business careers offer the opportunity to use your analytical and problem-solving skills. 

You’ll also have the chance to network and build relationships with other professionals. 

Additionally, many business roles are very well-paying, making them a great option for earning a good income. 

Challenges associated with pursuing a career in business at 30:  

The challenges associated with pursuing a career in business are similar to those of other professional fields. 

For example, you may find it difficult to advance your career if you don’t have the right connections. 

Additionally, the hours can be long and the work can be very stressful.

Some roles to consider as a second career are:

• Human resources manager
• Project management
• Business administration
• Public relations specialist

Careers That Need a Master’s Degree

One thing to consider when pursuing a new career path is what education you might need to move forward in those roles.

Here is a list of career paths that benefit from a master’s degree:

• Management Consultant
• Psychologist
• Research Scientist

Pursuing any of these careers may take years of schooling and training, but the payoff can be worth it in terms of both salary and job satisfaction. If you’re looking for a long-term career change, then furthering your education may be the right choice for you.

Freelance Careers

If you’re interested in pursuing a freelance career, then there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

Benefits associated with pursuing a freelance career at 30:

Freelance careers offer the opportunity to be your own boss and set your own hours. 

You’ll also have the chance to work from home or anywhere else that has an internet connection. 

Additionally, many freelance roles are very well-paying, making them a great option for earning a good income. 

Challenges associated with pursuing a freelance career at 30:  

The challenges associated with pursuing a freelance career are similar to those of other creative fields. 

Freelance careers to consider:

The good news is that by going freelance, you can do almost any position as an independent contractor. Some ideas are:

• graphic design
• social media
• digital marketing
• web developers

Many of these you don’t even need a bachelor’s degree for, just work experience.

Tips for changing career paths in your 30s:

If you want to start a new job in your 30s, you’ll need to consider how much “starting over you’ll be doing.”

Before you leave your current job, it’s a good idea to fun the finance numbers to make sure you are prepared for the salary differences or employment gap.

When you’re in your early 30s, this might be a little hard than if you were in your later 30s, but don’t let that stop you from making the leap!

If you have no transferable skills to your desired industry, you very might be starting over in an entry-level position, even if you have a bachelor’s degree.

You can improve your chances of getting hired by taking the time to research companies and roles that are a good match for your skills and experience.

Additionally, it’s important to network with professionals in your desired field. 

Don’t be surprised if you end up with a pay cut at first as you gain experience and career development in your new field.

And finally, don’t be discouraged if you don’t land your dream job right away. It may take some time to find the right fit, but it will be worth it in the end.

In Summary: Best Careers To Start at 30 Years Old

There are many different careers to choose from if you’re looking to start your career at 30 years old. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, education, or technology, many different options are available.

You likely have transferable skills from your current career, so be sure to consider those too. You can also pursue informational interviews in fields that you are interested in.

Each field offers its own set of benefits and challenges. So it’s essential to consider your options before making a decision carefully. Ultimately, the best career for you is the one that best fits your interests and abilities. So if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, then look no further than one of these three fields.

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• Career Planning
• Leaving a Job

How Long Should You Stay at Your First Job?

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

Average Employee Tenure

When can you leave your first job.

• Questions to Ask Prior to Leaving

How to Leave Your Job

How long should you stay at your first job if you don't enjoy it? College graduates aren't always thrilled with their first job after graduation, so if you’re asking that question, you’re not the first to do so.

On the other hand, you might also be wondering if it’s possible to stay too long at your first job out of college . Will it impact your career prospects if you don't make a change within a certain time period? Recent graduates often ask counselors, friends, and family members how long they need to – or should – stay in their first job before moving on.

It's no wonder many grads are confused. While career counselors and experts advise putting in at least a year at any job before moving on , some workers leave in far less time than recommended. A survey from Express Employment Professionals reports that 71% of college graduates spend a year or less in their first job.  

Certainly, few workers are putting in decades at one employer. The median employee tenure for 2018 was 4.2 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.   On average, most people change jobs about 12 times during the course of their career.  

Average turnover time shouldn't be the primary factor determining when you make a job change. Just because many people move on after a year or so doesn't mean that you should – or shouldn't – stay that long. The answer for you might be quite different depending on your unique situation at work, what you are doing in your current position, and your plans for the future.

