Episode Details

These days none of us need to be told that change is the one constant in the workplace. Our job responsibilities change regularly--and so do our careers. The old model of climbing the corporate ladder or sticking with one profession for life is giving way to more fluid, transient, and cross-sector careers.

Just 27% of college graduate have a career related to their major. And the average American worker switches jobs--if not entire careers--every 4.4 years.

So how do you create career stability in a constantly changing job market? By pivoting.

This week on “Find Your Dream Job,” we talk about career pivots with with Jenny Blake, a coach for professionals and organizations looking navigate change. Jenny defines a career pivot as “a methodical shift in a new related area, based on what’s already working” and encourages job seekers to continually refocus on their strengths and passions.

In this 31-minute episode you will learn:

• Why changing jobs every few years is the new normal
• Why you should be doubling down on your professional strengths
• How to manage your pivot in four phases: plant, scan, pilot, and launch
• How to avoid professional stagnation and career crises
• Why even unsuccessful career pivots lead to unexpected, positive rewards

This week’s guest:

Jenny Blake (@jenny_blake | LinkedIn)Principal, Jenny Blake EnterprisesAuthor of Pivot: The Only Move that Matters Is Your Next and Life After College: The Complete Guide to Getting What You WantNew York, N.Y.

Listener question of the week:

• I've recently had an interview with a prospective employer but after several weeks, I haven't heard back from them. How do I appropriately follow-up with the company?

Answering our question this week is Dawn Rasmussen, Chief Resume Writer at Portland-based Pathfinder Writing and Career Services. If you have a question you’d like us to answer on a future episode, please contact us at communitymanager@macslist.org.

Resources referenced on this week’s show:

• 14 Ways to Tell if It’s Time To Quit Your Job | Forbes.com
• Pivot: The Only Move that Matters Is Your Next
• Life After College: The Complete Guide to Getting What You Want
• JennyBlake.me
• Strengths Finder 2.0
• Pathfinder Writing and Career Services
• Pivot Podcast
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

If you have a job-hunting or career development resource resource you’d like to share, please contact Ben Forstag, Mac’s List Managing Director at ben@macslist.org.

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