Could a Career Pivot Be Just What You Need?
Has your get up and go got up and gone? Yet the thought of restarting your career at square one has about as much appeal as annual compliance training?
Maybe it’s time for a pivot.
You wouldn’t be alone. A whopping seven out of ten workers have been at least thinking about doing the same.
We spoke to Teodora Mechetiuc (Teo), Global Enterprise Account Manager at EZRA and recent career pivoter, to find out why.
What’s in a pivot
“A career pivot can bring fresh challenges and new perspectives,” Teo says.
Given nearly half of workers feel stuck in a rut, it’s no mystery why that might appeal.
But pivoting isn’t about running away from something bad. It’s about the pursuit of something better.
“You want to be pulled towards an exciting new career pivot rather than pushed from a current role,” Teo stresses.
The benefits of a good pivot
When that happens, a land of exciting opportunity awaits. And that can bring some pretty sweet benefits too.
Unlock growth
Do the same thing day in day out and you’ll find the only thing growing is your boredom. A pivot opens the door to much-needed novelty. And with it, adaptation and learning.
Sure, it might feel unnerving, but:
“Growth is meant to feel a bit uncomfortable. It's how we stretch ourselves to reach our fullest potential,” Teo points out.
Renew energy
Freshening up our work life can help us see things through a “new lens,” Teo tells us.
Suddenly, Outlook is less Pandora’s inbox, more a portal of possibility. There’s a definite pep in your step too. And you’ve not even had your morning coffee yet.
How to pivot in style
As enticing as that all sounds, a successful career pivot needs more than just enthusiasm to reap the benefits. It needs a plan. Plan well, and you’ll be pivoting with the grace of a prima ballerina.
Take stock of your strengths
Maybe you’re a charismatic communicator. Or a peerless problem-solver. Know what you bring to the table.
“Self-awareness of your own unique strength and development areas is critical,” says Teo.
“It helps you build the narrative to prospective employers about why you're the best fit for the role versus someone else who might have more experience.”
Let your values be your guide
“Get clear on your values and purpose,” too she advises. They will be your compass as you navigate your journey to greater career fulfilment.
And if you’re having problems finding North, “Try a tool like Ikigai or values card sort,” Teo suggests. They can help point you in the right direction.
Look before you leap
You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it. So, why pivot without dipping a toe or two first?
“See if there's a project you can take on, shadow colleagues in the same role you'd like to pivot to,” Teo says.
If that’s not an option, think about a spot of volunteering or freelancing to get some experience under your belt.
Build a support squad
Don’t be shy to flip your Rolodex for people who’ve been there and done that, either. “You'll be surprised how many people will be happy to have a chat,” Teo assures us.
You can use these connections to:
“Create your own ‘board of advisors’,” she suggests. “Folks you can trust, open up to, and who will give you honest advice – and build you up when you’re feeling imposter syndrome.”
Follow your own timeline
The need for stability. Fear of the unknown. A particularly shiny pair of golden handcuffs. There’s a host of reasons why sticking it out can feel like the safe option. But if you’re on the road to stagnationville, ‘playing it safe’ might be the most dangerous thing you can do.
When it comes to timelines, “You don't have to rush,” Teo insists. “Take your time exploring. When you’re ready, dive in with your own unique personal brand and confidence.”
And if the thought of that feels a bit scary… well then good. As Teo says, “Nothing exciting happens unless there’s a sprinkle of fear.”