How to Navigate Your Career Pivot Like a Pro

It’s about leveraging your purpose to find clarity and confidence

I’ll never forget the fear and uncertainty of making a career change in my late twenties. My wife and I had a two-year-old baby boy and one on the way.?

I had a fancy office, a decent salary, and the trappings of a respectable career working in luxury hotels. But, I wasn’t sure where to look or what to do because the business of life was overwhelming.?

Even worse, most people in my family discouraged me from changing. That motivated me even more, and you can do the same when people think they know what’s best for you.

If you’re a manager or executive sitting in the corner office and feeling the suck, I get it. I often describe my feelings back then: selling my soul in bi-weekly paychecks.?

Yuck.

Welcome to the art of reinventing yourself. Even if you’re not an artist, maybe it’s time to dig deep and figure out how to get off your butt and pick up a pen, pencil, marker, or brush and learn to map out a new career path for yourself.

If that sounds daunting, trust me, given your burning desire and some guidance, you’ve got this. Pivoting in your career isn’t as complicated as you might think.?

Once you’ve made up your mind, it’s time to focus and do the work you need to do. After all, who cares more about finding meaning and making more money than you?

After making three major career moves, I’ve learned the fundamentals and love helping others find their way into the next gig and, in some instances, starting a small business, even though I don’t suggest that for most people.

Before I share suggestions to get started, let me assure you that you’re not alone in wanting to change jobs or careers. A 2023 LinkedIn study found that nearly 61% of professionals are considering a career shift, with many citing the pursuit of purpose and personal fulfillment as driving factors.

Similarly, a 2023 Gallup report revealed that only 32% of U.S. employees feel engaged at work, highlighting a widespread disconnect between people and their professions.?

From my perspective, that means 68% of us go to work wondering why the business of life sucks so badly. That’s no way to live a happy life, and if that sounds harsh, welcome to reality.

I’m motivated to help you find your way because I remember what it feels like to age in dog years. I have the utmost empathy for anyone in this situation. Now, let’s dive into my suggestions to get you started.

First, be okay with feeling not okay. Humans don’t like change. Too much change in the workplace is one of the biggest reasons we experience the kind of stress that makes us want to drink buckets of booze every night. Instead of doing toxic things to yourself, use your discomfort as the springboard to courage, clarity, and change.

Next, think about who you are at the core. I remember doing workshops for accountants. It was like speaking to living, dead people. When I asked the meeting planner what was happening, she said 90% hated their jobs. No wonder my best jokes didn’t make them laugh.?

I’m pretty sure most of these people had their jobs because their parents browbeat them into having a “respectable, safe career,” which also happens with attorneys.?

Wake up! It’s time to shift gears. Start by assessing yourself and discovering more about your core values, primary interests, and what calls your heart.

For example, what activities make you lose track of time? What causes or missions call you to serve? What unique skills or experiences do you bring to the table? Take time to reflect on what your heart desires, and believe in yourself enough to search inside yourself to figure out what’s next.

Next, draft a vision and mission statement for yourself, just like I’ve done when helping hundreds of business owners increase their revenue. Your vision statement defines how you see yourself in three to five years.?

Be bold, and keep it tight. Your mission statement declares what you do. For example, “I help executives shift gears into their dream jobs.”

Part of the process is leveraging your strengths. As an executive, you already possess many transferable skills, such as strategic thinking, leadership, and problem-solving.?

The key is identifying how these skills can be applied in new contexts. Whether you’re considering entrepreneurship, a nonprofit role, or consulting, your executive experience is a powerful asset.

Take inventory of your accomplishments and strengths. Then, consider how they can solve problems in a different industry or role. Remember, a career transition doesn’t mean starting over; it means evolving.

Building a support system by cultivating relationships with people willing to help you is also essential. Your warm network is the best place to start. Ask people who you admire to help you.?

That’s how I made a massive pivot and shifted from hospitality to financial services. I asked a friend to guide me, and he introduced me to an executive who saw my talents and gave me a shot at an entirely new industry. Once in the pocket, I was so fired up that I crushed my goals and never looked back.

Look, if changing careers were easy, most of us wouldn’t remain stuck in jobs that suck the life out of us. You have to take baby steps even though you’re a grown-up.?

Beyond reaching out to your warm network, start researching industries or roles that interest you. Attend conferences and networking events in the real world, not while sitting on your butt attending another meaningless webinar. Get into service by volunteering for projects or causes that align with your purpose.

Here are several takeaways to help you with your executive transition.

1. It’s okay to outgrow your current career. Growth often requires leaving your comfort zone.
2. Use your purpose as your north star. Define what truly matters to you and let it guide your decisions.
3. Know that your skills are transferable. Focus on how your leadership and experience can create new value.
4. Realize the importance of building relationships with the right people. If you need coaching, be willing to pony up the token fee that will help you get what you want faster.
5. Don’t be in a rush and make a hasty decision. The grass is never greener when you move for the wrong reasons.

Making a career change is one of the most courageous decisions you’ll ever make. It’s not about abandoning your past successes but building on them to create a future aligned with who you are today. You’ve already proven that you have what it takes to succeed.

Tap into your determination toward a career that brings you joy and fulfillment. If you’re ready to leap, know I’m rooting for you. The world needs successful leaders who are empowered by their purpose.

Trust me, you’ve got this as long as you believe in yourself.

This article was originally published on Medium. Photo by Maxime Doré on Unsplash

I write about the art of human transformation, transcending suffering, and mental health. Learn about my executive and strategic communications coaching at www.CliffordJones.com.