There comes a point in many professionals’ lives when the question arises: “Is this still what I want to do?” Maybe your current path feels stale. Maybe your values have shifted. Or maybe you’re just curious about what else is out there. Whatever the reason, a career pivot doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch or throwing away years of experience. Reinvention is possible—and often, more accessible than we think.
Why People Pivot (And Why That’s Okay)
Career pivots are no longer the rare, dramatic U-turns they once seemed to be. In a world where industries are constantly evolving and personal priorities shift, making a pivot can be a smart, proactive decision.
People pivot because:
- They’ve outgrown their current roles.
- They crave more meaning or flexibility.
- They’ve discovered new interests or talents.
- They want to future-proof their careers in a changing economy.
Rather than seeing a pivot as failure or confusion, think of it as growth—a signal that you’re tuned into your needs and aspirations.
What a Pivot Actually Looks Like
A pivot is not a reset. It’s a redirection. You’re not starting at zero—you’re building on what you’ve already done, just in a different direction.
Think of:
- A project manager in the banking sector transitioning to operations in a tech company.
- A lawyer moving into policy advocacy or user research.
- A teacher becoming an instructional designer for online learning platforms.
In each case, the person isn’t abandoning their skills—they’re repackaging them.
The 4-Step Pivot Plan
Here’s how to pivot smartly, without burning out or losing momentum:
- Audit Your Skills and Experiences
Take stock of your transferable skills. These might include communication, problem-solving, people management, data analysis, or industry knowledge. Don’t underestimate soft skills—your ability to lead teams or build relationships is gold in many fields. Look back at moments when you thrived. What were you doing? Who were you helping? This can offer clues about the direction to pursue.
- Get Curious, Not Committed (Yet)
Before diving headfirst, test the waters.
- Have conversations with people in the field you’re considering.
- Try side projects, volunteering, or short courses.
- Attend industry events or webinars.
This phase is about gathering information and reducing assumptions. A pivot shouldn’t be a leap of faith—it should be a well-informed step.
- Rebrand and Communicate Your Story
Update your CV, LinkedIn, and elevator pitch to reflect the story you want to tell. It’s not about hiding your past, but about highlighting how it connects to your next move.
Example: “With a foundation in human resources and a passion for behavioral data, I’m moving into people analytics to help organisations make smarter, more human-centered decisions.”
Own your narrative. Frame your pivot as intentional and strategic.
- Start Small, Stay Consistent
You don’t need to land your dream job immediately. Look for adjacent roles, freelance gigs, or hybrid positions that bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to go.
Every small win compounds. Each project, connection, and experience brings you closer to your new career identity.
Mindset Shifts That Make All the Difference
- You’re not behind. Pivots take courage, not chronology. It’s better to change at 35 or 45 than to coast in frustration until retirement.
- Your past is an asset. Even if you’re leaving a profession, your experience has value—your edge is the blend of old and new.
- Curiosity beats certainty. Stay open to learning. Let curiosity guide you instead of pressure to have it all figured out.
Real Talk: Nigerian Career Pivots
From bankers who became tech founders to architects now thriving in design strategy, career pivots are happening across Nigeria. Many professionals are embracing second (and even third) careers. What makes the difference is intentionality, and having a support system that encourages exploration.
If you’re thinking of pivoting, don’t be afraid to reach out to mentors, join local learning communities, or attend career transition workshops. You’re not alone.
Final Thoughts
Reinvention is not about discarding who you were—it’s about aligning more closely with who you’re becoming. You don’t have to start over. You have to continue differently.
So if your career path is nudging you toward a pivot, don’t ignore it. Lean in. Ask questions. Take the first step.
Because sometimes, the best version of your career is waiting just around the corner—one pivot away.