Your goal should always be to figure out which decision benefits your own career. Even the wisdom of the experts can fail you, if it’s general advice intended for a broad audience, rather than specific insight into your situation.

However, you do want to avoid getting a reputation as a job hopper , so it makes sense to be sure before you move on. Ask yourself these questions to get an idea of whether you should leave now or to stick it out a little longer.

Questions to Ask Prior to Leaving Your Job

Are There Difficult Circumstances at Work? Are you being mistreated, subjected to unethical behavior or being asked to do something which bothers your conscience? If you have unsuccessfully tried to remedy the situation, then start to plan your exit right away, regardless of the amount of time that you have spent on the job.

Can You Get a Better Job? What are your prospects for landing a better job? It can often be better to stay at your current position until you can secure a job that is a step up. The adage that it is easier to find a job when you are still employed often holds true.

What Are Your Prospects for the Future? Is there a clear path for advancement that would enable you to transition to a more satisfying job or provide you with a more appealing boss or coworkers at your current employer? Exploring options for moving laterally or vertically at your own employer can be worthwhile before you decide to resign.

Are You Acquiring New Skills? Are you developing valuable skills or acquiring knowledge that will be of use in your career? If so, you might consider staying on longer. Conversely, if you have been performing mundane tasks for more than a year then it's time to plot a change.

Do You Have a Track Record of Success? Can you document success in your current job? If so, you will be more attractive to other employers and more ready to make a move. On the other hand, if you haven't acquired solid experience and new skills that will be an asset to a new employer, you may want to discuss with your supervisor options for bolstering your experience. You may wish to postpone your job search until you are better positioned.

Are You Underpaid? If your salary has not increased or is below the industry average after two years in your first job, you should probably start job searching. Research salaries so you know how much you are worth in today's job market.

Do You Have Another Job Offer? If you have already applied for another job and have an offer for a better position, by all means take it, even if you have only been at your first job for a short time.

Are You Planning on Grad School? If you are entering graduate or professional school in an area unrelated to your first job then usually you can feel free to leave your first job in fewer than 18 months.

Do Your Best Work. Whenever you decide to leave your first job, make sure that you maintain a strong work ethic and positive relations with staff right until you depart, since you will probably want or need recommendations and references.

Resign With Class. Quit the right way . Make sure to provide two weeks notice if at all possible, and avoid being negative in your resignation letter or email. Be as helpful as possible to your soon-to-be-former employer, offering to train your replacement or provide insight into your projects for other team members.

Prepare for a Background Check. Prospective employers might conduct background checks and get in touch with your former employer when considering you for employment. Therefore, it’s important not only to leave your job on a positive note, but to learn what your former bosses might say about you to future employers.

Get Ready to Tell Your Story. Worried about bad references from former employers? If you get ahead of the situation, you may be able to negotiate a more positive (or at least neutral) reference. At the very least, you’ll have time to figure out how to answer questions about your background check during the interview process. 

The Bottom Line

Don’t Quit on a Whim: Ask yourself if there are reasons to stay in your current position or make a lateral move within the company.

Think About Your Long-Term Career Plan: Whether you stay or go, you should be developing skills and connections that will help you move forward.

Make a Plan Before You Quit: Line up good references, do your best work, and give at least two weeks notice.

Express Employment Professionals. " New Survey Results: Recent Grads Leave First Jobs Quickly ," Accessed Nov. 8, 2019.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Employee Tenure Summary ," Accessed Nov. 8, 2019.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, " Number of Jobs, Labor Market Experience, and Earnings Growth: Results From a National Longitudinal Survey ," Accessed Nov. 8, 2019.

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30-60-90 Day Plan: Things to Do in the First 30 Days of Your New Job

Securing the job that’s perfect for you is an exciting feeling because of the many possibilities. Although the act of starting a new job can also be overwhelming, especially if you are not quite sure of all the expectations, there are specific things that you can do in the first 30 days. And there are things that you can do before your first day. If you have never created a 30-60-90 Day Plan, the post,  Creating a 30-60-90 Day Plan to Secure the Job   offers some guidance.

