Things to Consider When Trying To Pivot a Career
Usually, a career pivot rhymes with a vital moment in your life and work, one where you have the choice to remain with the establishment or take a measured risk to extend your career pace.
“Many people hit a plateau in their careers and feel an inexplicable urge to do things differently,” says Jenny Blake, author of Pivot: The Only Move That Matters is Your Next One.
According to Blake, “career pivot is defined as doubling down on what is working to make a purposeful shift in a new, related direction. Pivoting is an intentional, methodical process for nimbly navigating career changes.”
When do I need a Career pivot?
This should cover your sense of fulfilment and quest for new challenges and growth.
What must I do to achieve this Career Pivot?
“The one thing that anyone can do, whether they’re self-employed or working for someone else at a company, is looking at what’s working [for you], look at your strengths, what you most enjoy, what you’re interested in, what skills you would be excited to learn in the coming years” Jenny Blake, excerpts from her book – Pivot.
In other words, you need to figure out the skill sets, certifications, licenses and classes including any other additional resources which cover child care services you would need to achieve this goal.
How do I achieve my Career Pivot?
Identify your goals and attach a timeline to each. This requires that you set goals that are both actionable and measurable. One of the best ways to plan this is to apply SMART goals. At the end of the day, you’ll need to follow your gut to a certain extent.
Also, you need to start telling people you’re making a change and leverage on your network as much as possible.
Now that you know where you want to be, what you’ll need to do to get there, and how to pitch yourself in the best light, it’s time to update your materials. Upgrade your resume and maximize your LinkedIn.
What happens afterwards?
Embarking on a career pivot will take time and resilience. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Even if you’re embarking on a brand new career in a brand new field, you know a lot more than you think you do.
Change is terrifying and fear of the unknown can be more intense. What makes the difference is the deliberate and brave steps tailored towards your goals every single day till it’s achieved even when it is inconvenient and terrifying. Weigh things out and decide to take a full-on run at it.
Perhaps you encounter a thick wall after making attempts to pivot your career, keep a learning mindset and say, “What can I learn from this?” you’ll then apply the pivot method to a “failure.” So of the failure, you’ll say, “Well, what did work within this? What didn’t? What would I want to do more of? How can I adjust this?
Taking these steps are sure to help you make a better career pivot, should you decide to make one
The styled by ABBA team
