Working Wonder Wisdom - Lessons learned from pivoting careers
Keen to explore a career pivot but not sure whether it's worth the risk?
Five years ago, I embarked on a transformative journey, taking a break from my established career. With two decades of experience in PR and communications under my belt, I felt a yearning for something new, something that would challenge me in different ways. So, alongside my twin sister, Calli Louis, I ventured into the world of career coaching and training, founding our consultancy, Working Wonder. Little did I know, this decision would lead me down a path of self-discovery, growth, and invaluable lessons along the way.
The first and most crucial lesson I learned was the importance of embracing change. Pivoting careers meant stepping out of my comfort zone, leaving behind the familiar rhythms and routines of my previous profession. This shift wasn't just about acquiring new skills; it was about adopting a whole new mindset—a growth mindset, one that is open to possibilities, willing to learn new things and unafraid of uncertainty.
I immersed myself in practical and theoretical training and bonded with my wonderful cohort of trainee coaches, soaking up new knowledge like a sponge. Even though I had been constantly learning on the job, as I had been in the comms industry for a while, I had maybe gone into autopilot a bit. From the fundamentals of career development, social psychology to the intricacies of coaching techniques, every lesson learned was an exciting building block in the construction of my new career path.
One of the most valuable tips I can offer to anyone considering a career pivot is to leverage your existing expertise. While transitioning into a new field may seem daunting, remember that your past experiences are not obsolete—they're assets. In my case, my background in communications proved invaluable in understanding the needs and challenges of professionals navigating their careers, especially those in similar industries. Also my professional and personal first hand experience as a senior leader and a working parent only enhanced my empathy. By integrating my past and present, I was able to offer a unique perspective and provide tailored guidance to my clients.
Collaboration proved to be another key ingredient in our journey. Teaming up with my sister brought a dynamic synergy to our consultancy, each of us bringing our unique strengths to the table. Together, we complemented and supported each other, amplifying our impact and fostering a sense of camaraderie that fuelled our growth.
Perhaps the most profound lesson of all was the realisation that a career pivot is not just about finding a new job—it's about finding fulfilment. As a career coach, workshop facilitator and consultant, I've had the privilege of helping others discover their passions, redefine their goals, and chart their own paths to success. And through this process, I've rediscovered my own sense of purpose—the joy of guiding others on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment and ultimately finding Work Happiness which is the core of what we offer at Working Wonder.
So, to anyone contemplating a career pivot, I offer this advice: Be brave, seize opportunities, and never underestimate the power of reinvention. Your journey may not always be smooth sailing, but with perseverance, courage, and a willingness to learn, you'll discover a world of possibilities waiting to be explored. And who knows? You might just find yourself on a path far more fulfilling than you ever imagined.
Finally, don’t forget a career pivot can be fluid too: once you pivot this isn’t a final change, you can easily pivot back to your previous career and expertise, I have undertaken communications consultancy roles with ease since I qualified as a career coach and find if anything it enhances my offering to potential employers.
Why not sign up to some career coaching with us, we offer a confidential sounding board as you work through your options and help you achieve your future career goals? Do get in touch if we can help you.
Calli and Nichola
Co-Founders of Working Wonder