When to Pivot
Episode #306 | Art by Lee White
Are you looking for a fresh start? Lee White, Jake Parker, and Sam Cotterill teach how to know when it’s time to change gears, how to rediscover your purpose, and subtle shifts that keep you growing and engaged throughout your career.
SHOW LINKS
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Are you living from fear or enthusiasm? Let opportunity and interest be your driving forces.
Change requires the courage to let go of your ego and be a beginner again.
Every dream job has a downside. What downsides are you willing to take to experience the upsides?
Sometimes a change in perspective is all you need to revive your passion.
Good things take time. Expect resistance, be consistent, and give your work time to grow.
Protect your physical health, especially during grinding seasons.
SUMMARY
Have you ever ached for a change, but questioned if it’s a good idea?
Years of doing the same work day in and day out can leave us burned out, and yet starting something new is risky. In this episode, we discuss why, when, and how to pivot your career towards greater fulfillment (without betting the farm).
First, how do you know if it’s time to make a change? We recommend giving yourself enough time to develop some level of mastery in your current field before switching directions. You won’t know your potential for success if you cut off your progress too soon, so dedicate some time and consistent effort to whatever you do before jumping to something new.
Feeling stunted in your growth (despite consistent effort) or dreading work every day can be signs it’s time to pivot. Still, you don’t have to burn down everything you’ve built; sometimes, a subtle change is enough to breathe new life into old habits. Something as simple as shifting your perspective can change how you feel about your work. If you’re generally satisfied with your career but want to take it to the next level, consider what you would like to improve. These micro-pivots keep you growing and make your career the adventure of a lifetime.
If you’re looking for a more drastic change, do it wisely and with eyes wide open. Unexplored paths can appear enticing, but once you’re there, you’ll find many aspects of the work are as boring or challenging as what you left behind. If this prospect doesn’t dull your enthusiasm, continue pursuing your new idea. Make the switch carefully; it’s smart to keep your main source of income while taking on work in your new field on the side. Once it becomes obvious that there’s enough demand for your target skill, you can quit your job and fully transition.
An often overlooked aspect of changing directions in your career is the ego hit that comes from starting over. You’ll be a beginner at many things all over again, and this can be challenging if you’re used to respect and confidence in your field. Letting go of your past identity is key to allowing yourself to try new things and advance in other areas.
In any career change, expect turbulence and don’t anticipate immediate results. Good things take time and are often challenging, but with patience, work, and enthusiasm, you can evolve your career into something deeply meaningful and satisfying.