Craft an introduction : This may sound strange, but the reality is that there is truth to the adage that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. On your first day on the job, you will be introduced to key people, what will you say to them? What will be your elevator pitch? Think about similar roles that you have held, on your first day, what kinds of questions did your peers, direct reports and superiors ask? What kinds of questions do you think you will be asked about the work you were hired to do? Craft concise answers to those questions and practice responding to them.

Create a 30-60-90 Day Plan : You perform this activity before your first day on the job ONLY if you did not create a 30-60-90 Day Plan during the interviewing process. Reference  Creating a 30-60-90 Day Plan to Secure the Job  to find out how to do so.

Learn the business . Take the time to figure out the business so you know how your role contributes to the company’s bottom line. Learn the organization’s systems and its products and services. Review procedures and client accounts.

Schedule meetings with team members to learn about the written and unwritten rules . All of the information you need to know will not be in the company manual. Let your colleagues know that you are open to feedback on how you are doing. Review the code of conduct so that you do not make critical mistakes. Take time to observe the office culture, always listen before you speak, and do not talk about the last company you worked.

Meet with your manager to discover the criteria that will be used to evaluate your performance. In the meeting, find out if any of the requirements of the job have changed since the interview. Ask your manager what keeps her up at night. The key to success on the job is to find solutions to issues that are worrying your manager – to help her to succeed. You may want to review your 30-60-90 Day Plan with your boss, including her input on the things you must accomplish in the first 30 days on the job. Make sure you know and understand what the key priorities are for the first 30 days, your boss’ preferred way of communicating project status updates, and how frequently.

Seek a mentor. Organizations sometimes have programs in place to match a new hire with a more seasoned one. Find out if there is someone who has performed in your role and is willing to take you under her wing. Mentoring is about relationships, and relationships are built on give and take, so find ways to give back.

Ask lots of questions. If you notice that a process is not working as well as you think it should, instead of making recommendations for change, ask why things are done that way. There may be a very good reason.

Perform beyond expectations. Many employees are hired on a probationary basis, so the first 30 days on the job is critical. Once you know what is required of you to succeed on the job, deliver beyond what is expected.

Connect with your network. You may have connected with many people during the job search process, many of whom may have given you critical job-search advice and leads, now is the time to once again express your gratitude. Contact them to let them know where you have landed, your new roles and responsibilities, and that you are grateful for all the assistance they provided. Find out if there are ways that you can support them.

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Dow futures, nasdaq futures, russell 2000 futures, bitcoin usd, cmc crypto 200, how long it takes to find a job in 2023 (and 5 ways to get it done faster).

Whether you’re a new college grad or a professional looking to change job s, you’ll likely face a longer job hunt than in the height of the Great Resignation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the average period of unemployment in August 2023 was 20.4 weeks — or almost five months. And around 20% of people stayed unemployed for at least 27 weeks .

I’m a Self-Made Millionaire and Professional Money Coach: Here’s How You Can Get Rich Working Only 20 Hours Per Week Discover: 10 Best ChatGPT Prompts To Use for Making Money

As the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates several times, some companies laid off workers or pulled back on hiring in preparation for a potential downturn. Plus, there are more people seeking work now, increasing your competition for each job opportunity.

Side Gig: Earn Up To $200/Hour With This Easy-To-Start Job, No College Degree Required

To land a job faster, you’ll need to strategize and understand the current job market. Here are five ways you can give yourself an advantage.

1. Prioritize Networking

If you mainly just apply on job boards, it’s hard to stand out to potential employers and get your application picked for an interview. It also makes it easy to miss out on the many job opportunities that companies don’t post publicly. Instead, you want to form personal connections with other professionals who either do the hiring or can refer you.

Let your existing social network know you’re looking for a job, and ask them to introduce you to anybody who might have an opportunity for you. You can also research companies and employees on LinkedIn and send introduction messages to people in hiring positions. Being active in your community and industry is helpful, too, so consider attending in-person and online networking events.

2. Be Open to Diverse Opportunities

Although you may have a specific company and role in mind, your job hunt can become difficult if you’re too selective. For example, you might only want a software developer role at a famous tech company, but recent layoffs and extreme competition can hurt your odds.

You’ll find a job more quickly if you consider other industries and even job titles related to your skills. This could mean searching for software jobs at schools, government agencies and small businesses, or broadening your search to other technology roles. And if you’re a college student or recent graduate, look for businesses with special hiring programs.

