Mastering the Pivot: Rethinking the Trajectory of Your Professional Life

There comes a time for many people when they begin to think about whether they should pivot in their career. This shift might occur early when priorities change, later when seeking new challenges, or even post-retirement when full-time work is no longer appealing. Unexpected events, such as a company's reduction in force, can also thrust someone into a career pivot. Regardless of the circumstances, ask yourself: Is this the time to do what I've always done? Or is it time to say why not, let's do something different?

Consider New Options

Later-career professionals often think there's only one way to pivot, and that's creating a board portfolio. That's certainly an option, but I encourage anyone changing course professionally to consider a wider range of opportunities.?

• Non-Profits: You might be passionate about a charitable cause, but not yet ready to be on a fully volunteer basis. You could consider being a not-for-profit executive and bring your corporate experience to the not-for-profit world.
• Coaching: Perhaps you'd like to be a coach or a mentor. If, for years you thought you were a great coach and a strong mentor on an informal basis, it may be time to take that seriously and begin to pursue coaching credentials that give you the qualifications to coach and mentor professionally.
• Entrepreneur: Have you been intrigued with starting a business? Maybe now is the time to do just that. There are several ways to express your entrepreneurial spirit, including becoming a start-up founder, franchise owner, independent contractor, social entrepreneur, or even an “intrapreneur” who develops innovations in an existing company.
• Consulting: Maybe you've always done consulting, but not on an individual basis. Is it time to combine that entrepreneurial spirit of yours with your love of providing guidance? Think about how you take that consulting expertise and create your own consulting business.
• Interim Executive:? It could be time to consider being an interim executive.? This might be the best of both worlds – remaining an active executive, but in a temporary role that provides flexibility between assignments. Interim executive positions offer flexibility, variety, and the opportunity to apply your expertise to new challenges.
• Boards: Pivoting to board roles can be a rewarding next step for professionals seeking to leverage their experience and leadership skills at a higher level. Board positions allow you to contribute to an organization’s strategic direction, governance, and long-term success. Do you have the right training, competencies, and experiences for this track? It is said that it could take up to four years to find that first board.? Begin with a focus on developing your board governance expertise and your professional brand for board service.
• The Portfolio Career: When I think about a portfolio career, I think about how several different roles can come together. For me, I’m looking to leverage my experience for business impact. Separately, I also want to use my platform to shine a light on the power of inclusion. And third, I’m thinking about how to become more engaged in the networks and associations I have joined. Together, this portfolio creates a balance that includes more time for myself, my family, and my friends.??

Mapping the Journey

A career pivot requires deliberate preparation. Take the time to research your ideas and really think about how to succeed. A few key steps include gathering feedback, self-reflection, networking, and strengthening skills and expertise through enhanced learning and certifications that support a successful transition.?

Self-reflect: Clarify what you seek from this pivot. Is it flexibility, stability, or the chance to pursue a long-held interest? What is your tolerance for change? For risk? Learn, too, what you bring to the table. Examine your previous roles, and pull out what you enjoyed, your successes, your challenges, and catalogue the skills and competencies you’ve developed in your career.

Seek Feedback: We are not always good at seeing ourselves clearly, so talk to people who know you. Ask them what they think about your abilities and your ideas. You may think, ‘Hey, I'm a great coach, let me do that.’ But they might give you some really honest feedback, suggesting that may not be your best career. Or maybe quite the contrary, they'll tell you, ‘That’s a fabulous idea!’

Assess: There are many assessment services on the market that will help you understand your aptitudes, motivation, personality and leadership traits. I remember a book from many years ago, What Color is Your Parachute. Find resources to help you better understand yourself.

Investigate: Now that you’ve catalogued what you want and what you offer, it’s time to investigate roles that will be rewarding in the ways that matter and give you the greatest opportunity for success. Look into industries, roles, and organizations that interest you, and identify the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in those areas.

Up-Skill: Once you've identified your target career, invest in acquiring the necessary skills or certifications. This might involve taking courses, gaining relevant experience, or developing new technical skills. Before going for your first corporate board, for example, focus on building your governance knowledge, consider certification programs, and actively seek opportunities to serve on nonprofit boards or advisory committees as a steppingstone.

Network: Connect with professionals in your desired field to gain insights and advice. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities, understand industry trends, and potentially find mentors who can guide you through the transition. Take a fresh look at the organizations where you are a member or otherwise actively engaged. Do you have the right mix?

Present Yourself: Update your resume and online profiles to reflect your new career goals. Highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the new field. Career services like AESC’s BlueSteps provide practical guides, webinars, and access to experts that can help you position yourself for success.?

Meeting a Need

At Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) we know there are critical gaps in industries that desperately need talent. Your skills, perhaps honed over decades, are invaluable in mentoring younger generations, solving complex problems, and driving innovation. As the job market evolves, the demand for your unique blend of knowledge, leadership, and experience remains strong, making your contributions more essential than ever.

They say when one door closes, another door opens. Regardless of the circumstances that lead you to consider a career pivot, this is your opportunity to explore the many opportunities out there, before you decide which door -- or doors -- you want to open.