Smart Career Pivots in a Shifting Market

The latest jobs report showed that unemployment is ticking upward in key areas, a reminder that even strong performers can face unexpected changes in the labor market. For many professionals, these shifts bring a mix of uncertainty and opportunity. While the headlines may feel heavy, they also highlight an important truth: careers are rarely linear, and the ability to pivot with purpose can turn a moment of disruption into a springboard for growth. In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, resilience and clarity are just as valuable as technical skills.

C-Suite Coach CEO Angelina Darrisaw was recently featured in Forbes discussing her expertise on career pivots. With over a decade of experience guiding leaders and teams through transitions, she emphasizes that reinvention, when done intentionally, can unlock new opportunities for anyone facing a crossroads.

Angelina Darrisaw, the founder and CEO of C-Suite Coach, offers this advice: "The most successful pivots are proactive ones. Use transition periods as an opportunity to build clarity and strengthen your skills."

Here are five expert strategies Darrisaw recommends:

1. Lean on your network

Support systems matter. Whether for encouragement or opportunity, reach out to mentors, colleagues, and peers. Most roles are filled through referrals, sometimes sparked by a single conversation.

2. Know what you want and how to communicate it

Transitions invite reflection. Clarify your skills, values, and goals, then tell your story with confidence. Clear communication helps others connect you with the right opportunities.

3. Create routines and measurable goals

Uncertainty can stall momentum. Set daily or weekly goals, such as outreach, applications, or skill-building, and celebrate small wins to stay focused and motivated.

4. Build in-demand skills

Study the job market to identify recurring skills in demand. Focus on closing gaps with targeted learning that directly aligns to your career goals, rather than chasing endless certificates.

5. Leverage digital platforms for visibility

Engage online and offline. Thought leadership posts, informational interviews, and local events build your digital footprint and expand your professional network.

A graphic presents five key steps for career development: 1) Network, which is accompanied by an image of a handshake; 2) Clarity, with an image of a person with a thought bubble and lightbulb; 3) Goals, shown with a person writing in a notebook; 4) Skills, depicted by two people holding an image of gears; and 5) Visibility, illustrated with a person sitting on a chair with a megaphone pointed at a laptop.

Context Matters

While these pivots apply universally, it’s important to recognize that economic shifts don’t affect everyone equally. For example, the August jobs report showed that Black unemployment has reached its highest level in four years. This reality highlights persistent inequities in the labor market that continue to shape the experiences of many professionals.

For those navigating these added headwinds, purposeful pivots can be a lifeline. Building and leaning on networks helps counter systemic barriers to access. Sharpening clarity and storytelling ensures your skills are visible in competitive markets. Actively developing in-demand skills helps close opportunity gaps where bias might otherwise widen them. And digital platforms create visibility that can bypass traditional gatekeepers. In other words, while no one is immune to disruption, historically underrepresented groups often carry a heavier burden during downturns. That makes intentional, proactive pivots essential for staying positioned for success.

Turning Insight into Action

The truth is, none of us can control every market shift or headline. But what we can control is how we prepare, how we respond, and how we choose to grow. Career pivots are about using change as fuel for long-term success, and whether planned or unplanned, they can be the start of something greater. Our L&D programs and coaches help leaders and professionals transform uncertainty into strategy, whether it’s building clarity, strengthening networks, or sharpening in-demand skills, our work is rooted in equipping people to thrive in any environment. Every pivot you make with purpose is a step toward resilience, influence, and lasting impact.

A checklist graphic asks, "Which pivot will you put into action this week?" The five options listed are: Networking, Clarity, Goals, Skills, and Visibility.

"It's Our Anniversary" is a celebratory and promotional graphic for the CSC, inviting organizations to elevate their leadership capabilities.

C-Suite Coach is the preferred strategic partner in talent development and business solutions. We are dedicated to helping your organization build a trusted workplace while cultivating a thriving culture. Submit a consultation request here to learn more about our services.