Pause or pivot: What to do when you're at a career crossroads

On re-committing or moving on at work.

There comes a point when we might find ourselves at a professional crossroads. We begin to question if it's time to hit pause on our current career path, take a step back to re-examine, or change direction towards something entirely new. I've been there, and I want to share what I’ve learned along the way.

Picture yourself in the thick of a successful career, mingling with seasoned executives and driven leaders, entrusted with the weighty responsibility of steering business growth. The business world unfolds in high-profile meetings and (profit) plans for the future, and on paper, everything seems on track. But beneath the surface, a sense of doubt slowly sets in, like a whisper, then a muted scream, of discontent.

You start to question if you've outgrown your industry, if there's something more fulfilling out there. You might get caught up in the passion and purpose narrative that is so popular on Linkedin these days.

Or maybe you begin thinking something’s wrong with you.

It's a nagging doubt that refuses to be silenced. You find yourself dreading tasks you once loved and feeling trapped in a river of conformity.

Deep down, a feeling of disenchantment is creeping in.

This was me at one point. And I could no longer ignore the persistent voice in my head: Where am I going? Are there other things out there more suited to me?

Does it all still fit?

I was beginning to dread the things I loved doing most. I was frustrated at the importance my colleagues, clients and the entire industry were assigning to our work. I was increasingly distraught at what I felt were dishonest business practices and unsustainable tactics instead of future-forward contributions.

I'll be honest; I might have entertained these thoughts from a mix of naiveté and exhaustion, maybe even a place that was anything but humble.

The business of doing business tasted like milk gone bad, and I just couldn’t get rid of it. But I couldn’t do things differently, either. One fish can’t swim against the current of her own organization. And to be honest, I didn’t have the energy left after so many years of swimming up stream.

I believed that as soon as I achieved a certain degree of professional autonomy, and decision-making power, then it would all get better.

We’ve all fallen for that one, at one point or another.

Here’s a hard truth: decision-making power doesn't always make things easier. The compromises just shift from office politics to boardroom maneuvers.

I didn’t have the clarity or objectivity to entertain any thoughts of what I might do instead, though. I was stuck in a loop – and it was dark and demotivating.

Embrace the breaking point.

One day, as I sat in another meeting about the same old challenges, with the same old power plays unfolding, it hit me like a flash – it was time for a change. The thought of leaving, or even hitting pause, on my hard-won position was daunting, but it was also the only thing that felt right.

I would be leaving a position I had sacrificed a lot for. And I would be making a dent in my CV.

But I’m a firm believer that we should write our own stories, and if we stay true to ourselves, it won’t be a problem. And if it does turn out to be a problem for someone, it’s our choice not to work for or with that person or organization.

Always assume you are not alone.

At the same time, I was developing a new perspective and exploring concepts around a more thoughtful kind of business, more considered, more people-friendly. The articles and books I was reading were showing me something: Others were feeling this way, too. I connected with them, and exchanged emotions and insights.

I looked for connections to people who inspired me because they had changed direction mid-career. I found a sense of connection in new people. I felt less alone – and it was liberating.

Resist old patterns.

So, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. Big words, but it’s what describes it best. I had begun this journey a few years ago already, but never fully committed to it. I had still kept one foot in the door, just in case. Turned out, that thinking had gotten me through the pandemic when freelancers were hit hardest. In hindsight I was lucky, but it wasn’t a long-term solution.

This time would be different. I explored the idea of working in a different industry, starting from scratch. I sought out different perspectives and embraced the unknown. It wasn't easy. There were moments of doubt which led me to panic and step back into the old world, accepting projects that were doomed from the beginning.

I got burnt. It threw me into self-doubt. I learned that going back on a decision is only ok if you do it for the right reasons. Panic is not one of them.

But then, surprisingly, it also brought a renewed sense of clarity.

Keep going.

Here's the uplifting part: Embracing change can be freeing, no matter how much it stings in the process. It's about rediscovering your passions and redefining success on your own terms – and it’s so worth it. The process might feel like a leap into the abyss, but sometimes, it's exactly what we need to soar to new heights.

It has a lot to do with reframing and rewiring our belief systems. Regardless of how open-minded we think we are, our brains instinctively reflect past perceptions. Our thinking is shaped by previous experiences and the lessons we've either been taught or learned through life.

Transforming our mindset demands conscious effort and dedication.

Choose You.

In conclusion, to pause or pivot isn't just a choice; it's an opportunity for growth and fulfillment. Trust your instincts, take that leap, and remember that the journey itself is a reward. For me, it turned out to be a pause and a small pivot. I realized that my disenchantment wasn’t with my field, but with how the industry was operating as a whole.

As I looked for an answer to the question “What is my contribution to the world?”, I fell back in love with the world of strategy, brand and communications. But I knew I had to change my approach.

So I am in the process of redefining how I approach my work. It means moving toward facilitation more. It’s going to be a transition, because nothing happens at the flip of a switch (another hard truth I’ve learned).

But I believe it’s worth it – at least for now. Who knows what the future might bring and how we might shape it. I’m excited to take things into my own hands. And so should you.

Hope you embrace the challenge.