When we were young the career that we chose was likely either determined by a favorite course we took in college that may have helped us to decide our declared major or could have been based on a lucky break provided to us by an employer. Was it a career choice of convenience or was it one that will allow us to use our creativity and talents to the fullest? Are we at a stagnant place in our careers or are we progressing at a pace that satisfies our life goals? A career pivot can be the answer when we hit a stagnant place in our careers
During my career, I have often seen more experienced individuals take the plunge and decide to do something completely different with their careers such as start their own businesses or work as a consultant. It certainly is not uncommon for mid-career professionals to jump-start a change for improvement in their careers. This could be with furthering their education such as a paralegal deciding to attend law school, or a financial analyst going back to school for a Ph.D. in economics, or an accountant or businessman going back to school to earn an MBA.
To decide to do something completely different can present fear of failure as well as excitement in anticipation of being able to earn a larger income than before. One should prepare in advance for such a change. The key is to gain very strong technical skills early in a career such as statistical marketing analysis skills, quantitative financial modeling skills, or economic and market analysis skills. Then look for a career that leverages those skills and takes it to the next-level with more intense analysis and decision-making responsibilities.
Structure your career and training in a way that will ease the latter years pivot so that you do not have to have a stagnant career when it matters most later in life. This will allow you to be well prepared for the change. It is NEVER too late!
Below is a clip from a great article from Forbes that helps an individual decide whether or not a career pivot is a right choice for them.
-Charles Edward
An Entrepreneur Tells All: How To Make A Career Pivot
As a founder of the online hiring resource HireArt, where we vet hundreds of candidates each month for companies as varied as Cisco to JDate , I’ve spoken to dozens of people who are unhappy in their careers and want to change course. Lawyers who want to work at start-ups; corporate types who want to go into non-profit; even doctors who want to become hackers.
In the entrepreneurial community we call these course-corrections a ‘pivot,’ often a quick about-face in the way we do business or—in some cases—what kind of business we do. It can be scary stuff, as both internal and external pressure (from investors, advisers, you name it) can be unbelievably stressful.
For employees the idea of making a radical life- and career-change can be no less daunting. How do you navigate a career change? What’s your first move? When is it really a good idea to make a radical switch? When is it a terrible idea?
Source: Forbes Welcome
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