Ready, Set, Pivot: How to Break the Career Start-Stop Cycle

Have you been thinking about this career pivot for a while? Maybe you explored positions within your company? Did some research about opportunities beyond what you are doing now. Or even sent out a few applications here and there - “putting the feelers out”  How long ago was that. How long have you been aware that it is time for the next big move in your career? What is the hold up? 

It is human nature to start and stop, start and stop, when reaching for a goal. Especially when navigating toward a big goal. Some of us have been soaring in our careers and are reaching for higher highs. Some are ready to define our next career move on our own terms. Others may find themselves motivated to take action from a place of discomfort or desperation - or the NEED for more. 

I am going to assume that you have already done the work and are clear on your goal. And if you are not, then start there. WHAT is it you want and WHY do you want to get there? If you are struggling with answering these questions, then read my earlier post: Designing Your Dream Career. On the super hard days, when you are facing rejection after rejection, remembering your WHY goes a long way in helping you find that resilience to keep on going.

We've all been there, when the exhilaration of a new idea, the vision of the possibility makes us feel invincible. The spark ignites a fire within us, pushing us to take those tentative first steps toward our goals, excited about a new side hustle, or going after a promotion or job. And when we hit that first set of roadblocks and the spark goes out. When faced with adversity it is human to go back to what you know, to what is safe, no matter how uncomfortable it is. At some point you get excited about reaching toward the goal again. And you take some tentative steps in that direction. You put yourself out there. And then rejection comes and the cycle begins again. Start, stop, start, stop. 

How will you feel a year from now if nothing changes in your professional life? What can you do to rewrite your career story?

Be it until you become it - inside and out! But how? 

Step 1: Change your Environment
The environment that got you to where you are today isn’t the environment that is going to get you to this next place. Have you ever heard the concept that people rise to the level of the 5 people that you spend the most time with? How can you surround yourself with people who are going to lift you up and open new doors for you? Who can accelerate your progress because they have already traveled this road? Who can hold you accountable? What events can you attend, virtually and in-person? Build a strong support network.

Changing your external environment is half the battle. Next look inward. When those hurdles or rejection come, what is the narrative in your head? Are you feeling some imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome is self-sabotage.

These messages have been ingrained in your brain, sometimes since childhood. Learning how to rewire these pathways, to change the messages that your brain believes to be true is going to take some work. Question what you “know to be true.” Who told you that you are not good at math. Who told you that people who look like you do not do this? Who told you that you were not good enough? Why do you continue to give them power? 

Step 2: Explore Opportunities and Develop Skills

Have you considered that another big reason that you are stuck is - you have no idea what is out there and what it would take to get it. You might be thinking, "I don't know what else I can do" or "I don't have the right skills." By changing your external and internal environment you will be exposed to new ideas and possibilities. You can also grow your career vision by researching new paths. Are there any industries, roles, and job listings that align with your interests, skills, and values? Let yourself dream again. What have you always wanted to do? Consider opportunities that could be accessed if you upskilled with a new certification or completed an optional project at work or through volunteer efforts. The most important thing is to get out and try new things to build your confidence. 

Step 3: Create an Action Plan

When you are ready to take the next definitive steps toward your big career pivot, have a plan down to the day, and maybe even the half-hour if you like to keep a tight calendar. A clear plan will help you stay focused, motivated, and accountable - even on the hard days. What daily activities will get you to this goal? Don’t forget to include time to celebrate your wins. The path to a big goal is paved with dozens and dozens of intermediate benchmarks. Celebrate your progress and once in a while look back to see how far you have come. 

Navigating a career pivot of any type is HARD! But that shouldn’t be a reason to stop. By changing your environment, exploring new opportunities, and creating a clear action plan, you're poised to break free from the start, stop, start, stop cycle of self-doubt and stagnation. Go ahead and take the leap. And if you find yourself needing to ‘phone a friend,’ I am ready to take your call. Let’s leap ahead together and watch your career transform as you build your rich life by design.