What do you do if you're considering a career pivot?

1 Assess your situation

Before you make any drastic moves, take some time to evaluate your current situation and your desired outcome. Why do you want to pivot? What are you dissatisfied with? What are you good at and enjoy doing? What are your values and goals? What are the gaps in your skills, knowledge, or experience? How much time, money, and effort are you willing to invest in your pivot? These questions can help you clarify your motivation, direction, and readiness for a career pivot.

2 Explore your options

Once you have a general idea of what you want to do, you need to research and identify the specific opportunities that match your interests, skills, and goals. You can use online tools, such as career assessments, job boards, or industry blogs, to discover and learn about different fields, roles, or companies. You can also network with people who work in your target area, by attending events, joining online communities, or reaching out to contacts. Ask them about their experiences, challenges, and advice. You might also find mentors, sponsors, or referrals who can support your pivot.

4 Upgrade your skills

One of the biggest challenges of a career pivot is bridging the skill gap between your current and desired career. You might need to acquire new technical, soft, or business skills, or update your existing ones. You can do this by enrolling in courses, workshops, or certifications, either online or offline. You can also use self-directed learning resources, such as books, podcasts, or blogs, to expand your knowledge and stay updated on industry trends and best practices. You should also document and showcase your skills on your resume, portfolio, or online profile.

5 Market yourself

Another challenge of a career pivot is convincing potential employers or clients that you are qualified and suitable for your new career. You need to market yourself effectively by highlighting your transferable skills, relevant achievements, and value proposition. You can do this by tailoring your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to your target audience and industry. You should also use your online presence, such as your LinkedIn profile, website, or blog, to showcase your brand, personality, and expertise. You should also leverage your network and referrals to access hidden opportunities and increase your visibility.

6 Be flexible and persistent

Finally, you need to be prepared for the inevitable challenges and setbacks that come with a career pivot. You might face rejection, competition, or criticism. You might have to make compromises, such as taking a pay cut, relocating, or starting from scratch. You might also have to deal with self-doubt, fear, or stress. To overcome these obstacles, you need to be flexible and adaptable, willing to learn from your mistakes and feedback, and open to new possibilities and opportunities. You also need to be persistent and resilient, keeping your vision and goals in mind, and celebrating your progress and achievements.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?