Thinking about a career pivot?
Are you feeling a little (or a lot) all over the place right now?
Whether this pivot came outta nowhere or has been brewing for a while, career transitions can be a rollercoaster. One minute you’re excited. The next, you’re deep in a job board rabbit hole, wondering if you’re qualified for anything. 🙃
Maybe you’re:
- Reeling from a layoff and thinking, “Uhhh… now what?”
- Stuck with a micromanaging boss and zero room to grow
- Dreaming about an industry that aligns with your values
- Moving somewhere new and needing to reinvent
The average person will change careers three times or more in their lifetime. Whatever your situation, just know this: a pivot isn’t about scrambling to get any job. It’s about making a move that actually feels right. One that honors your skills, your values, and where you want to go.
Here’s how to do it with a little more confidence (and a lot more YOU):
1. Start with your skills library 📚
Most people focus on what they don’t have when they pivot. Nope. Not us. Not you.
Focus on what you already have (and there’s more than you think!).–many of these will be transferable skills because they can apply to many roles and industries.
Take 10 minutes. Jot down every skill you’ve picked up along the way: technical stuff, leadership, people skills, problem-solving, communication, you name it.
Then, circle the ones you actually enjoy using. These are the ones you should focus on. They’ll help you figure out what kind of role will energize you (not drain you!).
2. Let your values lead 💛
If you’re not sure which direction to take, let your values guide you.
Ask yourself: What matters most right now–at this life stage?
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- Flexibility?
- Learning?
- A strong, supportive boss?
- More meaningful work?
- Better compensation and benefits?
- Something else entirely?
Your values = your compass. Let them guide your search. That’s how you avoid ending up in a meh job.
3. Help employers connect the dots ✨
If you’re switching industries, don’t expect hiring managers to figure it out on their own. You have to connect the dots for them, and that starts with your resume.
Instead of saying: “I’m a great team player,”
Try: 👉 “Trained 100+ new team members and improved cross-team communication through onboarding projects.”
That’s what makes hiring managers go: “YES, we need this person.”
4. Network (without making it weird) 😅
Yes, networking is how most people find their next role (80%, actually). But no, that doesn’t mean you need to awkwardly “sell yourself.”
So instead of saying: “Do you know of any job openings?”
Try: 👉“I’m exploring opportunities in [industry] and would love to hear about your experience at [company]. What do you enjoy most about it?”
Then, at the end of the conversation, say: “If you come across any roles that align with what we discussed today, I’d appreciate you letting me know or forwarding them my way.”
Start with low-pressure places: former coworkers, alumni groups, LinkedIn, industry mentors. Make a list and keep track (use our tool!) of who you’ve reached out to, what you’ve shared, and when to follow up. You’ve got more connections than you think.
5. Pivoting ≠ starting over
Say it with me: You. Are. Not. Starting. From. Scratch.
Yes, there might be a learning curve. But that doesn’t mean a huge pay cut or entry-level role.
So stop mass applying to every role on the internet.
Instead:
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- Be selective.
- Be confident.
- Be patient (I know, easier said than done but worth it).
And most importantly, take care of YOU. Seriously. Job searching is a lot. Set mini goals. Stick to a schedule. Take breaks. Drink water. Touch grass. ✨
Every pivot is a chance to realign with what really matters, use your strengths and stretch in new ways.
And once you start exploring, chatting with people, and getting a feel for what’s out there, that spark will return. Promise. 💫
You’re equipt to pivot with purpose, ✨
Kelly Mooney
