The Problem With Pivot

In this time of record unemployment and general uncertainty, there’s been a lot of talk about pivoting professionally. Enthusiastic posts about making the best of a bad situation, finding a new way forward, and making different opportunities for yourself. And on one hand, I think that’s great. We should all recognize that we are existing in a time when there is no usual way forward and no one can rely on how things have been done in the past as a roadmap to the future.

But on the other hand, what if I don’t want to pivot? What if pivoting feels like turning my back on the years that I’ve spent in my career? I’ve done and learned a lot over the years, and I’ve put a lot of effort into making myself successful. And to be honest, i’m good at what I do. It turns out I don't want to pivot. I don’t want to make a 180 degree turn and leave behind what’s in the past. I want to continue to do what I do well.

I know that it doesn’t have to be as drastic as that. Maybe it’s a 45 degree turn, where you can keep your skills at close reach but use them slightly differently. Or maybe even smaller than that, to find new approaches to doing the same things, or even how you connect with people. But as we all navigate a time that feels like a swamp full of quicksand, let’s recognize that there will be people who will thrive with change, and people who will thrive with consistency. There’s room for everyone and we should be encouraged to find what works best.

Ultimately, that’s good thing. What if we all pivoted in the same direction? Chaos.