4 Career Pivot Community Members Inspiring Career Journey to GetSetUp
Wouldn’t we all like to have a linear career journey that is always moving upwards? The reality is almost none of us have had a career that looks like that. We often have to pivot our career journey in a new direction.
When you look to pivot your career, the path isn’t always straightforward. Many members of the Career Pivot community spend months, even years, exploring options, testing different areas, and learning from other community members. Finding strong communities during times of change is essential.
Whether it is a group like the Career Pivot community helping support people’s next work venture or a women’s group like Renewment assisting women in adjusting from careers into retirement. Finding communities that you vibe with can help make these transitions. It can be an empowering time for change where you meet like-minded people and can truly follow your passions.
Career Pivot Community Members share their passions on GetSetUp
Some people come to the Career Pivot community with a clear pivot direction in mind, others come to explore options, and others to share in a community of people on a similar journey. For those who don’t always have a clear destination in mind, learning about new career opportunities from other community members can be particularly inspiring. Through this rich sharing of information news of GetSetUp spread among the Career Pivot Community. GetSetUp is a virtual social learning platform where people over-50 teach their peers their passions and a variety of skills to assist with healthier, happier, and more connected lives.
Deb Livingston
The first member of the Career Pivot community to join was Deb Livingston from Pennsylvania. She had previously worked in Human Resources, doing organizational development consulting. She was preparing to narrow her organizational development consulting and training business to a niche in leadership coaching when the pandemic hit. Everyone’s focus shifted to crisis management. Rather than letting this hiccup in her career pivot sway her, Deb kept her mind open to new possibilities. One day she saw an article about GetSetUp that highlighted their need for Guides to help teachers pivot to teaching remotely. She immediately applied.
“I was hungry to do something and felt so confined by the circumstances of the pandemic. It felt like divine providence when I read the article about GetSetUp’s need for guides. I didn’t have any online teaching experience but instead of immediately counting myself out, I submitted my resume within a day. Within weeks, I was in training and preparing for my first class – teaching Google Classrooms to teachers,” said Deb.
After the immediate need for assisting teachers was filled, Deb was able to pursue teaching some of her passions like cooking classes, skills for connecting with children, and other classes. Within a year she was even offered a full-time position which she accepted as the lead cooking and healthy eating Guide on the platform.
“Learning new things is what keeps me excited about life. So many of those things I explore, just for the joy of learning them, are coming out in what I am bringing to GetSetUp,” said Deb.
Vicki Soll
Deb leaned on her friend Vicki Soll for support and to help her train for her initial interview with GetSetUp. Vicki, from California, and Deb met through Career Pivot groups and sparked a friendship. Vicki had worked in the software industry doing instructional design, technical support, and training. However, she was looking to pivot to something lighter. Deb spoke very highly of her experience with GetSetUp and her love of creating impactful change for others.
Vicki decided it was time to apply to be a Guide. She was hired on a part-time basis to teach introductory online access, digital tools, and technology on GetSetUp. Since GetSetUp is an entirely remote team with flexible job options available, it has really allowed Vicki the ability to have a job she’s passionate about while still being able to enjoy her other passions like the great outdoors.
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“GetSetUp has enabled me to transition right now with added freedom compared to past jobs. I’m able to use my tech knowledge and teach really useful skills. That means a lot to me. It’s a great transition being able to train people on skills in a much more meaningful way.”
The founder of Career Pivot, Marc Miller, notes that while in the Career Pivot Community many members start to re-position what they want from work.
“Vicki is a classic example. One thing that has changed with her is her worries used to focus on money alone. Watching her let go of that focus means she’s at a point she can choose what she wants to do.” said Marc Miller.
Choosing what you want to do and where you want to go offers a person a lot more freedom when looking for a job and allows them to really be passionate about their choice.
Bernadette and Russ
Deb shared her insights with other friends in the community like Bernadette from Vancouver, Canada. Bernadette had a psychology background but was looking to utilize her skills in a powerful mission. She loved that GetSetUp focused on empowering people.
Russ from Virginia was another member of the Career Pivot community that hopped on the GetSetUp bandwagon. He went from working in the publishing industry to leading classes on travel and writing on GetSetUp.
“I love what I am doing now and plan to keep doing it as long as I’m able. Part of my attraction to working with GetSetUp is how much I love the interaction with older learners. I think it’s important that people continue this trend of growth and change and movement throughout their lives.”
Russ plans to keep following his passions and working on things he loves for the rest of his life.
Learn new skills or upskill past knowledge
With all the changes in work particularly in the last two years as work went online. Technology skills were no longer optional but required. It’s important that people look to upskill so they can compete in an ever-changing market.
Whether you are looking for ways to start your own business or prepare for your next job interview GetSetUp has a variety of class series focused on this in an empowering and supportive community of peers. Learn new skills, re-skill, or upskill on technology, the latest digital tools and apps, and so much more so you can effectively navigate and use the tools required for a more digital workforce.
New Programs
GetSetUp’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) series builds on skills required for this community service and work-based job training program for older Americans authorized by the Older Americans Act. Those looking to re-enter the workforce after some time away can get updates on the latest Work Foundation Skills, to confidently seek work and other opportunities across industries.
Many people want to shift into a role where they can be their own boss. This is great!
Starting your own business gives you the opportunity to follow your passions, create your own schedule, and oftentimes do more meaningful or more fulfilling work. Learn more about How to Start a Business and The Entrepreneurial Spirit from this series on foundation skills to get the business started and meet others looking to start their next venture. Once your business is off the ground and running, you can attract more customers through classes on How to Market Your Business. Plus GetSetUp even offers a Startup Accelerator for people 55+.
As you look for your next career pivot, expand your network and knowledge in classes with like-minded peers who share your interests. Perhaps your next big epiphany will come as you learn something new or hear a new idea from another learner!
Are you ready for a new career journey?
This post was written by Liz Miller. Liz is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning. Currently, she works as the Communication Manager at GetSetUp an educational platform for lifelong learners to explore together!
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