Strategy + Soul: What It Really Takes to Pivot

Making a career pivot at any point is brave, but in your 30s or 40s — it can be one of the most strategic and soul-aligning decisions you make. In our recent API Rising Leaders Lounge discussion, we gathered with professionals who change to explore what it really takes to shift direction.

Spoiler: It's not just about updating your resume. It's about redefining what success means, reclaiming your narrative, and moving with purpose.

And you’re far from alone: 89% of professionals aged 30–55 are considering a career change, according to online.stu.edu. The job landscape is evolving, and so are the ambitions of mid-career professionals. In fact, 35% of mid-career professionals say they feel stuck or like they’ve hit a ceiling, and 61% say they’d go back to school to earn more. These numbers reflect not just frustration — but a growing willingness to learn, leap, and lead in new directions.

Here are the top takeaways from our group conversation, featuring insights from our brilliant guest speakers.

Strategy: Your Pivot Playbook

Make smart, intentional moves that turn uncertainty into opportunity.

1. Define Your North Star
Clarity is your greatest asset. Before you pivot, pause and ask: What am I moving toward? Your "why" anchors your decisions and helps you evaluate what opportunities are worth pursuing.

"You have to start with why. A lot of people say they want to freelance or consult, but without a clear reason, it's hard to sustain."
— Nico P., Co-Founder, rezonate

2. Leverage Your Portable Power
You’re not starting from scratch. Take inventory of the transferable skills, relationships, and credibility you bring with you. Then learn how to reframe those assets for your next chapter.

"I had a background in sales and marketing and knew I could bring innovative ideas and valuable experience to non-profit. I was confident it wouldn't be a step back, but a step forward and secured a Director role through my transition to non-profit."
— Tina Duong

3. Own Your Pivot Story
If you don’t shape the narrative, someone else will. Practice explaining why you’re making a change, and how your past uniquely positions you to thrive in what comes next.

"I wanted to be a CMO one day, and I realized my current creative path wouldn’t get me there. So I enrolled in an MIT bootcamp in data and analytics. I carved out the time to learn, then asked for a project to apply it. That’s what opened the next door."
— Wacarra Yeomans

4. Make the Leap, But Measure the Landing
Career pivots involve risk, yes. But calculated risk. Understand your risk tolerance, and create a plan that helps you stretch without snapping. Quitting your job to start something new on your own might be high risk without predictable income. Factors like finances, market demand, support systems are all critical considerations to address when planning a pivot.

Image by Olivia Grigoritas

Soul: The Inner Work of Reinvention

Align with your values, build courage, and move forward with authenticity.

1. Embrace the Beginner Within
Change means you might feel new again — and that’s okay. Humility, curiosity, and emotional intelligence are powerful tools. Growth often requires letting go of mastery for a season.

2. Build with Belonging
Relationships are essential. Your network can open doors, build confidence, and support you when the journey gets uncertain.

"When I transitioned into non-profit, I leaned heavily on my network. I had conversations with a lot of people. And people don’t always know this, but you can make the same money in nonprofit as you do in corporate — you just have to be intentional about the role."
— Tina Duong

3. Redefine Success on Your Terms
Your definition of success is allowed to evolve. Maybe it’s more autonomy. More purpose. More balance. The more honest you are about what matters now, the more aligned your next move will be.

Ready to Pivot?

Whether you're at a crossroads, post-burnout, or just quietly dreaming of something new — you're not alone. Our community is full of ambitious, reflective professionals just like you.

Here's your next step: Take one insight from this post and bring it to your next conversation — with a mentor, a manager, or yourself.

We believe career pivots are not detours. They’re intentional expansions.

And we’re here to help you rise.

This blog was written and guided by Van Tran, founder of Career Rising (AKA API Rising) — a career development platform built to support the leadership journeys of Asian and Pacific Islander professionals. Van is a community builder, inclusive marketing executive, and DEI advocate with two decades of experience empowering others to rise with strategy and soul.