5 Steps to a Successful Career Pivot

It’s frustrating when you find yourself stuck in a job that doesn’t align with your aspirations or values. You might even feel like the only way forward is to go back to school or make a drastic change.

Before you make any big moves, let me share a story that might shift your perspective.

Designing a Career That Feels Right

Sam was someone who seemed to have it all together—intelligent, ambitious, and driven. With her international background and love for dynamic environments, she’d always imagined herself making a meaningful impact in Asia.

But despite her skills and experience, Sam felt like she was stuck. She spent her days behind a screen, working in a culture that didn’t match her values or vision for growth. At one point, she seriously considered going back to school to get an MBA.

Sam wanted to do more, to be more. But she wasn’t sure where to begin. Would an MBA really be the solution?

When Sam came to me, she was at a crossroads, unsure of her next steps. Together, we tackled her career pivot one step at a time.

Step 1: Look at the Bigger Picture

The first thing we did was pause. No job applications. No rush decisions. Just time to reflect.

We explored what really mattered to Sam—her core values, strengths, and the kind of work that truly lit her up. Sam realised she was driven by a deep desire to make an impact, and this became her compass.

When you identify what matters most, everything becomes clearer. It’s like having a map to guide you through the career jungle.

Step 2: Gain Clarity Before Jumping In

Clarity is everything. Before Sam even considered her next move, we spent time unpacking her long-term career aspirations.

We dug into her previous experiences, uncovering transferable skills and untapped potential. This process helped Sam see that her current frustrations weren’t a dead end—they were just stepping stones toward something better.

By getting clear on what she truly wanted, Sam avoided wasting time on opportunities that weren’t a fit.

Step 3: Explore Non-Traditional Strategies

Here’s the thing—career pivots aren’t just about updating your CV and applying online. Sam learned to think outside the box.

She started reaching out to people working in roles and companies she admired, building genuine relationships through networking. This opened doors she didn’t even know existed.

Before long, referrals started pouring in from top-tier companies like Disney and Google—without her having to send out countless applications.

Step 4: Act With Confidence

Clarity breeds confidence, and confidence leads to action.

Sam used her newfound understanding of her strengths to position herself as a valuable asset. She reached out to decision-makers, asked the right questions, and pursued roles that aligned with her vision.

Taking bold steps can feel intimidating, but when you believe in your value, those steps become easier to take.

Step 5: Embrace Career Growth and Adaptation

In the end, Sam didn’t just land any role—she landed her dream role at Google, with a higher salary and a career path that finally felt aligned with her values.

Her journey wasn’t about starting over; it was about leaning into her strengths, staying adaptable, and using the right strategies to move forward.

What You Can Learn From Sam’s Journey

Sam’s story is proof that you don’t always need to go back to school or make a drastic change to pivot successfully. Sometimes, it’s about getting clear on your direction, focusing on what sets you apart, and taking intentional steps toward your goals.

If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself:

• What factors matter to me in this season of life?
• What are my transferable skills?
• Am I effectively communicating my transferable skills to attract the right role?

Let’s Find Your Career Clarity

Career pivots don’t have to be overwhelming. Like Sam, you can design a career that aligns with your values, strengths, and aspirations—without having to start over.

If you’re ready to create a tailored plan for your next move, I’d love to help. Join the Career Accelerator waitlist, designed to give you the clarity and confidence you need to land roles that feel like the perfect fit. 

You’ve got this!

Rooting for you,
Angel Kilian