Navigating Career Pivots: The Jungle Gym Approach

As career coaches, we often work with clients who are contemplating a major career move. One client, in particular, was considering a shift into a new field she was deeply passionate about. However, she was unsure if this move would necessarily advance her career in the direction she ultimately wanted to go.

Through our discussions, we realized that the key to successful career pivots lies not in making one big jump, but rather in taking a “jungle gym” approach – making smaller, strategic moves that leverage your existing strengths and experiences to pave the way for your next steps.

The jungle gym concept recognizes that career advancement doesn’t always follow a linear upwards trajectory. Sometimes, even a seemingly lateral or downward move can ultimately serve as a stepping stone towards your larger purpose and goals.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the practices to keep in mind when contemplating a career pivot:

1. Know Your Life Purpose

Before making any major career move, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your life’s purpose. What are the core values and aspirations that drive you? Aligning your next career step with this deeper sense of purpose can help ensure that you’re not just chasing a new job title, but rather taking intentional steps towards fulfillment.

2. Leverage Your Strengths

When making a career pivot, it’s tempting to focus solely on the skills and experience you’ll need to develop for the new role. However, it’s equally important to take stock of your existing strengths and how they can be applied in a new context. By building on your proven capabilities, you can sidestep the need to start completely from scratch.

3. Embrace the Jungle Gym Mindset

Approach your career journey with the mentality of a jungle gym, not a ladder. Be open to lateral moves, sideways steps, or even temporary “downgrades” if they ultimately position you for greater long-term success. The key is to maintain a flexible, exploratory mindset and trust that each experience is contributing to your overall growth and development.

4. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Embarking on a career pivot requires a willingness to step outside your comfort zone and learn new skills. Adopt a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for expansion rather than threats to your competence. This mindset will not only help you navigate the transition but also position you for continued growth and adaptability throughout your career.

5. Align Your Network

As you explore new career possibilities, be intentional about cultivating a network of connections that can support your journey. Seek out mentors, industry peers, and potential collaborators who can provide insights, introductions, and even potential job opportunities aligned with your evolving goals.

By embracing the jungle gym approach to career development, you can navigate pivots and transitions with greater clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Your career path may not always be a straight line, but each twist and turn can bring you closer to the fulfillment you seek.