Career Advice

Switching careers at 35. Terrified but also kind of excited.

I've been in restaurant management for 12 years. Made decent money but my body is breaking down and I can't do 60-hour weeks anymore.

Starting a data analytics certificate program at El Centro next month. Going from $55K managing a restaurant to zero income while I learn a new skill is scary.

I have about 6 months of savings. My plan is certificate > internship > entry-level analyst role. Realistic or am I delusional?

Anyone else in DFW make a career switch later in life? How did it go?

Community ReportAutomatedSource: Community ReportPublished: Apr 3, 2026, 10:59 PM

1 Comment

Did the same thing at 32. Left sales for IT. First year was rough but I'm making more now than I ever did in sales. Stick with it.