How to Pivot Your Career Path and Thrive
Think back to what you wanted to be when you grew up. Odds are your goal shifted as you discovered new things or uncovered new talents. But even if you chose and followed the same path from childhood to adulthood, other changes (technology, market demand, etc.) have probably influenced how that path now looks.
The point is that change happens and it is not always a bad thing, despite how hard it may be. Even when it is our choice, change requires intellectual and emotional adjustments. And professional change carries layers of financial responsibility as well as ties to our sense of status and identity.
Yet we grow through change. Change tests our limits and capabilities. So, whether you’re pivoting out of necessity or intent, there are some things to consider and steps to take to make your transition more productive.
“New Beginnings Are Often Disguised As Painful Endings.” -Lao Tzu
Facing change–even when we decide it needs to happen–may mean latent insecurities surface. Imposter syndrome. The comfort of “the devil you know” starts to weigh more heavily than “the devil you don’t.”
Which means you may freak out, phone a loved one, lean on your faith, and/or find yourself in front of the refrigerator or pantry preparing for an emotional eating binge. That’s all okay. Whatever form your processing takes, the important thing is you need to accept and process change. Denial is a literal roadblock to your personal and professional progress.
Going back to that idea of who you wanted to be when you grew up, as a little girl I was inspired by playing architect Norma Merrick Sklarek in a Black History Month play. I studied civil engineering and began a career in construction. Then the 2008 financial crisis torpedoed my industry.
I had to make a change. I completed the MBA I’d already begun and pivoted to a career in marketing. After getting my bearings and a slight shift in my area of focus, it felt like I was finding my way.
Then I was laid off from my job. Time to readjust–again.
After recovering from my layoff I persevered in marketing, moving into progressively senior roles. I was doing all of the things you were supposed to do for success, but I found myself struggling. The truth was that I was experiencing burnout. But I was unwilling to acknowledge the need for change, and suffering in both my professional and personal lives.
Eventually, I realized my course was not sustainable. It was a wake-up call to the fact that sometimes we set our sights so far down the path we are currently on that we do not take the time to look around and see whether it is the path we should be on.
“Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation which is not nurturing to the whole [person].” — Maya Angelou
Ideally, you are building the foundation to pivot or react to change before you need it. Whether it is staged or sudden, the key to thriving through change is to take control of your transition–your reaction and adaptation to that change–and determine the path and steps you need to take to create the next version of you.
Plan your transition
When you are building something you need a secure foundation. Start with your finances. Can you pursue your goal part-time with your current employment situation? Do you need to quit and take jobs to fund your life’s work (i.e. your dream)? Is it possible to live off savings and, if so, how long can you sustain that? Do you have a support network or safety net if your plan doesn’t work? Next, spend some time on your feelings. What energizes you, what drains you (even if you excel at it) and what are the things you value most and are unwilling to compromise? Finally, consider your fulfillment. What are your goals? What does success look like in 1–3 years? 5–7 years? When you look back, what do you hope to have achieved and left as a legacy?
Prepare for the ups, downs and in-betweens
Once you have your plan, it’s time to develop your new narrative. Dig deeper to assess your strengths and areas of growth to know what you need to carry out that plan. What is the intersection between what you love, what you do well, and existing roles or market opportunities? What are the characteristics you possess that transcend experience in a particular industry or role? Why should someone–be that a potential employer, client or funder–take a chance on you? The answers to these questions define your brand and positioning. Update your resume to reach for that next reality. Promote “auxiliary” roles that represent your skills in a different setting. Are you missing qualifications that are considered fundamental to what you want to do? Show your dedication by proactively gaining new skills online or IRL as needed.
Pursue your next great thing with purpose
Being able to find and follow your passion is a privilege. Honor that by always stretching toward your new dream with a realistic understanding of the effort and patience it will take. Be persistent, in a constructive way. If you hear “no,” think “not quite,” and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Incorporate what you hear into your plan and how you present yourself. Share the “new you” with friends, current colleagues (if you’re looking for internal sponsorship) and former colleagues. Having dozens of eyes and ears on the lookout for new opportunities expands your reach and potential for leads. And by consistently demonstrating your commitment to your path, you inspire others to advocate for you.
“A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter when it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you’re in and take advantage of it.” — Nikki Giovanni
Whatever you choose to do, know you are not alone in your quest for something different. According to a December 2022 LinkedIn survey, more than 60% of American workers are thinking about quitting their jobs in 2023. They may make the jump to other companies or industries, or, as has increasingly become the case, launch their own businesses.
That last option has been particularly popular with women, many of whom over the past few years have had to pivot professionally due to the pandemic. In fact, according to Fundera there are 114% more women entrepreneurs than there were 20 years ago, and Black women are now leading the charge, heading up 42% of new women-owned businesses.
Maybe you want to become an entrepreneur. Or maybe your pivot is a move over, up or on the road to semi-retirement. In any case, embracing change and navigating a transition to something new may be one part angst and one part excitement, but there are endless possibilities that await.
In Summary:
- Take time to process the coming change and what it means for your sense of who you are.
- Put a foundational plan in place that takes into account your finances as well as how your feelings and sense of fulfillment shape your ultimate goals.
- Prepare to sell yourself by determining your brand identity and knowing what skills you can spin and what skills may need some shoring up.
- Pursue your dream by being persistent and consistent so others are more willing to take a chance on helping you succeed.
If you are looking for someone to support you in your efforts to uplevel or overhaul your career trajectory, I can help. Learn more about my coaching services here.
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