Saying Hello to What’s Next: Embracing the Career Pivot Mindset

At some point, a lot of us look around at our careers and quietly wonder, “Is this still right for me?” Sometimes the signs are subtle. Other times, it’s loud and clear—you feel stuck, uninspired, or simply ready for something different.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not off track. Pivoting in your career isn’t about giving up or starting over. It’s about tuning in to who you are now and being open to the possibility that your path might need a new direction.

And let’s take a moment to acknowledge something important—if you’ve recently completed a degree, that’s a major milestone. That accomplishment doesn’t just sit on your resume; it’s proof of your commitment, your resilience, and your growth. It can be the very foundation you stand on when making your next move.

Being open to change

One of the biggest challenges in pivoting isn’t the practical stuff like updating your resume or learning new skills. It’s the mental shift.

You might be asking yourself, “What will people think?” or “What if I make the wrong move?” But the real question to lean into is, “What if there’s something better for me out there?”

Being open to change means you don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to be willing to listen to that quiet voice inside that’s nudging you in a new direction. That same voice probably pushed you through those long study sessions and tight deadlines during your degree program—and it’s still guiding you now.

Redirection doesn’t mean failure

It’s easy to think of a pivot as something drastic or dramatic. But in reality, it might just be a small but powerful shift. A redirection.

Maybe your job title doesn’t fit your values anymore.
Maybe you’ve outgrown your industry.
Maybe new responsibilities at work sparked a surprising new interest.
Maybe your personal life shifted, and now your career needs to catch up.
Maybe you’ve discovered a passion you can’t ignore.
Maybe you’re simply ready for something that feels more like you.

Whatever it is, changing course doesn’t erase your past experience—it builds on it.

Earning your degree is part of that foundation. It’s a sign of the time, energy, and belief you’ve already invested in yourself. No matter what comes next, that education moves with you, supporting your confidence and your credibility.

What it looks like to pivot with purpose

Here are a few thoughts that might help as you think through your next move:

• You’re allowed to change. Who you were five or ten years ago isn’t who you are now. Let your career reflect that growth.
• Not knowing everything right away is okay. Start small. Research. Have conversations. Explore.
• Growth feels uncomfortable sometimes. That’s not a red flag—it’s a sign you’re stretching into something new.
• Talk to others who’ve done it. You’d be surprised how many alumni have pivoted into different fields, roles, or industries and found more joy on the other side.
• And remember, completing your degree wasn’t just about a diploma. It was about preparing yourself for what’s next—even if you didn’t know exactly what that would be.

A little encouragement

You don’t need a perfect plan to start. You just need to be honest with yourself about what’s working and what’s not.

If you’re feeling called to try something different, give yourself permission to follow that instinct. It might lead to something more aligned, more fulfilling, and more you.

So if your current path feels like it’s run its course, take a deep breath. Say thank you to the chapter that’s closing. And say hello to what’s next.

You’ve already done brave things. Completing your degree is proof of that.

Maybe this isn’t about starting over at all.
Maybe this is just your next big thing.
Your next milestone.
Your next you.