3. Optimize Your Resume

Not only can a single job post get hundreds of applicants, but companies usually use applicant tracking systems that use algorithms to sort out resumes. If your resume doesn’t have the right formatting or keywords, you might not get picked for an interview.

Ken Coleman of Ramsey Solutions suggests using a clear and simple resume format and customizing your resume with each application. Look for keywords in the job post and incorporate those when you detail your skills, experience and credentials. If you need guidance, you can even prompt ChatGPT to customize your resume .

4. Master Your Interviewing Technique

Once you get an interview, you need to sell yourself well enough to be picked over your competition. This will require making a good first impression and showing how your skills and experience make you the best choice. Researching the company and having specific examples of your accomplishments will help with this.

Doing mock interviews is a great way to get feedback and improve your interviewing skills. Job centers and universities often offer them, but you can use a family member or friend. It also helps to practice interviewing in different formats because video interviews have become common, especially for earlier rounds.

5. Upskill To Make Yourself Competitive

While you wait to land your next role, use your free time to research in-demand skills in your field. These could include specific tech tools or broader skills such as project management. Browsing job posts is a good way to do this, but you can also check career and education sites.

Once you know where you fall short, look for online classes and videos that can help you upskill. To get more practice, you can do projects to add to a portfolio and show during your interviews.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : How Long It Takes To Find a Job in 2023 (and 5 Ways To Get It Done Faster)

Billy Napier Florida contract, buyout clause: Here's how much Gators owe coach if fired

• Billy Napier fell to 9-9 in his Florida tenure after Saturday's 33-14 loss to Kentucky.
• Napier signed a seven-year, $51.8 million contract in 2021.
• So what's Napier's contract and buyout clause? Gators signed their coach to seven-year, $51.8 million deal.

With a 9-9 record 18 games into his tenure, Florida football coach Billy Napier’s job performance has been the subject of intense scrutiny.

During games like Saturday’s 33-14 loss at Kentucky , it ramps up that much more.

The Gators’ second-year coach turned Louisiana into a winner, taking a program that went 5-7 the year before his arrival and going 33-5 in the final three years of his four-year tenure at the school, and has found occasional success at Florida, most notably a season-opening victory against a top-10 Utah team in 2022 and a 29-16 win on Sept. 16 against then-No. 9 Tennessee this season.

REQUIRED READING: Florida's wipeout at Kentucky resurrects doubts about Napier's program | Whitley

However, the Gators’ shortcomings under Napier have been far more notable.

Florida’s loss last season against Vanderbilt was the first time since 2013 it had fallen against the Commodores and just the second time since 1988 it had dropped a game against what has traditionally been the SEC’s cellar-dweller. That loss prevented the Gators from finishing .500 in SEC play.

In last season’s Las Vegas Bowl, Florida was blown out by Oregon State 30-3 , a game in which the Gators kicked a field goal with 37 seconds remaining to maintain the program’s NCAA-record run of consecutive games without being shut out.

At 9-9, Napier is off to the worst start of a Florida coach through his first 18 games since Charley Pell in 1979-80.

Those struggles at a historically decorated program with high expectations have raised questions from parts of the fanbase about whether the Gators would move on from Napier so early in his stint in Gainesville and, if they did, what they'd owe him contractually.

Here’s everything you need to know about Napier’s contract and buyout:

REQUIRED READING: Florida Gators QB Graham Mertz playing at high level but needs protection to survive in SEC

Billy Napier Florida contract details

• Contract length : Seven years
• Contract value : $51.8 million

Florida was one of several high-profile programs with coaching vacancies – Southern Cal, Notre Dame, LSU and Oklahoma were among the others – when it hired Napier in November 2021.

The university gave him a sizable contract that more than tripled his salary at Louisiana . The deal paid him $7.27 million in 2022, ranking him fifth among SEC coaches and 11 th among FBS coaches last season, according to USA Today’s coaching salary database.

What is Billy Napier’s buyout if fired?

If Florida opts to fire Napier without cause, it will owe him 85% of his total remaining annual compensation through the otherwise unexpired term.

