“Today, I get to…”
by Kara Conway Love

Pivoting your career can feel like stepping off a cliff, but what if it leads you to a place where everything clicks?

A career shift might sound risky, but the rewards can be monumental: loving your work, taking better care of yourself, and finding more joy in your everyday life. When you make the leap to pursue something new, something meaningful, things have a funny way of falling into place.

Recognizing the Signs of Burnout

Many of us don’t realize we are burned out until we make a change. In my journey, I didn’t understand how drained I felt in my law career until I shifted to teaching college business courses. I thought being a lawyer was my calling, but after 24 years, it felt like a heavy burden.

On the other hand, teaching brought me a sense of purpose and energy I had not felt in years. If you are dragging through your workday, exhausted, or feeling unfulfilled, burnout might be whispering that it’s time for a change.

What Holds People Back From Making Changes?

The unknown can be scary. Not knowing how things will turn out can be paralyzing when considering significant shifts. But confidence comes from taking action.

The fear of failure often holds people back. But the truth is that failure is just a stepping stone. Instead of seeing it as an end, think of failure as a chance to learn and ask, “What can I do differently next time?” Each “failure” builds the skills and resilience you’ll need on your new path.

With that mindset, moving forward becomes less about avoiding mistakes and more about gaining experiences that fuel growth.

Finding Clarity

Your chances of success are much greater if you feel so strongly about what you are doing that you cannot wait to get out of bed each day and get to it.

When you are ready to pivot, clarity is not always immediate. It is often a process of exploring what lights you up. Start by asking yourself questions like, “What work makes me feel excited?” or “What’s something people always ask for my help with?” Think about the skills and experiences you’ve gained and how they might fit into something new.

Finding clarity is not about having it all figured out right away—it’s about taking one step at a time toward what feels right.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can sneak up on anyone, even those at the top of their field. That voice says, “Do I really know what I’m doing?”

I felt this way at the beginning of every semester when I taught, especially when I compared myself to the Ph. D.s who had been teaching for over 20 years.

Most people experience self-doubt at times. However, it can lead to greater success because it helps us be more prepared and strategic about our next move.

To keep it in check, remind yourself of past wins and the value you bring. Stop comparing yourself to others—no one has your experience and wisdom, no matter how accomplished she appears. Surround yourself with supportive people and remember that self-doubt is only as powerful as you allow it to be. Taking on new challenges will feel uncomfortable, but that’s where growth happens!

Reinventing yourself is a journey, but with some courage, you can forge a new path that feels authentic, energizing, and, ultimately, fulfilling.

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