How to Pivot Your Career

My mom has had the same career for over 50 years, and she is still working (shout out, Mom!). When I first started my own career, I assumed her story would be mine, too: choose a path and stick with it. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I paused long enough to reevaluate. Through that period of reflection, I realized not just that I could make a change, but that I wanted to make one. This kind of reevaluation is far more common in my generation than it was in my parents’, and it has fundamentally changed how many of us think about work and identity.

I spent the first 17 years of my career in public education, and during that time, networking was not something I considered often. Very few of my colleagues were on LinkedIn, and in education and numerous other fields, LinkedIn is not the primary way people find jobs. Fast forward a few years into working as a recruiter, and I sometimes catch myself thinking, I can’t believe this person isn’t on LinkedIn—in many industries, having an account there is essential. Historically, my firm posted roles across a variety of platforms. After analyzing the results, we realized it wasn’t worth the time or cost to post anywhere but LinkedIn. For that reason, whenever I speak with someone considering a career pivot, I ask them immediately: Are you active on LinkedIn? Is your profile current and complete? Have you connected with the people already in your phone?

For anyone considering a significant career change, deep thought needs to be given to your next steps.

What are you moving toward? Which skills from your previous experience do you want to carry forward? Are you willing to pursue additional education? What truly energizes you? What matters most right now: salary, work/life balance, or work environment? Are you open to taking a pay cut? In my work with nonprofit organizations, another critical consideration is mission alignment. When presenting a candidate to clients, one of the first criteria we share is how and why that person connects to the organization’s mission. Being clear about the work you care about, and then intentionally targeting organizations doing that work, is essential. Building your LinkedIn network can also help you uncover connections to organizations you may already care about without even realizing it.

Anyone who chooses to pursue a career change is bold and brave. It is not always easy.

Feelings of vulnerability, doubt, and impostor syndrome are completely normal. I am an optimist by nature, and I believe deeply in encouraging others. If you put yourself out there with intention, and put in the time to research, explore, talk to people, and apply, I truly believe change can happen.

Sometimes, an element of luck helps too. When navigating my own career change, I knew I wanted to continue working closely with others and helping people in some way. I also felt ready to shift from working with teenagers to adults. I began building my LinkedIn presence intentionally and using it as a tool. I asked each of my connections who they knew in the talent and recruiting world, and I prepared carefully for informational interviews, drafting thoughtful questions about my peers’ work, their paths, and their organizational environments. One of the best pieces of advice I received during that time was to always ask each person if they could connect me to someone else. Thank you, Leeatt Rothschild.

For those in an exploratory phase, volunteering can also be a powerful way to gain exposure to different paths and test interests without fully committing.

During this period of exploration, I scheduled a catch‑up call with an old friend from summer camp back in the 90s, that’s you David Wolkin! As we shared updates about our lives, I mentioned I was considering a career in recruiting. He paused and said, “I know some folks at DRG. Would you like me to connect you?” My response was immediate. “Yes, please!” That introduction led me to a conversation with Ami Abramson, and I remain so grateful and humbled that Ami saw something in me during that call that led to the work I do today.

Economic circumstances are challenging right now, and I know it can feel especially tough for job seekers. If you are in the midst of a pivot, take care of yourself. Be intentional about self‑care so you can show up to conversations as your best self. Be patient with the process. Be bold, brave and vulnerable.