In that scenario, Napier would be paid 50% of that buyout within 30 days of being fired while the remainder would be paid in equal installments (12.5%) over four years. The first installment would be paid on the first July 15 following his ouster and each July 15 after that until he has received the full buyout.

Billy Napier year-by-year record

Below is Napier’s year-by-record record at Florida. He started his tenure 4-2 last season and saw his team rise as high as No. 19 in the U.S. LBM Coaches Poll following the season-opening win against No. 8 Utah, but lost five of his final seven games.

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3 things that will impact stocks going into the first trading week of the fourth quarter

Wall Street closed out the final week of the third quarter lower as Friday's initial rally on tame inflation data ended largely in losses. The Dow , S&P 500 and the Nasdaq all fell sharply for the historically tough month of September and for the quarter. In fact, the third-quarter declines for the Dow and S&P 500 broke three straight quarters of gains. The Nasdaq's retreat came after advances in the previous two quarters. While all three stock benchmarks are way up year to date, investors are hoping the rest of the year lives up to its reputation as the best-performing quarter.

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75,000 health care workers are set to go on strike. Here are the 5 states that could be impacted.

By Kate Gibson

September 29, 2023 / 6:11 PM / MoneyWatch

More than 75,000 health care workers could go on strike within days if negotiators fail to reach agreement on a contract that expires Saturday at midnight. If it occurs, the strike would impact Kaiser Permanente facilities in five states and Washington, D.C.

Without a deal, Kaiser Permanente workers including nurses, lab technicians, orderlies, pharmacists and therapists are ready to walk off the job for three days from October 4 to 7. The action would impact hospitals, clinics and medical offices in California, Colorado, Oregon, Virginia and Washington as well as Washington, D.C., according to the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions.

Such a walkout would represent the biggest health care strike in U.S. history, the coalition, which is negotiating on behalf of about 40% of Kaiser's workforce, said in giving notice last week.

The health care workers are on the verge of striking after disagreements about pay and staffing, with some employees telling CBS MoneyWatch that more employees are needed at their facilities to provide adequate care to patients and avoid worker burnout. The disagreements have persisted after months of contract talks between the Oakland-based health care giant and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions. 

The labor action could be followed by "another longer, stronger strike in November," the coalition said.

The bargaining resumed on Friday and could continue through the weekend if necessary, both sides said.

"Heart-breaking" job

Employed by Kaiser for 27 years, ultrasound technician Michael Ramey said the job he once loved is "heart-breaking" and "stressful" due to a staffing crisis that he and his colleagues argue harms both employee morale and patient treatment. 

"You don't have the ability to care for patients in the manner they deserve," said Ramey, 57, who works at a Kaiser clinic in San Diego and is president of his local union. "We are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure we have a contract in place that allows us to be staffed at the levels where we need to be."

Worker fatigue also takes a toll. "People are working more hours than they want to be working, and even that creates a problem with patient care -- if you know you're going to miss your kid's soccer game," he gave as an example.

Interacting with patients, Ramey fields complaints of not being able to schedule medical procedures in a timely fashion. "They are telling you how long it took to get the appointment, and then you have to tell them how long it will be to get results," Ramey said. "There's a breakdown in the quality of care. These are people in our communities." 

Delays in scheduling care

For Stockton, California, resident and Kaiser pharmacy technician Savonnda Blaylock, the community includes her 70-year-old mother, who struggled to get an appointment for an emergency scan of a blockage in her colon. "This staffing crisis is coming into our living rooms right now," Blaylock said. 

"If we have to walk off, it impacts not just my mom but a lot of patients," said Blaylock, 51, who has worked 22 years for Kaiser and, like Ramey, has a seat at the bargaining table. Still, her mom and others understand that "our patients are why we're doing it," she said of the potential strike. 

"Every health care provider in the nation has been facing staffing shortages and fighting burnout," and Kaiser Permanente "is not immune," Kaiser Permanente said in an emailed statement. 

Kaiser and the coalition agreed in prior bargaining to hire 10,000 people for coalition-represented jobs by the end of the year, a goal the company expects to reach by the end of October, if not sooner. "We are committed to addressing every area of staffing that is still challenging," it said.

• Kaiser Permanente

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Absent of church’s president, conference speakers focus on living as eternal families

Saturday morning session, by genelle pugmire - daily herald | sep 30, 2023.

