Why Changing Your Mind Is A Sign Of Growth And Maturity

Some people experience awful feelings when they decide to make a pivot within their careers. We have all been there; we make plans and set out to accomplish our goals. Only to find out that your current career path will lead you down a road that doesn’t fit your current lifestyle or future aspirations. Making huge pivots can be scary and cause friction, leading to doubt and uncertainty. But, you might be surprised to learn that going a different direction or changing your mind is actually a sign of growth and maturity.

Open Learn University published an article by Kubler Ross, a Swiss- American psychiatrist. The article explored how people experiencing grief due to the loss of work and or employment changes follow the same pattern of grief as people experiencing loss. The article went on to explain how, although the length of each stage may vary, the grieving process is always the same:

• 1. Denial: individuals are in shock and disbelieve the situation and are confused.
• 2. Anger: that this is happening to them, seek to blame, become defensive, and resistant to acknowledging the situation.
• 3. Bargaining: where attempts are made to negotiate about their position.
• 4. Depression: causing low mood, a feeling of helplessness, and a sense of being stuck.
• 5. Acceptance: of the situation when there is an understanding of the inevitable, which leads to moving forward.

Outside of grief, people may struggle with other emotions such as fear. Fears of wasting time, judgment, identity crisis, and financial stability concerns are strong reasons to hesitate from pivoting once a career journey has been started. After all, time, energy, money, and resources have been dedicated to making the current career possible.

The U.S. Department of Labor published statistics showing that by age 64, the average person held around 12.9 jobs before they settled on a favorable career path. You are not alone if you are feeling that it is time to make a career pivot. An article published by Northeastern University shares six signs it is time to make the leap:

• 1. You’re apathetic and complacent
• 2. You don’t feel like you’re making an impact
• 3. You dread going to work
• 4. Even your salary can’t make up for your dissatisfaction
• 5. Your job is affecting your personal life
• 6. You daydream about a new career

Growth and maturity are realizing when it is time to make a change. Being self-aware and being honest with yourself is a great place to start.

Psychology Today published an article outlining how pivoting is a sign of growth and maturity. Although growth can be uncomfortable, doing things that are uncomfortable can be a sign of maturity and self-awareness. Realizing the importance of making hard decisions for the benefit of your future shows you understand:

• Health is wealth: the stress and anxiety of staying in a career that does not bring you fulfillment is detrimental to your health
• The Importance of Preventing Burnout: Burnout can occur when someone is under prolonged stress of staying in a career that does not suit them
• Value A High Quality of Life: Growth is not linear. Growth involves peaks and valleys. Staying in an unfulfilling career can impact your quality of life in a negative way
• Pivoting is Not Failure: Mature individuals understand that pivoting is not failure; it is a reroute. Taking a detour is sometimes necessary, but the goal is happiness and success, no matter the destination.

Being uncomfortable and making the hard decisions now can save you pain and heartache in the future.

Change can be good. Realizing the necessity to make a pivot, especially before you are forced to by uncontrollable circumstances, shows growth and maturity. Re-calibrating your career to align with your lifestyle and goals takes discipline, self-awareness, and high emotional intelligence.