Why this practice?
Informational chats reveal hidden roles and cultures (Fast Company, 2021).
What is it?
Low-pressure, exploratory conversations about work.
How to use it
Reach out to people in roles that interest you.
Ask 3–5 open questions.
Reflect after each chat, what sparked your interest?
Closing thought
Curiosity opens doors before you knock.
Why this practice?
Career pivots often work best by shifting close to existing experience (Burnett & Evans, 2016).
What is it?
Exploring roles one or two steps removed from your current work.
How to use it
List your current skills and tasks.
Look at job boards or LinkedIn suggestions.
Talk to someone in a nearby field.
Closing thought
Small shifts can lead to big change.
Why this practice?
Small experiments build momentum and reduce fear (The Lean Startup, 2011).
What is it?
A low-stakes way to test a new direction.
How to use it
Choose something doable in 1–2 hours.
Example: research a role, attend a webinar, or shadow someone.
Reflect on what you learned.
Closing thought
Don’t leap, tiptoe with intention.
Why this practice?
Time-blocking career exploration makes it actionable, not abstract (LinkedIn Learning, 2022).
What is it?
A dedicated week for mini tests, research, and networking in a new field.
How to use it
Block 5–10 hours over a week.
Choose small actions: informational interviews, online courses, reflection.
Capture insights daily.
Closing thought
Treat your pivot like a sprint not a search.
Why this practice?
Saying your direction with clarity builds conviction and readiness (Career Coaching Institute, 2020).
What is it?
A 30-second summary of what you’re moving toward and why.
How to use it
Write it out: “I’m exploring roles where I can use X to do Y.”
Practise with a friend or in front of a mirror.
Adjust until it feels natural.
Closing thought
Say it until you believe it. Then others will too.
Why this practice?
Visualising possible paths helps reduce overwhelm and surface creative options (HBR, 2021).
What is it?
A mind map of roles, industries, or skills you could explore.
How to use it
Start with “me now” in the centre.
Branch out into possible directions.
Highlight the most energising or realistic ones to explore next.
Closing thought
Your next chapter is already connected—you just need the map.
Why this practice?
Volunteering builds new skills in low-pressure settings while expanding networks (Forbes, 2022).
What is it?
A practical way to explore a new direction before committing.
How to use it
Find a cause or project where your desired skill is needed.
Offer your support for a fixed period.
Reflect on enjoyment and fit.
Closing thought
A side-step in service can become a step forward in clarity.
Why this practice?
Asking the right questions drives better decisions and deeper alignment (Design Thinking, Stanford).
What is it?
A living list of career questions you’re currently exploring.
How to use it
Jot down all open questions you have (e.g., “Do I want to manage?”).
Revisit monthly, what’s been answered, evolved, or new?
Closing thought
Questions shape the quality of your career, not just answers.
Why this practice?
Small-scale testing helps reduce fear and build confidence in trying new directions (Ries, 2011).
What is it?
A micro project or experiment to test a new career idea with low risk.
How to use it
Pick an idea: a new role, skill, or task.
Commit to trying it for a set time—e.g., a weekend project or volunteer role.
Reflect on what you enjoyed, learned, or want to avoid.
Closing thought
You don’t need a leap, try a step.
Why this practice?
Testing change builds clarity and confidence.
What is it?
A mini-project in a new area of interest.
How to use it
Volunteer, freelance, shadow, or upskill in a small way.
Closing thought
Small experiments reveal big truths.
