Is it time to pivot your career?
Readtime: 4 minutes
Before we dive in, how would you feel at the end of March if you knew exactly what was next for you in your career – and you had taken confident next steps on your personalised roadmap to make it a reality?
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Now, onto today’s newsletter…
I want to start with a question: What’s the cost of staying where you are?
Most people focus on the risk of pivoting – the unknowns, the potential for failure, the judgment of others. But the real danger is the risk of staying still.
You didn’t work this hard, dream this big, or build this much just to stop here.
In this edition, we’re talking about how to pivot when your current path feels wrong – how to make the leap without losing momentum, and how to overcome the subtle fears holding you back.
Let’s dive in.
The Cost of Staying Still
Let me guess. You’ve said something like this to yourself:
“This isn’t so bad. I’ve worked hard to get here.”
“What if it doesn’t work out?”
“I should just be grateful for what I have.”
Sound familiar? These thoughts are normal, but they often disguise deeper fears: fear of failure, fear of starting over, or even fear of success (yes, that’s a thing).
Here’s what nobody tells you:
The longer you wait to pivot, the harder it gets. Comfort becomes a cage. Staying put might feel safe now, but over time, it erodes your energy, creativity, and ambition.
So, how do you know when it’s time to pivot?
Signs It’s Time to Pivot
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to reevaluate your current path:
You Daydream About Alternate Lives
If you frequently catch yourself imagining a totally different career or lifestyle, that’s your brain begging for change.You’re Jealous of Risk-Takers
Envy isn’t bad – it’s a roadmap. Pay attention to who you envy and why.You Feel Like You’re Acting
If you constantly feel like you’re playing a role that doesn’t fit, it’s a sign your work and identity are out of sync.Your Achievements Feel Empty
If success leaves you hollow rather than fulfilled, it’s time to rethink what you’re chasing.
What If You’re Unsure of Your Next Leap?
Feeling stuck is very common. Here are some ways to explore your next step:
Follow Your Energy
What activities or projects make time disappear? What topics do you find yourself drawn to, even outside of work?Notice What Annoys You
Sometimes, the things that frustrate us most point to what we care about deeply – and where we can make the most impact.Ask Better Questions
Instead of, What job do I want? ask, What kind of problems do I love solving? or What environment helps me thrive?Revisit What Success Means to You
Your definition of success evolves. Check in with yourself – are you chasing someone else’s idea of success, or your own?
How to Pivot Without Fear
Change can feel overwhelming, but here’s how to manage it with confidence:
Reframe Fear as Regret Avoidance
Ask yourself: In 5 or 10 years, will I regret not trying something new? Often, the fear of regret outweighs the fear of failure.Start Small
You don’t have to overhaul your career overnight. Experiment with side projects, courses, or volunteer work to test new directions before committing fully.Find a Contrarian Mentor
Seek advice from someone who’s successfully pivoted in their own career. They can help you navigate challenges and validate your decision.Build a Safety Net
If the financial or professional risk feels too great, prepare a buffer – whether that’s saving money, lining up freelance opportunities, or leveraging your existing network.
What If You’re Exactly Where You Want to Be?
If your career feels aligned and fulfilling, that’s worth celebrating. Here’s how to keep things fresh:
Deepen Your Expertise
Invest in mastery. What skills or knowledge could take you from great to exceptional?Mentor Others
Sharing your experience helps others grow and often reignites your own passion.Check In Regularly
Every few months, reflect on those three career questions (love, growth, alignment). Staying intentional ensures you remain where you want to be.
In Summary
Congratulations – you’re now equipped with a roadmap for navigating your career decisions, no matter where you are on your journey:
Recognise when it’s time to pivot. Look for signs like daydreaming about alternate lives, feeling out of sync, or hollow achievements. These are clues that change may be needed.
Explore your next step with curiosity. Follow what energises you, notice what frustrates you, and ask better questions to uncover opportunities.
Manage the fear of change. Reframe fear as regret avoidance, start small to build momentum, seek guidance from someone who’s been there, and create a safety net to reduce risk.
Celebrate where you are. If your career aligns with your values and goals, focus on mastery, mentorship, and regular check-ins to keep your growth intentional and fulfilling.
Pivoting is about moving toward what feels right for you.
And remember, staying where you are isn’t stagnation if it’s intentional – it’s success.
On a Personal Note
In 2022, I made one of the biggest pivots of my life. Leaving my partner role at KPMG was a decision I agonised over for two years. But once I framed it as an opportunity to avoid regret, the path forward became clear.
Today, I’m building a business that aligns deeply with my values and aspirations. And yes, it was risky. But the rewards – more freedom, fulfillment, and impact – have been worth every moment of uncertainty.
One Quote to Get You Going
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good for the great.”
What’s your take? Reply and let me know if you’re thinking about a pivot – or why staying put works perfectly for you right now.
That’s all for today.
See you in a couple of weeks,
Mostyn
P.S. The boldest moves in my career – pursuing Partnership at KPMG and later starting my own business – all started with clarity, courage, and action.
We focus on these in Atomic Ambition – so you can make 2025 a pivotal year for your caerer.
We start on January 28th.
Find out if it’s the right fit for you here.
(Don’t forget to use code NEWSLETTER for $200 off.)
As you’ve made it this far, you should probably take a look at Atomic Ambition here.