Why a Career Pivot in the Social Impact Sector Can Be the Best Decision You Ever Make
It’s been one of those weeks. The weight of the elections is still lingering, and a lot of us are feeling that emotional pull. But sometimes, it’s the stories of resilience and change that can offer the perspective we need to lift us up. If you're in need of some positive energy, here's a story that recently inspired me.
Reconnecting and Reflecting on My Own Career Pivot
Last week, I attended a farewell party for a dear friend and former colleague and had the chance to catch up with so many amazing people—some old friends, and some new faces. It had been over a year since I’d seen many of them, and it felt good to reconnect after my own big career pivot.
For context: I moved from a C-suite role at a consulting firm, took a sabbatical, and launched my coaching practice. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I reconnected with everyone, but I ended up having deep, inspiring conversations with so many people who were genuinely curious about my career transition. Some were stuck in their roles, others were thriving, and several were in the middle of their own career transitions—which, if you’ve been reading my posts, you know is a topic I can’t resist diving into.
One Conversation That Really Stuck With Me
One conversation, in particular, really stood out. I caught up with a former colleague who recently made an impressive career pivot within the social impact sector. She had 20+ years of experience across both the public and private sectors and had made a bold leap into a completely different thematic area. As someone who’s held multiple C-suite roles, this wasn’t a small shift—it was a huge move.
But here’s the thing that really struck me: when she spoke about this new chapter, she didn’t just talk about the excitement of something new. She was open about the challenges, too—how difficult it’s been to learn new technical content and navigate the learning curve. Yet, despite all the hurdles, she was energized by it. "It’s no walk in the park," to paraphrase her, but she was glowing when she talked about it. The struggle was worth it.
What This Conversation Taught Me About Growth
Her story was a powerful reminder that career pivots can be daunting, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. It doesn’t matter how far along we are in our careers—we are all capable of growth, change, and embracing new challenges. And sometimes, we need to remind ourselves that growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable.
As I reflected on my own career changes—leaving behind a corporate role, taking a break to recharge, and shifting into coaching—I felt deeply connected to what she was saying. The process of learning, the discomfort of stepping into something new—it’s all part of the journey. And in fact, it’s often these very struggles that can spark new energy and creativity in our careers.
Are You Considering a Career Pivot? Here’s How to Know If You’re Ready
If you’re contemplating a career pivot or thinking about making a big change, here are a few questions to consider before diving in:
What’s Driving You? Think about what excites you and what drains you. Is there something that’s been tugging at your heart for a while? What’s the real motivation behind your desire for change?
Are You Willing to Embrace the Discomfort of Growth? Career pivots often mean learning new skills, navigating unfamiliar waters, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Are you ready to deal with the discomfort that comes with change?
What Will You Need to Learn? Every transition requires a new set of skills. Whether it’s technical knowledge or soft skills, what’s the learning curve, and are you excited to tackle it?
Who’s In Your Corner? A strong support network is essential. Do you have people who can offer advice, support, and encouragement during your transition? If not, how can you build that network?
What Will Success Look Like to You? Define success in your terms. What does a successful career pivot look like? Is it about personal fulfilment, impact, work-life balance, or all of the above?
What Are You Willing to Sacrifice? Change comes with trade-offs. Are you prepared to sacrifice certain things to achieve what you want—whether it’s time, energy, or financial stability?
"Risk something or forever sit with your dreams." — Herb Brooks, American ice hockey player and coach
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Ready for Your Career Pivot? Let's Make It Happen
Are you ready to take the leap and make your own career pivot? If you’re curious about how individual or group coaching could help, feel free to reach out. I’ll be launching several coaching cohorts in the new year focused on career transitions, leadership in social impact, and the challenges of career pivots. In a complimentary 30-minute call, we can talk about where you’re at, and where you want to go. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. If it feels right, it probably is. Let’s chat.
