I don’t know about you, but I can’t hear the word “Pivot” without picturing that iconic scene from Friends, with Rachel, Ross, and Chandler trying (and failing) to wrestle a sofa up a narrow staircase. Despite Ross’s repeated cries to “PIVOT!!”, the sofa ends up hilariously wedged!
In a career context, though, pivoting isn’t quite as chaotic (hopefully!). It refers to a strategic professional shift, a move into a new role or career that aligns better with your values, goals, or lifestyle. Whether it’s a conscious choice or the result of unexpected change, a pivot can feel both exhilarating and terrifying!
It’s a journey I’ve supported many clients through, and one I’ve taken myself.
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From Redundancy to Reinvention
Three years ago, I had to leave an industry where I’d worked for nearly four decades and embark on two new, completely different career paths.
Let’s rewind…
I’m one of those rare people who always knew what they wanted to do when they grew up……and actually did it!
Since my mid-teens, my heart was set on working in TV, specifically the live, anarchic children’s entertainment shows broadcast in the UK on Saturday mornings. I just sensed that this was where I was meant to work, and this laser focus helped me to navigate my path through my studies until, in 1986, it guided me straight to the door of the BBC.
I’d made it, and I continued to work for the BBC for the next 38 years! I spent 30 of those specialising in Children’s TV and eventually became the Executive Producer of the Saturday morning shows I’d loved as a teenager.
My TV career took me all over the world and I worked with everyone from Hollywood A-listers and The Royal Family, to giving a platform and a voice to children in the UK. It was hard work and long hours, but I was living my best life! I was fortunate to receive multiple BAFTA and Royal Television Society Awards and even a US Emmy nomination in recognition of my efforts.
I hadn’t considered a career outside of TV, or even outside of the BBC, but in 2022, there was an internal restructure, and it was announced that my role, Head of Factual Programmes for BBC Studios Kids and Family, was closing.
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This news was a devastating blow, and I suddenly found myself needing to make some difficult decisions.
I was nearly 60. I’d only ever worked in television, and I didn’t know what else I could, or wanted to, do. I wasn’t ready to retire, so I needed to regroup and consider my options.
This was my time to pivot!
Being made redundant was a shock, but after I’d stopped feeling sorry for myself, I realised that I had new dreams, and I was ready to try something different. Now, three years later, I am grateful for the opportunities that resulted from this compulsory career pivot.
I actually started two new careers. The first was in familiar territory, becoming a University Lecturer teaching TV Production. The second was a more significant change, as I retrained as a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist and set up my own practice: Silverbrook Hypnotherapy.
The idea of working in hypnotherapy suddenly made sense when I realised that the aspects of my later TV roles I’d enjoyed most were helping people develop their skills to thrive in their careers and finding creative solutions to problems. These were the things that gave me job satisfaction.
I also realised I had many transferable skills, such as empathetic communication, resourcefulness, imagination, and a genuine desire to get positive results, all of which were a great foundation for my new direction.
Now I specialise in helping professional women unblock their confidence to speak up and get the credit they deserve. I also support clients who find themselves at a crossroads in their personal or professional lives.
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What I’ve Learned from Pivoting
There are several techniques I draw on to help clients gain clarity and prepare for a successful career change:
1. Cognitive restructuring: A core CBT tool that encourages you to consider your situation from a different perspective and reframe how you see it. For example, if your best friend were in your shoes, what would you say to help them?
2. Skills audit: Strip away job titles and specifics. What core skills do you have? How transferable are they? I assure you – you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
3. Reassess your values: It’s easy to get swept along without checking whether your current direction still feels right. Take time to reflect on what matters most to you now. Stay true to your values.
4. Visualise your future: Hypnosis is a great way to explore different scenarios and experience which option feels best aligned with your purpose.
5. Plan ahead: Not every career change happens overnight. If time allows, transition gradually. A side hustle or short course could be the first step toward a bigger shift.
6. Self-care: This is so important and so often overlooked. Even positive change can feel overwhelming, so prioritise your wellbeing.
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Techniques to Help You Pivot with Confidence
Career change in midlife can feel daunting, especially when it’s unexpected, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for transformation. Whether you’re changing careers after 50, facing redundancy, or simply feeling stuck, know that you’re not starting from scratch; you’re starting from experience.
If done with proper thought and consideration, professional pivoting can open a whole new world of opportunities.
So why not listen to Ross and “PIVOT!”, and trust that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Name: Annette Williams
Professional Title: Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist
Bio: Annette Williams Is A Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist, Former Award-winning Bbc Tv Executive, University Lecturer And Founder Of Silverbrook Hypnotherapy . She Specialises In Helping Professional Women Boost Their Confidence, Overcome Their Fears, Embrace Change And Speak Up With Impact, Annette Is Based In Cheshire, In The Uk
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