Gone are the days when a single career path defined a lifetime. In today’s world, career pivots are not only accepted — they’re celebrated.
Whether it’s a shift from finance to fashion, teaching to tech, or law to landscaping, more and more people are rethinking their professional lives, embracing the freedom to change course and pursue work that feels meaningful.
In fact, according to LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report, 61 per cent of workers said they are considering a career change, while data from a UK survey by TotalJobs revealed that over 50 per cent of employees have already pivoted to a completely new field at least once. This trend is part of a broader movement towards squiggly careers, a term popularised by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, authors of The Squiggly Career. Unlike the linear career paths of the past, squiggly careers are dynamic, flexible, and shaped by personal growth.
But why is it okay — even important — to pivot your career? And how can you make the most of your experiences while finding passion and purpose in new opportunities?
Why career pivots are on the rise
The reasons behind career pivots are as varied as the people making them. Some find themselves burnt out or feeling stuck in a career they no longer enjoy. Others are drawn to new industries offering exciting opportunities, such as renewable energy, AI, or digital marketing.
The pandemic also played a role, with many people re-evaluating their priorities. A study by Microsoft found that 41 per cent of the global workforce considered leaving their jobs in 2021, sparking what has been called the “Great Resignation.” For some, this was a chance to finally pursue a long-held dream or align their work with their values.
Why it’s okay (even necessary) to pivot
1. People change — so should your career
Over the course of your life, your interests, values, and priorities evolve. What excited you at 25 might feel unfulfilling at 40. Career pivots acknowledge that we are not static beings and that it’s natural for our professional aspirations to shift over time.
2. Skills are transferable
The fear of “wasting” skills or experience is common, but it’s largely unfounded. Most skills — like communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability — are highly transferable across industries. For instance, a teacher transitioning into corporate training already has expertise in engaging audiences and delivering information effectively.
3. Passion fuels productivity and creativity
Doing work that aligns with your passions can lead to greater satisfaction and better performance. A study by Deloitte found that people who feel passionate about their work are three times more likely to be productive. Pivoting to a career you love isn’t just good for your happiness — it’s also good for your output. And when driven by genuine passion rather than external rewards, people are more likely to take risks and think outside the box.
Matrix’s CEO Mark Inskip discusses squiggly careers with Duncan Golestani as part of our 2024 programme, The Future of Work: People, Culture, Tech.
How to pivot successfully
If you’re ready to take the leap, here are some practical steps to ensure your career pivot is a success:
Reflect on what you really want
Take time to assess your interests, values, and strengths. What excites you? What do you want to leave behind? Tools like career assessments or working with a career coach can provide clarity.
Lisa Lewis Miller, a career change expert and author of the book ‘Career Clarity’, believes this first, important step of admitting when you’re not loving what you’re doing, and are open to exploring something else, takes courage. This period of reflection is a crucial stage where she suggests you ask yourself what it is you truly value, via a four-prong methodology:
- Ask yourself, what are your strengths and gifts? This isn’t about listing out all your skills, but drawing out those things you do well that energise and motivate you;
- Secondly, what are you drawn towards? Lisa calls these your ‘magnetic interests’ — natural passions that energise you;
- Personality fit — consider what aspects of your personality give you momentum and excitement at work;
- And finally, lifestyle — what do you need in your lifestyle in order to feel energised; is it to do with compensation, benefits, or perhaps flexibility?
By taking the time to reflect on these questions, you’ll gain clarity on the direction that aligns with your unique strengths, passions, and lifestyle needs. This self-awareness forms a strong foundation for any career pivot, helping you focus on roles that energise and excite you in the longer-term, while identifying areas for growth or improvement.
Be open to starting small
You might not land your dream role immediately, and that’s okay. Jenny Blake, author of ‘Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One’ defines a career pivot as “doubling down on what is working to make a purposeful shift in a new, related direction.” Her advice is to take small steps as opposed to big leaps — pivoting from a base of your existing strengths.
She suggests a gentle approach to exploring options, by leveraging the network and experience you already have, and experimenting with side projects to test ideas for your next move before launching into something completely outside your sphere of experience.
Network strategically
Reach out to people already working in your desired field. Attend industry events, join LinkedIn groups, or seek informational interviews to build connections and gain insights into your new career path.
Informational interviews are informal, one-on-one conversations with professionals working in a field, role, or company you’re interested in. They’re not job interviews but an opportunity to seek advice and develop a deeper understanding of a role, organisation or industry while expanding your professional network.
Reaching out for an informational interview can be as simple as sending a quick message via LinkedIn — keep it friendly, concise, and be clear about your intentions.
The importance of doing what you love
Changing careers might be a practical decision, or an emotional and philosophical one. The average person spends over 90,000 hours at work in their lifetime. That’s too much time to be spent doing something you don’t enjoy or believe in. As Tupper and Ellis argue in The Squiggly Career: “Your career should work for you, not the other way around.”
By pivoting to a role or industry that aligns with your passions, you’re investing in your happiness, personal growth, and overall well-being.
Embrace the Squiggle
Whether driven by passion, changing priorities, or the desire for a better work-life balance, shifting your career path can open doors to unexpected opportunities. The key is to see your career as a journey, not a destination. Embrace the twists and turns, learn from every experience, and trust that it’s never too late to build a career you love.
If you’re looking for inspiration, guidance or just answers to questions on the subject of career pivots, there are some great podcasts that take a deep dive into the topic. Try these:
- “Happen To Your Career” podcast: Hosted by Scott Anthony Barlow, this podcast features stories of individuals who have successfully transitioned into more fulfilling careers, offering insights and inspiration for those considering a change. Happen to Your Career
- “Repurpose Your Career” podcast: Marc Miller discusses strategies for career change, particularly for individuals in the second half of life, providing guidance on how to pivot effectively. Apple Podcasts
- “The Career Change Podcast”: This podcast offers advice for individuals in their mid-30s and beyond who are looking to change careers or start new businesses, focusing on actionable steps and mindset shifts. Apple Podcasts
Career change statistics
18% of women (compared to 10% of men) aged 45 to 54 say confidence is holding them back from changing jobs. – May 2023, Phoenix Insights / Ipos
One in four people are reluctant to start their own business due to a lack of digital skills. – March 2022, Santander
Only 16% of survey respondents understand exactly how their skills would be useful in another career. – February 2021, City and Guilds & Burning Glass Technologies
15% of those aged 45 to 54 who expect to change career have received careers advice. – May 2023, Phoenix Insights / Ipos
Find more stats here: Career Change Statistics | Careershifters
