The Power Of Pivoting: How Women Are Changing Careers

The only constant is change, and this is the same in our careers as well. More and more women are realizing that it’s okay to want something different, to outgrow a role, or to be curious about a different path.

The 2025 FlexJobs survey revealed that 69% of workers have changed or considered changing careers in the past year, with another study reporting that women are 20% more likely than men to switch industries. 

A career pivot can be sudden, but certainly not impulsive. It is a thoughtful and measured change to a career borne out of curiosity, a need for a challenge, or the urge to do things differently.  Here’s how to execute a successful career pivot.

There are a couple of reasons why people change careers, such as income, more flexibility, passion for a different industry, and more. The first step is to clearly define your motivation for change.

Elaine Cartas, featured in LinkedIn Learning, advises journaling about your reasons. 

Sahar Twesigye reported in the Magnifiy Podcast that she pivoted from being a worship minister to a food blogger and digital marketer out of sheer dissatisfaction with her life and income.

Similarly, a change was thrust upon Assumpta Vitcu as she transitioned from being a conference producer to a wedding planner. After losing her job, she decided it was finally time to start the business she had been thinking of for years.

You’re not starting from scratch. Apart from the fact that everything can be learned, there are skills that are evergreen to all industries. These are transferable skills.

Career coach Ronan Kennedy advises breaking down your previous role to identify the hard and soft skills that can be transferred to new industries and stating examples of how you used them. Some include communication, problem solving, project management, and leadership.

A major part of a career pivot is essentially learning new, specific knowledge. To bridge your knowledge gap, take online courses, attend industry workshops and conferences, and gain certifications. Lifelong learning demonstrates adaptability and commitment to potential employers. LinkedIn Career Experts concur with this and suggest researching the trends and growth opportunities in your desired industry.

The Devex Career Hub suggests creating a direct or indirect community you can learn from. Network virtually or physically, find career peers and models in your industry, and learn from their path. Ask questions or comb through the resources they share. Letting your network know about your interests, as opportunities often arise through conversations with colleagues and acquaintances. If possible, form mentorships. A close relationship provides invaluable support, feedback, and connections.

Mindset is the core of it all. Do you truly believe you can pivot, and what mental models do you need to adopt to do so? Sahar Twesigye said in her interview on the Magnify Podcast that she learned to be a visionary and stand on her own two feet. She recommended executing as soon as you have an idea, make a decision, and start. In the same interview,  Assumpta Vitcu says to feel the fear and do it anyway. She thought, “Am I going to do this or am I going to spend the next years of my life in the same position?”

Coursera suggests creating a career change to-do list. Write down and digest the series of steps you need to take to successfully pivot. Make sure every major goal has its own to-dos. This approach reduces being overwhelmed and allows you to build confidence and experience as you transition. At the end of this meticulous planning, define what success looks like to you.

Finally, take a bet on yourself and take the perceived risk. Think of this as doubling down on your curiosity and interests with infinite possibilities of success. You might thread the line between discomfort and increased confidence, but it will be all worth it. With a clear sense of purpose, a focus on transferable skills, strategic networking, and a commitment to lifelong learning, you can make a successful and fulfilling career transition.