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WordCamp नागपूर 2024

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How many of you had a dream job/career plan when you were a kid?

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Sometimes It’s Good to Pivot: Navigating Life’s Turning Points

Anand Upadhyay

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Anand Upadhyay�

Founder - WPVibes
Active WordPress Contributor
Organizer - WordCamp Asia 2025
Organizing WP Campus Connect

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Why we need to Pivot in life?

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Dead End

We have chosen a path, chosen a goal and walking on that part to achieve that goal. Suddenly we realised that this path is not leading us to that goal. We have reached the dead end. Then what we will do? Time to figure out a Plan B and choose a different path.
I have faced this in my own life. Let’s get back in time, when I was in 10th standard.I passed out with good marks. In Fact I was the school topper. Time to choose the subject for next phase of academic life. I picked Science Maths like most of the students who got good marks. And the goal was to join NDA. So path was straight forward. Prepare for NDA along with 12th boards, give a couple of attempt for NDA after 12th. I even have plans for preparation. My father’s friend, a retired colonel was running an academy for Defence entrance preparation. My uncle, a brigadier told me to just clear the written exam and then he will personally prepare me for SSB interviews. �But life has some other plans. Just after completing the 12th board exams, my friend called me and he told me that we miscalculated the age criteria and not eligible for next attempt. That was a dead end and I have to choose the alternate path. So I decided to do Engineering in Computer science. I immediately joined 1 and a half month of crash course and joined the college.

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Reality Check

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Passion Ignited

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Changing Goals

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Unforeseen Setback

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When It’s Time to Pivot?

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Lack of Progress
Emotional Exhaustion
Mismatched Values
Opportunities Elsewhere
Consistent Setback

Recognizing the signs

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But it’s not easy to Pivot

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Acceptance
Letting go of Ego
Finding Courage
Consider Failure as a stepping stone

Overcoming Fear

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Ready to pivot, but HOW?

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Access your current situation
Research & explore new options
Build support system
Test the water
Commit to the Pivot
Be persistent

Plan, Plan & Plan well…

Assess Your Situation: Identify what’s not working and why. Is it the entire path, or just certain aspects of it?

Research and Explore New Options: Start exploring new opportunities. What new directions excite you? What skills can you leverage in a new field?

Build a Support System: Connect with mentors, colleagues, or friends who can provide advice or encouragement as you navigate the change.

Test the Waters: Before making a full commitment, consider experimenting with small changes. For example, start a side project or take a course in a new field.

Commit to the Pivot: Once you’ve decided, make a solid plan. Set short-term and long-term goals for transitioning to your new path.

Stay Resilient: The transition may be bumpy, but persistence is key. Be patient with yourself as you learn and grow in the new direction.

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Embrace the Pivots as Part of the Journey

Success is not linear

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Questions??

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Thank you!