Reflecting on Megan Lieu's powerful post, it’s evident how much freedom and drive people are embracing today, even as old perspectives and judgments linger. I, too, am a proud pivoter. This journey has gifted me with an extraordinary abundance of experience, perspective, and an expansive network of incredible humans I would otherwise not know. Now, this was not an annual pivot. I've spent many years in each phase, as growth and introspection are marathons, not sprints! From software development to operations SVP, business owner to digital marketer, tech startup to agency, what may seem disjointed to some has seamlessly aligned with my personal growth and technical/professional aptitude while also making sure I could be available for family caretaking needs when facing tough times. This unique blend of professional and personal experiences has always fueled my passion for learning, igniting interests I never knew would fire me up so much today 🔥 Neuroscience, women's health advocacy, human sustainability, and advancing my coaching certifications are just a few. Life encourages us to learn, grow, and serve others from that higher bar we continue to set for ourselves. Why shouldn't this principle hold true in our careers? If pivoting allows us to serve more people, from a place of greater experience, knowledge, and empathy, isn’t that choice actually soaring? 🦅 In uncertain times, with technology impacting us at an accelerating rate, we must arm ourselves with powerful options. Where are my fellow pivoters, and what has your experience been?
Developer Advocate @ ML Data | Data Science Product @ JetBrains Datalore | Instructor @ LinkedIn Learning
I’m a pivoter. I’ve held 6 very different job titles in my career, and to most people, it looks like lack of career progression. I’ve now been: Operations Associate Financial Analyst Analytics Consultant Data Scientist Developer Advocate Business Owner In my defense, at each step I truly thought I had found a field where I could settle down and "rise in the ranks." When I was a Financial Analyst, I thought my next step was Senior Financial Analyst. When I was a Data Scientist, I thought my next step was Senior Data Scientist. And up until a few months ago, I thought I'd stay in the corporate 9-5 life forever. But here’s what happened instead: At every single step, unexpected opportunities came to me, and I just took them. Some might call it impatience, impulsiveness or lack of commitment even. But I saw each pivot as taking a chance on myself in new adventures. Of course, there were doubts before each leap I took. “What if the new job isn’t as good as this one?” ”What if this makes me less employable?” ”What if I regret this big time?” Some of the roles didn’t end as expected, but do I regret any step in this chaotic story I’ve called my career? Absolutely not, because each opportunity I took led to new, better ones... Like currently working for myself. But will this last forever? Who knows. Life is too short and the world is filled with way too many possibilities to never find out what lies outside of a picture-perfect, linear “career path.” ♻️ Repost if you're a proud pivoter!