Two empty chairs assigned to President Russell M. Nelson, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were noticeable Saturday morning as members joined in the Salt Lake Conference Center to worship during the church’s 193rd Semiannual General Conference.

Both leaders are recuperating from health situations. Nelson fell two days after his 99th birthday earlier this month and Holland is slowly improving after a stay in the hospital.

President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, presided at the morning conference session, which set a focus for church members on living as eternal families.

“The revealed doctrine of the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that all the children of God — with exceptions too limited to consider here — will ultimately inherit one of three kingdoms of glory, even the least of which ‘surpasses all understanding,'” Oaks said. “After a period in which the disobedient suffer for their sins — which suffering prepares them for what is to follow — all will be resurrected and proceed to the final judgment of the Lord Jesus Christ. There our loving savior, who, we are taught, ‘glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of His hands’ will send all the children of God to one of these kingdoms of glory according to the desires they have manifested through their choices.”

“God’s plan, founded on eternal truth, requires that exaltation can be attained only through faithfulness to the covenants of an eternal marriage between a man and a woman in the Holy Temple, which marriage will ultimately be available to all the faithful. That is why we teach that ‘gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal and eternal identity and purpose,'” he added.

Referring to “The Family Proclamation,” Oaks said, “Its declarations clarify the celestial requirements that prepare us to live with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Those who do not fully understand the Father’s loving plan for His children may consider this Family Proclamation no more than a changeable statement of policy. In contrast, we affirm that the Family Proclamation, founded on irrevocable doctrine, defines the mortal family relationship where the most important part of our eternal development can occur.

“Salvation is an individual matter, but exaltation is a family matter.”

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke of the countless individuals from the pioneers forward who helped build the kingdom of God.

“I am grateful for millions of church members who today are coming unto the savior and pressing forward on the covenant path in the last wagons of our contemporary wagon trains — and who truly are no less serviceable,” Bednar said. “Your strong faith in Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and your unpretentious, consecrated lives inspire me to be a better man and disciple. I love you. I admire you. I thank you. And I commend you.”

He used “in the path of their duty” to describe what members are doing to return to God and coming unto Christ.

“I believe the phrase ‘in the path of their duty’ describes discerning brothers and sisters who look for and sit next to people who are alone in church meetings and in a variety of other settings. They consistently strive to comfort those that stand in need of comfort, without expectations of acknowledgment or praise.”

Sister Amy Wright, first counselor in the General Primary Presidency, relayed a story from when she learned she had cancer: “In my mind I asked Heavenly Father, ‘Am I going to die?’ The Holy Ghost whispered, ‘Everything is going to be OK.’ Then I asked, ‘Am I going to live?’ Again, the answer came, ‘Everything is going to be OK.’ I was confused. Why did I receive the exact same answer whether I lived or died?

“Then suddenly every fiber of my being filled with absolute peace as I was reminded: We did not need to hurry home and teach our children how to pray. They knew how to receive answers and comfort from prayer. We did not need to hurry home and teach them about the scriptures or words of living prophets. Those words were already a familiar source of strength and understanding. We did not need to hurry home and teach them about repentance, the Resurrection, the Restoration, the plan of salvation, eternal families or the very doctrine of Jesus Christ.

“I testify that we should look to Christ and live.

“Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to ‘abide the day.’ Abiding the day does not mean adding to an ever-increasing to-do list. Think of a magnifying glass. Its sole purpose is not simply to make things appear bigger. It can also gather and focus light to make it more powerful. We need to simplify, focus our efforts and be gatherers of the light of Jesus Christ. We need more holy and revelatory experiences.”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson explained the necessity of the keys of the Priesthood and the importance of the sealing power.

“We tend to think of the sealing authority as applying only to certain temple ordinances, but that authority is necessary to make any ordinance valid and binding beyond death,” he said. “The sealing power confers a seal of legitimacy upon your baptism, for example, so that it is recognized here and in heaven. Ultimately, all priesthood ordinances are performed under the keys of the president of the church, and as President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: ‘He (the president of the church) has given us authority, he has put the sealing power in our priesthood, because he holds those keys.'”

