Persistently Pivoting
The word “pivot” is defined as “a person, thing, or factor having a major or central role, function, or effect” or “a key player or position” by Webster’s Dictionary.
Changing your course in a world that is constantly changing can be seen as hard to do. You get used to one thing, then here comes another and the role you became accustomed to is now different. You are now required to be a new you, with new skills, and typically a better performance to match.
The thing is, no matter what, you are the key player in your own life and story. This could be seen as self centered or a selfish outlook on life to some but it’s actually true (whoever made this a universal thought is possibly the worst person to exist). Demands and outside pressures should never take a toll on you to the point where you feel like you’re crumbling. I felt like that for a long time, and I can’t pinpoint when it even started but I knew I was going to be the one that had to change it.
I was unhappy at my job from the very start. I remember graduating college trying to be thankful for a position I wasn’t excited about just because it was an offer and I would have some money coming in. So for almost two years I was there, and in the in between applying for jobs, going on interviews, and facing more rejection than I thought was possible.
What you do in the mean time matters. Before you get your “big break” or the moment you’ve been waiting for there are all these little moments that lead to the big one. For example, all those interviews I got rejected from helped me prep for my career move that I eventually landed. The thing about having a job, you just get use to it after a while and you’re a bit rusty in trying to win people over and get them to notice your talents because you are now surrounded by the people you have gotten used to seeing every day for x amount of time, and they know your presented capabilities.
In this down time period I had, I took notes from industry professionals, read A LOT, and took the time to think about what I wanted in my next role so I wouldn’t be doomed with the same responsibilities in the new one. Brushing up on your skills is something you should be open to doing, if you have passion for your field this should be fun! I personally recommend attending a seminar about twice a year and network with individuals within your industry, it’ll help dust off those social skills that have been hidden in your mundane day to day.
I am now one week into my new role, and I am learning more than I have in a long time. I’m meeting nice people who I actually don’t mind turning on my Zoom camera for, and looking forward to gaining more knowledge. I haven’t felt that way since undergrad, and it feels good!
Persistently go after what is you truly want. Plan and prepare, as you never know when your moment is coming.
Just don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process of pivoting to where you desire to be.
