Passions change and people often want to change careers – but how old is too old to switch from graphic design to medicine? 

A 31-year-old freelance graphic designer told So You Think You’re an Adult they’re considering a career change. 

“It's not really my passion,” they told Moncrieff. “I was good at art in school, and the points were within my reach, so that's what I decided to do. 

“But my priorities have changed since I was making that decision at 18 - I've always been a people person and thrive when I'm interacting with others. 

“I also think I get more job satisfaction out of helping people or making a difference.” 

They said they were “always interested” in a career in medicine – but they didn’t pursue it before because they didn’t think they were “intelligent enough”. 

“I'm beginning to think now is the time, but I'm worried I'm too old and will be even older when I finish the course,” they said. 

“Am I delusional to consider such an undertaking, or should I take the leap of faith?” 

Broadcaster Declan Buckley warned against a blind leap of faith – but said it is never too young to pursue a new passion. 

“31 is not old,” he said. “Somebody in my family who went back to study medicine after raising three children, she went and did it slowly, part-time, and is only at the stage now, in her 40s starting GP work. 

“It is never too late to do something that you really care about.” 

Declan said there are still factors to consider such as the cost of studying medicine and the intense training involved. 

He said the person could remain in their job as a graphic designer while beginning to pursue medicine, such as looking into the HPAT exams and beginning to study for them. 

“It's something you should definitely, definitely explore,” he said. “Do not think of it as too late.” 

Changing careers

Writer Barbara Scully said “31 is very young”, with many opportunities to explore new career paths. 

She advised keeping an open mind about what opportunities may come, however, as the listener might end up happy where they least expected it. 

“Always keep your eyes open to opportunities, because as you start to investigate, very often something that you haven't anticipated will come in from the side,” she said. 

“Keep your options open, keep your mind open, but I think the first step is recognising the fact that you're not happy, and that's really important. 

“Better to try and fail than to die wondering.” 

Listen back here: