Finding Your Next Step: Career Pivot vs. Job Change

You’ve hit a crossroads in your career. Maybe you feel stuck, unmotivated, or simply ready for something new. The big question is: Do you need a career pivot or just a job change?

The answer depends on whether you’re looking for a fresh environment or a completely new direction. Understanding the difference can help you take the right next step with confidence.

What’s the Difference?

A Job Change

A job change means moving to a new role within the same career field. The skills you’ve built transfer almost directly, and the type of work stays familiar...it’s just a different company, team, or environment.

Examples:

• Switching from one marketing agency to another

• Moving from a customer service role at a retail company to one in tech

• Leaving a small company for a bigger organization in the same industry

A job change often makes sense when the work itself still excites you, but your current role, manager, or company doesn’t.

A Career Pivot

A career pivot means shifting into a different field, industry, or type of role. It may involve retraining, upskilling, or highlighting transferable skills. It’s not a complete “start over,” but it requires rebranding yourself and showing how your experience applies to a new direction.

Examples:

• A teacher moving into corporate training

• A journalist pivoting to content strategy in marketing

• An accountant transitioning into data analysis

A pivot often makes sense when you’ve outgrown your current path or discovered new passions you want to pursue.

How to Know Which One You Need

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I still enjoy the type of work I do?

2. If yes → consider a job change.

3. If no → a pivot may be what you need.

4. Am I running from a bad environment or running toward a new passion?

   • If you love the work but not the workplace → job change.

   • If the work itself feels draining or misaligned → career pivot.

5. Do my long-term goals align with where I am now?

   • If your field still fits your vision, but growth feels limited → job change.

   • If your goals have shifted significantly → pivot.

Tips for Each Path

If You’re Making a Job Change:

• Focus on tailoring your resume to highlight achievements in your current field.

• Leverage your existing network—they already know your expertise.

• Prioritize company culture and leadership when evaluating offers.

If You’re Making a Career Pivot:

• Identify transferable skills (leadership, communication, problem-solving).

• Upskill through certifications, courses, or volunteer projects.

• Reframe your story: show how your past experience uniquely prepares you for this new path.

Remember: your career isn’t a straight line. It’s a journey of growth, discovery, and alignment. Whether you change jobs or pivot careers, you’re not starting over, you’re building forward.