Thinking About a Major Career Pivot? Here's How to Actually Make It Happen
- Katy Jimenez
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4
Maybe you’ve been daydreaming about a new career while pretending to pay attention during your third Zoom call of the day. Maybe your Sunday Scaries have turned into full-blown Monday existential crises. Or maybe you are simply ready for more — and you finally want to do something about it.
If you're thinking about a major career pivot, first: congratulations. You're not crazy. You're paying attention.
But let's be honest — thinking about it is the easy part. Making it happen? That’s where most people get stuck.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to have it all figured out to start moving.
Here’s the even better news: you’re probably closer than you think.
Let’s dive into it.
Step 1: Get Specific About What’s Actually Broken
Not loving your job doesn’t always mean you need a complete industry change. Sometimes it’s the environment. The leadership. The hours. The lack of creative freedom.
Before you pivot, pinpoint what’s really making you want to leave. Ask yourself:
Is it the work itself, or the way the work is being done?
Is it the mission, the pace, the people, or the pay?
Would this same work feel better somewhere else?
Getting clear on your “why” prevents you from panic-hopping into a new job that ends up being more of the same.
Step 2: Build a Bridge, Not a Catapult
Career pivots are not giant leaps of blind faith. They are strategic bridges.
A good pivot leverages what you already know and layers new skills, industries, or passions on top.
Examples:
Former healthcare operations manager moving into SaaS operations consulting
School counselor becoming a corporate leadership coach
Event planner transitioning into UX project management
You do not have to burn down your past to build your future. You actually should not.
Step 3: Audit Your Transferable Skills
You have more transferable skills than you realize.
Some of the most in-demand skills in any field include:
Project management
Communication
Client relations
Leadership
Problem solving
Process improvement
Digital tools proficiency (CRMs, PM software, EHRs)
The key is learning how to frame your experience differently based on where you want to go.
Step 4: Embrace the Beginner Mindset
You are not "starting over." You are starting differently.
It is normal to feel uncomfortable. It is smart to ask questions. It is wise to seek guidance.
Curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to adapt will take you much further than waiting until you feel fully "ready." The truth is, no one feels completely ready at the beginning of something new.
Step 5: Get Support You Actually Trust
There is a big difference between well-meaning advice and strategic guidance.
Friends and family care about you, but they are not always career strategists.
Google will give you a thousand opinions, but no roadmap tailored to you.
Find a coach, consultant, or mentor who understands real-world career transitions and can help you:
Identify target roles and industries
Develop keyword-optimized resumes and LinkedIn profiles
Build an effective job search strategy
Prepare for interviews and salary negotiations
Strengthen your professional confidence
Ready to Pivot? Let's Build Your Bridge
You do not have to figure it all out on your own. You also do not have to keep guessing and second-guessing until next year.
If you are ready to move toward a career that feels like yours again, I am ready to help.
Book a free 30-minute intake call with me
Get a customized plan built around your real goals
Start making confident moves toward the next chapter
Book Your Free Call Now
Let’s get to work.
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