📝 usncan Note: Thinking Of A Career Pivot? Here’s Your 6-Step Playbook
Disclaimer: This content has been prepared based on currently trending topics to increase your awareness.
Businesspeople with moving boxes walking in line. One person turning left.
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Thinking about a career change? You’re not alone. More than half of U.S. workers are exploring new opportunities this year, and 35% percent are considering a full career pivot.
So why do so many stay stuck? Fear—of failure, of judgment, of wasting hard-earned experience, of losing what you already have. Or, of the unknown. Sometimes the devil you know feels safer than the devil you don’t.
But here’s the truth: pivots aren’t reckless. They’re often less risky than you think—when you have the right playbook. And career changes are hardly unusual, with people now reaching retirement age averaging 12.4 different jobs throughout their working lives. Shifts aren’t the exception—they’re the rule.
Mindset Reset
A career change isn’t failure—it’s growth. Your current chapter wasn’t wasted. It’s your launchpad. In today’s market, soft and transferable skills are essential. In fact, 92% percent of executives say people skills like communication, empathy and strategic thinking matter more than ever.
Your experience travels with you. Whether you’re a master communicator, have built a wide network or problem solve like a pro, these assets don’t restart when you pivot—they compound. This means that every role you’ve had and every skill you’ve honed becomes an investment in your next act.
The Pivot Playbook
Mindset is the foundation, but it’s not enough on its own. To make a pivot stick, you need a clear strategy. Here’s how to bring your ideas into action.
Step 1: Clarify Your Why
Every successful change starts with intention. Ask yourself: Why am I making this change? What am I moving toward—and what do I want to leave behind?
Some examples of clear “why’s” might be:
- “I’ve really valued learning how to run a business from a financial lens, but I’m eager to get closer to the heartbeat of the day-to-day. I want to pivot into operations so I can see firsthand how decisions (big and small) shape the business in real time.”
- “I’ve loved working in the public sector, but the pace of change has frustrated me. I’m eager to switch to the private sector, where regulatory issues don’t slow progress.”
- “I got my start in marketing, and I’ll always appreciate the importance of that function in business. But over the last year, I’ve found myself really drawn to product management because I’ve seen firsthand how it connects strategy with execution. I love the idea of working across teams, listening to what customers actually need and helping to shape something tangible.”
The clearer you are on your motivation, the easier it will be to sustain momentum through uncertainty. Without a strong “why,” motivation fades and momentum stalls. In fact, goal clarity alone explains nearly half of all differences in employee performance. With your reasons clear, you gain focus, energy and the ability to make decisions in line with your goals.
Step 2: Skill mapping
You already have the skills—it’s about carrying them forward into your next chapter. Start by making two lists:
- Transferable hard and soft skills you already have. Think project management, cross-functional collaboration, copy-editing or spreadsheet skills. These travel with you no matter the role.
- Skills you want to sharpen or add. These depend on where you’re headed. If you’re moving to a technical field, you might want to pick up data analysis or coding skills. Or if you aim to manage a P&L for the first time, you’ll need to bolster your financial acumen.
Rate yourself honestly. Where do you shine? Where could you improve? You’re not alone—everyone has room to grow. In fact, only 13% of college graduates possess the skills necessary to start a job. But unlike new grads, you bring real-world experience. That gives you an edge.
Once you’ve mapped your skills, create a growth plan. From online courses and certifications to mentorship and stretch projects, there are more ways than ever to level up.
This step is crucial: employers are placing increasing value on transferable skills and knowledge. Skill-based hiring is taking hold, with job-specific traits prized over credentials alone. Your skills are your currency, and investing in them now will allow you to carry an edge into your next opportunity.
Step 3: Quiet networking
Learn from those who’ve done it.
Explore your college’s alumni directory. Search for people on LinkedIn you look up to. Approach acquaintances in your community. People are often willing to chat with someone who hopes to follow in their footsteps.
One message could open a door.
Step 4: Micro-experiments
Test before you leap. The best way to explore a pivot is through low-risk experiments—side projects, volunteering, freelancing or shadowing.
As you experiment, pay attention. What energizes you? What feels frustrating? Track what works, what doesn’t and what to try next. Take detailed notes—these will help you reflect, refine your skills and build confidence, all without quitting your job. Bonus: they’ll also come in handy in crafting STAR stories for job interviews down the road.
Step 5: Master your story
When discussing the change, your story matters as much as your skills. Answer three questions: Why this? Why now? Why you?
Frame your pivot as intentional and strategic, so employers or potential partners don’t see just your skills—they see your vision.
Step 6: Make the jump
You’ve built the skills. You’ve gained experience. You’ve nurtured the connections. Now it’s time to take action.
When you find a company or role that excites you, tap into your network. Ask for an internal referral, and connect with the hiring manager directly. The key is to build relationships first, then apply.
Managing While Employed
Pivoting while working full-time takes balance, but it’s essential that you build your future without jeopardizing your present.
Be discreet. Keep your plans private and schedule networking calls, courses or side projects outside of work hours.
Stay engaged. Your current role is still part of your story, and how you show up now will impact the references, relationships and reputation you’ll carry forward. This matters: 87% of employers conduct reference checks during pre-employment screenings. (But don’t panic—it’s rare that an employer will mandate a reference from a boss who doesn’t know you’re looking elsewhere.)
Balancing your career change with your current role is challenging, but it’s also temporary—and worth it. Protecting your reputation ensures you can leave on your terms and can step confidently into what’s next.
Bridging to Your Next Chapter
As you put this playbook into action, remember that a pivot isn’t a leap into the unknown—it’s a bridge. And with each step, you’re building your next chapter, piece by piece.
