For those who had career pivots, what are your steps in figure out what you want to do and how to get inspired?

13 Comments

1. Cheryl NeasDecember 28,2022 at 2:58PM UTC

   What parts of your job have you really liked doing? (Before you got bored with it.) Just searching a job site for positions that prioritize those skills might give you some ideas. Since you don’t really know where to start, even doing a basic career aptitude test or “What Color is My Parachute” kind of exercise could help figure out a new direction.

   When you identify something, connecting with the professional society in your desired industry is really helpful both for making connections and for seeing the kind of jobs that are out there.

2. AnonymousDecember 28,2022 at 3:14PM UTC

   I was in a very similar situation and it felt like I was at a crossroad in my life.

   I found this article on Fairygodboss by Trie Angeleva, to be very helpful. It's the first time I felt like...... hey this sounds like a great plan..... after reading it. Here is the link. https://www.reimaginemonday.com/post/your-essential-dream-job-recipe-part-2

3. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachDecember 28,2022 at 3:50PM UTC

   It might sound cliche, but when I pivoted industries, I got really clear on my WHY. What "mission" did I want my work to contribute to (even indirectly)? What truly resonated with me that I really wanted to be apart of?

   using this info I looked at what companies aligned with this, and how my strengths/experiences could make an impact.

   Have you ever considered working with a coach ? I help people with this all the time in getting clear on what they want their next step to be and landing the job they want. My email is maegan@maeganmiller.com if you want more information on how the support of a coach can help you gain clarity & take strategic action in this process.

4. Barb HansenDecember 28,2022 at 5:09PM UTC

   I pivoted into a new job and a new industry - I moved from a bench scientist in a hospital into a product role in high-tech startups.

   I knew I needed to make a change although I liked my healthcare job, the working conditions no longer worked for me, and I started to feel that I needed a change before I resented the job.

   I had no idea what I wanted to do next, and I limited myself to other jobs "at the bench" or in the same industry doing related jobs, then my Dad suggested that I read "What Color is your Parachute?" A great book (that's continually being updated and is available in audio if you are an audiobook fan) that helped me look at my extended skill set, what I enjoyed doing, and what I didn't like about my current job. I read the book and started to see more options in front of me.

   Then I started to look at other industries (not just healthcare) and other job titles (not just a lab scientist) that fit my skill set.

   Then, in a particularly bold moment, I emailed one of the VPs of a medical startup and sold her on why they needed my experience to make their product better. I got an interview and got hired.

   Although I no longer wanted to work in the lab, my medical experience was the reason I got my first non-medical job.

   After that first non-medical job, I leapt to management job in another medical startup, then I leapt into similar management jobs in non-medical startups, and the rest, as they say, is history.

   Then I taught myself how to code, leapt into a few lesser paying jobs that gave me the experience that I needed to set me up for my next leap, and I wasn't afraid to leave a job that wouldn't promote me.

   So here is my advice:

   1 - Read the book "What Color is your Parachute?"

   2- Believe in your skills and your abilities.

   3 - A career pivot is not a single event, it's a series of leaps.

   You may need to leap into another job title within your current company or your current industry OR leap into a new job with your current job title in a new industry to gain the experience that you need to leap into the next better job.

   4 - Take people management classes (You don't need to pay for management classes - Linkedin, YouTube, books, and podcasts are your friend)

   Even if you don't want to become a people manager, learning how to be a people manager will help you navigate the people that can set you up for your next leap. If you want to become a people manager, having management classes under your belt can help you leap into a manager role in a different industry. Good managers are not born, they are taught and you can learn to be a good people manager before you manager people.

   Good luck and be boldly brave!

5. AnonymousDecember 28,2022 at 6:10PM UTC

   I pivoted to follow my husband and take care of my children and then my parents. It happens. No regrets. I let G-d take the wheel.

6. Brittany Wilson, Transformational Career CoachDecember 28,2022 at 6:53PM UTC

   Hi there! I'm a career coach and I specialize in helping people make career pivots and I've pivoted my career twice myself.

   First, I start with a simple chart that outlines two things: What I want out of my next career and what I don't want.

   Then, I assess my skills and I identify which skills I want to use in my next job. Then, I go one step further and think about that projects I've worked on where I used those skills.

   This helps me tremendously. It helped me cast a wide net, identify the direction I wanted to go in, and it helped me present my skills in resumes and interviews.

   If you ever want any insights or want to meet, feel free to reach out. :)

7. Maxine PittmanDecember 29,2022 at 3:43PM UTC

   Brittany, what is your Instagram or Linkedin, I couldn't find you online to reach out.

8. Brittany Wilson, Transformational Career CoachDecember 29,2022 at 8:02PM UTC

   Hi Maxine! You can find me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-wilson-2016/ or you can DM me here on FGB.

   Or, you can check out my website AllucereCoaching.com/about-me to read my bio.

9. AnonymousDecember 29,2022 at 2:35PM UTC

   I took a battery of aptitude tests at Johnson O'Connor Research. I didn't follow their career advice in terms of direction, but the information they shared & the results of the tests have helped me make choices and be watchful for challenges in areas where I don't have as much aptitude.

10. Mara Jevera FulmerDecember 29,2022 at 6:25PM UTC

    What brings you joy? What gives meaning to your life? What work or activities do you find fulfilling? I work with my students to move from thinking they’re preparing for a “job” and instead look at it as a career, one they could find provides purpose (even if that is to prepare for the next stage), can be fulfilling, and even provide moments of joy. Why prepare for a career you’ll hate? It’s meant to get them thinking and become open to solutions they may never have considered.

11. AnonymousDecember 30,2022 at 1:33PM UTC

    "why prepare for a career you will hate?" Because there no other types of jobs available for people that are slightly less than perfect? Keep a death grip on the job you have unless you are extremely charismatic, young, good looking.

12. Jennifer SimonsDecember 30,2022 at 3:12PM UTC

    I had great experience with this in the last year with massive changes and I highly recommend working with a career coach! My brother happens to be one and at first I thought it was a waste but it was so worth it. His first consultations are free if you are interested-check out exploringchanges.com

    good luck to you! Very exciting!

13. AnonymousDecember 30,2022 at 11:32PM UTC

    It took me nearly six months to finally decide that I need to leave my job. I do get away with a lot here since I've been here a while. Bosses in my geographical area are known for being crazy moody and firing people for stupid reasons. PLUS I have a restraining order against an old supervisor who stalked me. I know I'm safe here, and the idea of interviewing gives me anxiety. Still - I got to go. I can't keep working a ton of overtime while other folks get bonuses and I get nothing. I feel like this company's doormat.