How I Changed My Career at 30: From Corporate to Counselling

At 30, I found myself facing a big question:

Is this really the life I want to live?

On the surface, I had a successful career as a Business Analyst in the corporate world. But deep inside, something didn’t feel right. I wasn’t connected to my work. It lacked meaning, purpose, and heart. I realised I was building a life that looked good on paper - but didn’t feel true to who I really was.

That realisation led me to make one of the biggest decisions of my life: to leave my corporate career and pursue a new path in counselling.

Why I Chose to Change My Career at 30

Changing careers at 30 can feel daunting. It’s easy to think it’s "too late" or that you have "too much to lose. "But I believe it’s never too late to create a life that feels aligned with your values.

For me, staying in a corporate role where I felt disconnected became more uncomfortable than the fear of starting over. I knew I needed to find work that felt meaningful - work where I could make a real difference in people's lives.

Choosing Counselling

As I explored career change options in Australia, I looked at psychology and social work — but counselling resonated most deeply with me. Counselling felt more human, more relational, and more flexible for creating the kind of private practice I envisioned.

I enrolled full-time at the Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP), completing a Graduate Diploma of Counselling over two years. It was a big commitment, but studying counselling reignited my passion for learning and personal growth. For the first time in years, I felt truly excited about my future.

Building a Career in Counselling After Graduation

After finishing my studies, I began working in community organisations and gaining hands-on experience with a wide range of clients. I had the opportunity to work across several important areas, including Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services, a Private Mental Health Clinic, a Refugee Support service, and a Domestic and Family Violence organisation. Through these experiences, I learned about trauma-informed care, emotional resilience, cultural sensitivity, and how to hold safe, compassionate space for people navigating some of the most challenging chapters of their lives.

Step by step, I built my confidence — and eventually, I opened my own private practice. Today, I work with individuals and groups, helping people heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. Running my private practice and facilitating Women’s Circles has been incredibly rewarding — and a constant reminder that taking the leap into the unknown was absolutely worth it.

Thinking About Changing Careers?

If you're feeling stuck or wondering whether it’s too late to make a career change, especially into counselling or the mental health field — please know that it’s absolutely possible. In just two to four years, you could be living a life that feels more authentic, more aligned, and more fulfilling.

Your dreams are valid. Your time is now!

🌿 Ready to Start Your Career Change Journey?

If you're thinking about becoming a counsellor in Australia, switching into the mental health field, or simply exploring your next steps, I would love to support you. I offer 1:1 Career Change Consultations, where we can talk through your goals, study pathways, registration requirements, and how to transition into meaningful work you love. 👉 Book your session here:

Book Now

Let's create a plan that feels aligned with your heart and your future. 💛