Sometimes, the most transformative moments in a career come not from climbing the ladder, but from realizing you’re on the wrong ladder entirely. Career pivots happen for all sorts of reasons. They can be forced upon you by external circumstances, sparked by an entrepreneurial itch, or come from recognizing that you’ve reached your limit in a role or organization. Whether it’s a small adjustment or a giant leap, pivoting can be a powerful way to realign your professional life with your values, strengths, and goals.
Here are a few real-life stories of career pivots to illustrate how change, while challenging, can lead to unexpected growth and success:
The Financial Advisor Who Couldn’t Sell
He had all the right credentials: the right college degree, the right professional experience, and a knack for producing great results for his existing clients. But as a financial advisor, he struggled with one critical aspect: expanding his network to bring in new business. Despite his skills, he was given an ultimatum—bring in more clients within three months or leave.
Instead of waiting for the clock to run out, he left the following week. Taking stock of his strengths, he realized his real talent wasn’t in selling but in helping others see patterns in the market and make smart decisions. He launched a consulting practice, teaching clients how to understand the market and make picks that aligned with their interests. What started as a forced pivot became a thriving business aligned with his natural abilities.
The Architect Who Loved the Big Picture
For as long as he could remember, architecture was his dream. He loved the creativity of it—thinking big, drawing bold ideas, and visualizing how spaces could shape human experiences. But as he worked in the field, he realized something critical: the day-to-day realities of architecture—drawing details, managing people and clients, and dealing with construction logistics—weren’t his strengths.
It wasn’t easy to let go of a lifelong dream, but he pivoted to focus on what he loved most: big-picture thinking. Today, he consults with organizations and individuals who need help shaping their vision and strategy for large-scale projects. His pivot wasn’t an abandonment of his dream but a recalibration of it.
The Political Staffer Who Hated Constituents
She adored politics. From discussing policy issues to building momentum with people, she thrived in environments where ideas were debated and decisions carried weight. But when she got into the field, she quickly realized that dealing with irate constituents and their endless concerns wasn’t her thing.
Instead of giving up on her passion, she shifted her focus. She found a role with a trade organization that worked on policy issues from an academic perspective, allowing her to contribute to politics in a way that energized her. Her pivot didn’t take her away from politics; it brought her closer to the aspects of it she truly loved.
The Veteran Employee Who Found a New Platform
She had spent 30 years with the same company, working her way up. But the leadership team was full, and there was no room to grow unless someone left. She decided to take the leap and start fresh. On a whim, she began posting videos about glass ceilings, corporate limitations, and personal growth on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram Reels.
Her account exploded overnight. It turned out that a lot of people shared her frustrations. What started as a side project became a full-time endeavor, allowing her to share her insights, connect with others, and grow a new career on her own terms.
The Nature of Career Pivots
Career pivots come in all shapes and sizes. They might be small—like trying a new approach at work, changing how you present yourself, or taking on a side project. Or they might be massive, like jumping into an entirely new industry. Whatever the scale, pivots require courage, self-reflection, and the ability to tune out the noise of external opinions.
When you make a big change, you’ll find that reactions from others often fall into three categories:
- Those who cheer you on.
- Those who stay silent, unsure of what to think.
- Those who think you’re crazy.
And as you run into people, the inevitable question comes up: “How’s the new job going?” They’re curious—not just about how you’re doing but also about whether they could do something similar. Your pivot might be planting the seed for someone else’s growth.
To explain your pivot (to others and yourself), focus on your strengths, goals, and aspirations. When you can clearly articulate why you made the change and what you’re aiming for, it reframes the narrative—not just for others but for your own understanding. Career pivots aren’t about running away from something–they’re about running toward something better aligned with who you are and where you want to go.
Two Ways to Think About Career Growth
At the heart of any pivot is a question: How do you define career growth? For many, it’s about climbing the ladder, checking the right boxes, and moving steadily upward. But is that the only way? Let’s explore two distinct perspectives on career growth that can guide your decisions and help you shape a fulfilling path forward:
1. Linear Career Growth
Linear career growth is the traditional model most of us are familiar with. It’s about following a clear, predefined path—earning promotions, hitting milestones, and steadily climbing the organizational hierarchy. Success in this model often relies on achieving specific benchmarks, such as acquiring certifications, managing bigger teams, or delivering measurable results in your current role.
Linear growth can be incredibly rewarding for people who thrive in structured environments or industries that value specialization. For example:
- A lawyer might build expertise in corporate law and work toward becoming a partner at their firm.
- A software engineer might aim to progress from junior developer to team lead, then to an engineering manager.
This path offers stability and a sense of progression. It can also be highly motivating if your personal goals align with your industry’s ladder. However, the linear model isn’t without challenges. It assumes a one-size-fits-all approach to success, which can leave people feeling boxed in or stuck if they discover their true interests lie elsewhere.
2. Holistic Career Growth
Holistic career growth, on the other hand, is less about climbing a ladder and more about crafting a unique mosaic of experiences. It’s about broadening your skills, deepening your self-awareness, and exploring how your personal values align with your professional life. This approach recognizes that growth isn’t always upward—it can be lateral, exploratory, or even involve stepping back to pivot toward a better fit.
For instance:
- Someone working in marketing might explore roles in product development or user experience to gain a deeper understanding of customer needs.
- A teacher might branch out into instructional design, combining their love of education with a passion for technology.
Holistic growth values breadth as much as depth. It’s about asking yourself questions like:
- What skills do I want to develop next?
- What types of challenges excite me?
- How can I align my work with my broader life goals?
This approach is particularly useful for navigating change. It gives you the flexibility to pivot when opportunities arise or when your passions shift. Instead of being tethered to a single ladder, you’re building a web of experiences that can connect in unexpected and exciting ways.
The ultimate reward of holistic growth is not just a career that looks impressive on paper but a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling. You gain not only technical skills but also emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing world.
Finding Your Balance
While linear and holistic growth may seem like opposites, they’re not mutually exclusive. The key is to find a balance that works for you. Some seasons of your career may lean more toward linear growth, where you’re focused on climbing the ranks or achieving specific goals. Other times, you may prioritize holistic growth, exploring new directions, or taking time to realign with your values.
Ultimately, the right approach depends on your unique circumstances, strengths, and aspirations. Are you seeking stability and expertise in a particular field? Or are you drawn to variety, creativity, and alignment with your personal values? By understanding these two perspectives, you can make informed decisions about when to stay the course and when to pivot.
Career growth isn’t just about where you’re going—it’s about how you’re growing along the way. Whether you choose a linear path or a holistic approach, the goal is the same: to create a career that feels authentic, rewarding, and uniquely yours.
