Mid-30s Career Change Dilemma – Looking for Advice
I'm 34 and have been working as a marketer at a mid-sized company for 7 years. My current salary is around 55 million KRW, but lately I feel like I've hit a plateau. I'm torn between moving to a startup to gain more experience or waiting for a promotion at my current company. The downside of a startup is the potential pay cut, while the issue with my current company is the slow growth. Would love to hear from anyone who's been in a similar situation.
6 answers
I had similar concerns in my mid-30s. I moved to a startup but returned to a mid-sized company after just a year. I definitely gained experience, but the salary and work-life balance were so different that it was hard to adjust. If there's a promotion opportunity at your current company, waiting it out might be a good option.
At 34, you're still young, so a startup could be a good option. I switched to a startup as a marketing team lead at 36—my salary dropped by about 5 million won, but the stock options and career growth were much better. Just make sure to check the company's business stability.
If you've been at the same company for seven years, it's natural to feel a sense of stagnation. I also switched jobs in my eighth year, and now my only regret is that I didn't move sooner. Rather than worrying about startup salaries, it might be better to first decide on your career direction.
If you're a marketer, gaining diverse experience at a startup becomes a huge asset later on. I also joined a startup in my early 30s and now returned to a mid-sized company under better conditions. However, you should be prepared to stay at a startup for at least 2-3 years.
On the other hand, waiting for a promotion at your current company isn't a bad idea either. Since you've been there for seven years, you must have solid networks and know-how within the organization, and it would be a shame to throw that away. First, check if there are opportunities for new projects or department transfers within the company.
A salary of 55 million won isn't bad, is it? I started at 45 million in my mid-30s and went through a lot of hardship. For startups, make sure to check growth potential and culture rather than just the salary, and I also recommend negotiating with your current company before switching jobs.