Ask AdaMarie: How do you know it's time to pivot, and what does 'starting over' even look like?
"Hi, AdaMarie! Have you ever changed your mind about your career path? I used to feel really sure about my goals, but lately, I'm questioning everything. I'm not even sure if I'm on the right track anymore, and the idea of starting over is overwhelming. How do you know it's time to pivot, and what does 'starting over' even look like?"
Dear Re-Routing,
First, take a breath. You're not lost. You're evolving. And that's not only normal, it's powerful.
The truth? Most people change course at some point in their careers, but it doesn't always get talked about. So, it feels isolating when you start to question things that once felt certain. But career paths aren't highways with exits; they're more like hiking trails. There are forks, switchbacks, and hidden views, and sometimes, you double back before moving forward.
So, how do you know it's time to pivot? Start by asking yourself:
Am I energized by the work I'm doing, or am I just exhausted?
Am I growing, or just getting through it?
Do I feel like I'm using my strengths or hiding them?
If your answers point toward change, that's data. That's your gut talking.
And here's the good news: starting over rarely means going back to zero. You're bringing all your experience, clarity, and resilience with you, and that's priceless.
Some things to try:
✅ Talk it out (with mentors, peers, or a coach)
✅ Map out what energizes you vs. what drains you
✅ Explore small experiments — like a project, a course, or an info interview
✅ Update your resume to reflect your future direction, not just your past
You're allowed to change your mind. You're allowed to grow. And you're allowed to write a new chapter even if you're still figuring out what it says.
You've got this.