“I testify that President Russell M. Nelson, as president of the church, is the one man on earth today that by his keys directs the use of this supernal power,” he added. “I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ has made immortality a verity and the possibility of exalted family relationships a reality.”

Elder Ian S. Ardern of the Seventy spoke of humanitarian services in Africa: “Our church humanitarian efforts find us quickly responding to natural disasters and binding up the world’s widening wounds of disease, hunger, infant mortality, malnutrition, displacement and the often-unseen wounds of discouragement, disappointment and despair.”

“As a church, we are grateful to collaborate with other ‘hosts’ or organizations such as Catholic Relief Services, UNICEF and Red Cross/Red Crescent to assist in our humanitarian endeavors,” Ardern said. “We are equally grateful for your ‘two pence’ or two euros, two pesos or two shillings that are easing the burden that too many around the world are having to bear. It is unlikely you will know the recipients of your time, dollars and dimes, but compassion does not require us to know them, it only requires us to love them.”

Elder Robert Daines of the Seventy spoke of being face-blind and warned of being spiritually face-blind. “We want to see Jesus for who He is and to feel His love,” he said.

Living so your posterity also have the gospel in their lives was the message of Elder Carlos A. Gordoy of the Seventy.

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Royals on verge of rare series victory over Yankees

September 30 - The New York Yankees, after dropping the series opener at Kansas City 12-5 on Friday, need to win both remaining games to continue their series winning streak against the Royals.

The Yankees (81-79) have won 15 consecutive series against the Royals, tied for their second-longest streak against any opponent. New York is 18-5 against Kansas City since April 19, 2019.

Despite losing their past two games, the Yankees are 16-10 in September, with rookie catcher Austin Wells helping spark the late resurgence. The 24-year-old made his debut on Sept. 1, initially impressing Yankees manager Aaron Boone with his defense.

"He's done an outstanding job behind the plate," Boone said. "He's probably surpassed our expectations there."

Wells managed just two hits in his first six games. Since then, he has hit safely in nine of his 12 games, and he has four homers and nine RBIs in his past seven games, including a three-run shot on Friday.

"Offensively, I feel like he's starting to gain some traction here the last week or 10 days, really putting together lots of really good at-bats," Boone said. "We're starting to see the power show up a little bit. More than anything, he's starting to have consistent at-bats."

Boone sees Wells as a solid contender for regular catching duties in 2024.

"He's got me more excited, moving forward, than when he got here," Boone said.

The Yankees will send right-hander Clarke Schmidt (9-9, 4.65 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. Schmidt has faced the Royals once this year, in a win on July 21, when he went 5 2/3 innings and allowed three runs, all on a homer by Michael Massey.

Schmidt is 2-0 with a 2.79 ERA in three career games (one start) against Kansas City. He is 1-3 with a 5.85 ERA over his last eight starts overall.

The Royals will go with Steven Cruz (0-0, 5.40 ERA) as an opener on Saturday. The rookie right-hander will oppose the Yankees for the first time. He most recently pitched on Wednesday, when he allowed two runs in a two-inning relief outing against the Detroit Tigers.

In the series opener on Friday, 10 consecutive Royals hitters reached safely to start the game, a franchise record. Bobby Witt Jr. capped the scoring with a 423-foot home run, his 30th homer of the year, making him the club's first-ever member of the 30-homer/30-steal club.

Witt had gone 11 games without a home run after hitting No. 29 on Sept. 15, raising concern he might fall short, just as Carlos Beltran did in 2002 when he hit 29 homers and stole 35 bases.

"It was definitely on my mind a little bit," Witt said. "Missed it by one stolen base in Triple-A."

Playing at Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha in 2021, Witt combined for 33 homers and 29 steals.

"It's special to be able to do it here at Kauffman (Stadium) in front of the fans," he said.

Witt would make more history if he steals another base. After recording his 49th steal on Thursday at Detroit, he can become the fourth player in baseball history to reach the 30-homer/50-steal plateau, following Eric Davis (1987), Barry Bonds (1990) and Ronald Acuna Jr (2023).

"Just gotta get on first and we'll see what happens," Witt said.

The win on Friday gives the Royals a chance to avoid some uncomfortable history. At 55-105, the club needs one win to avoid eclipsing the franchise record for losses, set when the 2005 team finished 56-106.

--Field Level Media

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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