Career Pivot at Any Age - In This Economy?

A few years ago, I read a novel about a young woman who stumbles upon a library filled with different versions of her life. Each book contains a path she could have taken—some glamorous, some tragic, all with plot twists. In one, she’s married to her ex. In another, she’s an Olympic swimmer. Elsewhere, she’s giving a TED talk, studying glaciers in the Arctic, or raising a daughter.

I didn’t love the book, but the idea of sneaking a peek at alternate lives stuck with me. Probably because, in a way, I’ve been doing just that for the past two decades—sampling careers, cities, and possibilities.

The real luxury of it all has been knowing that I could always close one chapter and pick up another.

Being a ‘Jack of All Trades’

I was one of those kids who were good at almost everything they tried. And I say almost because my talents did not extend to sports, drawing, or dance—three arenas in which I displayed a level of incompetence that can only be described as heroic. But I made up for it with straight A’s, a love of Maths and languages, and a solid talent for playing the piano.

When you’re in school, being multipassionate (I believe that’s the buzzword these days) is considered fantastic. You have potential. You’ll go far. What they don’t tell you is that the world generally prefers people who pick one thing and stick with it.

Then again, maybe it’s good they don’t tell you—because, honestly, it doesn’t matter. I’m living proof, and I know several fellow experimenters leading very successful and fulfilling lives. Even if something is currently tying you to your job or career, that doesn’t mean you can’t pivot with time and dedication.

My Career Experimentation Story

I chose Economics as my university major because it neatly bundled my love for Maths, global affairs, and economic policies into one tidy package. Then I went on to do a PhD in Political Science, focusing on political economy. Somewhere along the way, I also studied at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. A few years later, I picked up a Master’s in Public Administration specializing in Finance and Data Analysis. And as I write this, I’m enrolled in yet another Master’s—this time in Psychology.

If you're thinking, Is she just collecting degrees like some people collect fridge magnets?—fair question. But I promise, I’ve also been working for over 15 years. And not just in one career. So far, I’ve had five. Here’s how they went.

• Career 1: Academic

  Given my love for research and my alarming enthusiasm for footnotes, an academic career in economic policy seemed logical, especially during my PhD. The problem? I like seeing the results of my work in action. Also, I have a strong aversion to cut-throat competition, which academia has in abundance. I closed that chapter and moved on.

• Career 2: NGO Researcher

  I spent a few years working with NGOs on conflict resolution, gender issues, and social finance. I mastered the art of writing grants, producing policy papers, and participating in roundtables where nothing was ever truly resolved. Also, the cut-throat competition made a comeback. Time for a plot twist.

• Career 3: Diplomat in Training

  One of my many childhood dreams was to become a diplomat. So, I attended the Diplomatic Academy, participated in multiple Model United Nations competitions, and even represented my country at a real international organization. But here’s the thing: while I love mediation and communication, I physically cringe at having to say things like “We encourage further dialogue on this issue” or “A holistic, multi-stakeholder approach is essential.” For me, diplomacy is a lifetime of talking in elegant circles. I needed a new direction.

• Career 4: International Organizations

  You don’t have to be a diplomat to work at an international organization. You can be a subject matter expert instead. Ironically, it was at the United Nations that I first discovered tech. I spent six fascinating years there, but I kept wondering—what’s it like on the other side? The private sector is supposed to be faster, more efficient, more meritocratic. So, I turned the page.

• Career 5: Tech

  And here we are. My current chapter. The most hands-on one yet. I have developed an unexpected love for spreadsheets, learned the sacred jargon (firmly promising myself to never use it), and become fascinated by the interplay between human and artificial intelligence.

  To be continued…

How to Transition to a New Career (In Any Economy)

If you’ve made it this far, you probably want a takeaway or two. How do you move from one career to another? Here’s my advice:

• Self-reflection is key. What do you truly value—freedom, stability, creativity? What parts of your previous jobs have you loved (or loathed)? What skills do you already have, and which do you need to build?

• Acquire the necessary skills. If video editing is crucial for your next chapter and you currently know next to nothing about it—start learning. Many skills (communication, negotiation, critical thinking) are useful across careers, so sharpen those, too.

• Start in your current job. No need for a dramatic “I quit my job and moved to Thailand” moment. I transitioned into tech while still working in an international organization, gradually shifting my focus before making the full leap.

• Listen to people. (Not equal to networking - that word  produces a similar physical reaction in me as lessons learned.) Talk to friends, acquaintances, even strangers online who have made similar shifts. The more you listen, the better questions you’ll be able to ask.

• Persevere. It won’t be easy. But keep proving to yourself that you can take action. Remember how I said I was terrible at sports, dance, and drawing? Well, in the past three years, I became a certified interior designer, learned to dance bachata and salsa, became a gym regular, and even started running. No, I’m not doing any of these professionally, but I’ve proven to myself that the past doesn’t define the future. Career changes work the same way. 

If the thought of making a leap still sends you into a cold sweat, but staying put feels like slow suffocation, imagine picking up a novel, flipping it over, and reading the synopsis:

"Worked the same office job for 40 years. Retired. Died a few years later."

Be honest. Would you read that book? Would anyone?

Of course, stability has its perks—predictable paychecks, routine, a certain existential quiet. But if deep down you’re itching for something more, remember: you’re the author of your own story. You can introduce a plot twist at any time. A career pivot doesn’t have to mean burning everything down and starting fresh; sometimes, it’s about slowly rewriting the next chapters.

And yes, change is scary. But you know what’s scarier? Staring at the same page for decades, knowing you could have written something different.

Are you considering a career pivot? Why, and where to? Share your comments below!

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