Career pivots aren’t failure—they’re growth!
Let’s start with a simple question: Are you still in the field you studied in college?
If the answer is no—you’re in the majority. In fact, research shows that only 27% of college graduates work in a job directly related to their degree.* And that’s not a problem. That’s evolution.
Because the truth is, we don’t choose our careers—we discover them. Over time. Through trial, reflection, and real life.
The 18-year-old version of you who picked that major couldn’t possibly know who you'd be at 45 or 52. What mattered to you back then probably doesn’t hold the same weight now. And that’s okay.
Growth is happening all around us, at an accelerated pace - Industries evolve. Technology reshapes the workforce. And more importantly, you change. Your values shift. Your priorities mature. What excited you at 23 may not light you up at 43. That’s not a problem. That’s human.
In fact, recent data supports this:
🔹 The average person changes careers 5 to 7 times during their working life.
🔹 Only 27% of college grads work in a field related to their major.
🔹 A growing number of professionals make their most significant career change after the age of 40.
So if you’re sitting in a job right now thinking, “This doesn’t fit anymore,” you’re not broken. You’re just paying attention.
When the Career Doesn’t Fit Anymore
Sometimes the signs are loud: burnout, frustration, Sunday-night dread. Sometimes they’re subtle—a quiet misalignment you can’t quite name. Either way, ignoring the feeling and hoping it goes away is a dangerous game. What starts as discomfort can turn into detachment. And detachment, over time, leads to regret.
So let’s reframe it:
Wanting a change doesn’t mean you’re flaky or ungrateful. It means you’ve grown. And it means you're ready to build a career that aligns with who you are now, not who you were when you first started out.
The Power of a Mid-Career Pivot
One of the most powerful things about being mid-career is that you’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. You’ve got decades of resilience, wisdom, and problem-solving under your belt. You know how to lead. You’ve learned what matters.
Now’s the time to use that experience to design something better:
A role that reflects your values.
A culture that energizes you.
A direction that reignites your purpose.
This isn’t about blowing everything up. It’s about getting intentional. Taking stock. Redefining what success looks like on your terms—and building forward with clarity and confidence.
Not Sure Where to Begin?
That’s normal. Most people don’t pivot because they don’t know what the next move looks like. But clarity rarely comes from sitting still—it comes from taking action.
Start with three powerful questions:
What matters most to me now? Not 10 years ago. Not what looks good on paper. Right now.
What am I no longer willing to tolerate? Be honest. What feels out of alignment? What’s costing you energy?
What does success feel like—not just look like? Status is one thing. Fulfillment is another. Aim for both.
From there, it’s about exploring, experimenting, and being willing to be a beginner again in small ways.
This Month’s Reminder
If your career feels misaligned, it doesn’t mean you made a mistake—it means it’s time to realign. It’s never too late to pivot with purpose. You don’t have to have the whole map to take the next step. And you certainly don’t have to do it alone. The world of work is changing rapidly. Those who thrive will be the ones who are bold enough to ask, “What else is possible?”
Maybe it’s time to find out.
Want Support in Making Your Next Move?
If this hit home, let’s talk. Whether you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or just quietly wondering if there's more out there—there is. And you don’t have to navigate it alone.
👋 Book a call with Rob — a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to help you clarify your next step.