I want to pivot careers.

9 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 10,2023 at 5:25PM UTC

   I'd say, maybe get clear about what industry/industries interests you right now.

   Once you've narrowed down an industry or two, then you can work backwards in seeing how your writing skills are transferrable into the vacant roles in that said industry. You'll also be able to see/understand if any certifications/trainings will be needed to accelerate your chances in landing a new gig.

   Good luck to you!

2. Kathryn MontbriandFebruary 11,2023 at 2:41AM UTC

   One framework that helped me during a recent pivot was from Designing Your Life. You think about different paths you could take and design experiments that will get you more information about if you will like actually doing the things you predict you will like.

3. Laura BrennanFebruary 12,2023 at 5:33PM UTC

   Yes! A great way to do this is to talk to your friends about their careers. What do they love about it? What skills do they use? Once you start getting a sense of what you might enjoy, set up some informational interviews. Take classes in some of the skills you'll need -- this is a great way to meet more people who are already in the field you're exploring (profs as well as fellow students). Cast your net wide at first and then narrow and deepen your investigation as you find out what interests you.

   What an exciting time! Have a fabulous adventure!

4. AnonymousFebruary 11,2023 at 8:40PM UTC

   Assuming you don't want to move, looking at who's hiring and for what types of jobs locally would be a good step.

5. Danny LaneFebruary 12,2023 at 7:36AM UTC

   I believe that everything will work out for you

6. AnonymousFebruary 12,2023 at 1:35PM UTC

   Pick a few things that you’re good at/enjoy doing (so a short list, I apologize, but I also understand and share your frustration with trite advice) and search for them in job postings. That could give you an idea of jobs or industries that you didn’t even know existed that you might be good at. And you will also be able to figure out what other skills you might need.

7. AnonymousFebruary 13,2023 at 2:14PM UTC

   Do you have any IT experience, and if so, are you a good communicator/writer? There are many Change Management opportunities out there, many remote, and all it requires is the Prosci ADKAR certification (a three day course, now offered on line), and you leave the class with your certification complete. Read the job descriptions carefully, is my only caveat - some organizations try to combine change mgmt with project management, and if it is a big project, the change management will fall to the back, not happen as it should, and the project will not be as successful
   as it could be. I look for change management consultant positions - that title usually means you support multiple projects, doing change management only. Search for Prosci ADKAR and see what you think. I love it, and it was a seamless career pivot at 55 years old.

8. AnonymousFebruary 13,2023 at 5:54PM UTC

   Spend some time thinking about what you do like and don't like to do, put it in a spreadsheet and think about how you work best, managed closely or left on your own. How do you learn? If you have to gain new skills for a new role is that something you want to do. Then you can apply accordingly using the skills transferable to what your present role is for the next step.

9. MistyFebruary 14,2023 at 7:09PM UTC

   Thank you for this advice!