Why this practice?
Hearing real stories demystifies change and builds courage (Harvard Business Review, 2021).
What is it?
A conversation with someone who’s done what you’re considering.
How to use it
Reach out to a contact or ask on LinkedIn.
Prepare 3–5 key questions.
Listen deeply, and ask for one next step they recommend.
Closing thought
Career wisdom lives in other people’s stories, ask.
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?
Imagining a typical day helps test fit before making a move (IDEO, 2019).
What is it?
A mental or written simulation of a day in a potential new role.
How to use it
Choose a possible career direction.
Write a schedule from 8 am to 6 pm.
Ask yourself: how do I feel imagining this day?
Closing thought
The smallest dose of imagination reveals your truth.
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?
Looking backward reveals patterns of fulfilment and clarity on what to pursue next (Positive Psychology).
What is it?
A reflective list of peak joyful work moments.
How to use it
Recall 5 career moments when you felt most energised.
Note what you were doing, who you were with, and why it felt right.
Closing thought
Your past joy is your career breadcrumb trail.
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?
Crafting your narrative increases confidence and prepares you for interviews or networking (HBR, 2021).
What is it?
A short written version of how your experiences connect to where you’re going.
How to use it
Write a 3-paragraph version: past, present, future.
Focus on your values, strengths, and shifts.
Use it as a base for your LinkedIn summary or networking.
Closing thought
Your story doesn’t need to be perfect, it needs to be yours.
Why this practice?
Collecting stories and results supports confidence and communicates your value in career shifts (HBR, 2022).
What is it?
A mini collection of your transferable skills and projects.
How to use it
Choose 3–5 projects that show strengths you want to use more.
Write short blurbs highlighting the skill, challenge, and outcome.
Share or use as prep for interviews.
Closing thought
Your pivot path is paved with stories you already own.
Why this practice?
Trying on roles builds insight and empathy, and helps validate or rule out career paths (LinkedIn Learning, 2022).
What is it?
Spending time in someone else’s shoes at work.
How to use it
Ask a colleague in a different role for a shadow session.
Observe, ask questions, and reflect on fit.
Closing thought
Sometimes clarity comes from stepping sideways.
