It’s Okay to Pivot!

When I hear the word pivot, I can’t help but picture that iconic scene from Friends. But in life, pivoting means something different—it’s about changing direction and finding a new path.

From 2015 to 2020, I learned a thing or two about pivoting as I navigated my high school years and my first year of engineering school. I initially set out to become a medical doctor, inspired by my fascination with anatomy. However, after volunteering and shadowing doctors at St. Paul Hospital, I quickly realized that not every fascination needs to become a profession.

Next, I explored architecture, driven by my love for sketching. I took an Architecture 101 class organized for students that plan to take the AAU (EiABC) entrance exam. But, as it turns out, my math-phobic self wasn't ready for the numbers game that architecture demanded. I know, Shooker!

Then came tech. I dove into coding, winning two coding competitions and earning a scholarship from Gebeya. This led me to pursue software engineering at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University. Everything seemed on track until COVID-19 hit. The quarantine gave me too much time to think and reassess my choices.

I realized that I had overlooked a few big-little facts. I had been consistently involved in Model UN, deeply passionate about community outreach, I try to discuss and analyze political topics with my dad almost every night, and unknowingly, I was becoming a women’s rights advocate. These were the things that truly resonated with me. So, I made the biggest pivot of all: I dropped out of engineering school and embarked on a path that felt true to who I am.

If you’ve stuck with me this far, let this be a reminder: It’s okay to experiment and explore. It’s okay to change your mind until you find a path that makes you feel fulfilled. Sometimes, you only know what you want when you’ve experienced what you don’t want.

Of course, I recognize that not everyone has the luxury to pivot so freely. For many, societal expectations or economic constraints can make it difficult to explore different paths. However, for most young people I’ve encountered, the fear of stepping away from a "passion since childhood" is what holds them back. The pressure to stick with one path can make them feel out of place when they consider exploring new avenues. So, for that I say please keep in mind that everyone's journey is unique. Your path doesn't have to follow a straight line to be meaningful or successful.

What about you? Have you ever pivoted in your career or studies?