2020 is the Year of the Career Pivot
Most people have been taught that they need to become experts in a certain trade or industry in order to be successful, but I find that it’s exactly that sort of approach to career development that isn’t effective during this pandemic.
Layoffs abound not simply because companies are going under, but because entire industries are going under. If you want to survive the fact that most of your expertise is in a field that cannot operate during this virus outbreak, it is time for you to pivot.
Chances are you already have other skills that are applicable to a present need in the market.
Before you start a job search, I recommend reading up on the latest news regarding your current industry and the U.S. market in general. What areas are short-staffed? What services are people and companies competing for? If you aren’t in those high demand fields, this is your chance to jump in.
As a generalist I’ve been pivoting from one area of digital business to another for my entire career. As a jack-of-all trades I’m able to quickly solve business problems or offer recommendations on who to call to solve a business problem. Whatever knowledge I share rests upon my specific clients needs and the outcomes they are searching for.
The truth is, your background in one industry can positively influence projects occurring in another industry. Innovation stems from new ways of looking at things and that naturally happens when industries cross-pollinate. Clearly articulate to potential employers why and how your current skillset can help them.
“A career pivot usually aligns with a pivotal moment in your life and work, one where you have the choice to stay with the status quo or take a measured risk to increase your career pace.” — Warchol
An example:
In higher-ed this season I’ve been launching all sorts of HD video productions for live courses and digital learning products. When it came to finding video producers to support these projects, I noticed a specific industry in NYC was reaching out more than anyone else.
Broadway Theater Stage Managers and Assistants.
As soon as Broadway productions began shutting down this spring, the staff who ran those stage productions each night began offering their services to virtual film productions and elaborate livestream events. It was a clever pivot for professionals who had the skills we needed: The ability to strategically time live events by prepping and directing the talent, checking lights, sound and multichannel feeds. The pivot? Accepting the stages were closed but that the computers were open. $$$.
Check out Skillshare’s No B.S. Guide To A Career Pivot:
Step 4: Fill Your Career Gaps
Step 6: Tell Your Career Pivot Story
Step 7: Update Your Career Materials
Step 8: Pounce on Opportunities
Step 9: Let Go of Your Safety Net
