How to prepare for a life pivot
Written and accurate as at: Jun 13, 2025 Current Stats & Facts
Life doesn’t always go to plan. And even if it does, those plans may no longer suit you and what you want out of life. But change can be daunting and if you’re thinking about making a life pivot, there are some ways you can road test your plans before you move ahead.
Find a sounding board
Often one of the first ways you can road test your plan is to share it with one or two people you trust. Ideally they will have some expertise in your desired path, but they may just have enough life experience and wisdom to give you sage advice. A big change will feel easier if you know you’ll have supporters in your corner.
Let’s say you’re planning a move overseas. It would be hugely beneficial for you to speak to someone who is already living there. Likewise, if you’re planning a career change, speaking to someone who’s already in your desired career is a great way to take any rose-tinted spectacles off and really understand the pros and cons.
Experience your new life
You’ll never really know how a big change might suit you, unless you find a way to live it.
Let’s say you’re looking to leave corporate life and become a physiotherapist. That’s a very different work day from sitting behind a desk. Find a way to gain some unpaid work experience through someone in your network. You’ll be surprised at how many people go to a physio once in a while, and potentially have fairly long standing relationships.
Remember, your network isn’t just those you know - it’s the people they know too. So whether you’re looking for advice or experience, remember to cast your net wide.
Get a taste for it
If it’s a career pivot you’re making, something else you’ll need to consider is having the time and money for study. The idea of being a physiotherapist and helping people might sound appealing, but will you enjoy learning the science behind it? This is an opportune time to find out.
Rather than make a big investment in education fees, do some research to find the cheapest entry point into studying your chosen field to get a taste of what’s to come. This could be an online course that might even offer ‘taster’ material. Call up a few providers, and get their views on how you can best road test your course without making a big investment at the outset.
Check out your new scene
If a big move is on the horizon for you, find a way to road test the commute, experience your new neighbourhood and any local facilities you might be leaning on.
If you're planning something a bit further afield, book a holiday house in the area and consider the cost of this an investment in your future. You might love it, or you might find that the sea change you want isn’t going to meet your expectations.
Find the lowest entry point
If you’re planning to start a new business or venture, it will likely require some investment in the form of building a physical product, marketing and delivering a service to customers. Think about what is the quickest and cheapest way you do this, to help validate your ideas and get some more experience in your field.
For example, if you’re planning to sell marketing services to customers, put up a simple brochure website explaining what you do and why, and test the waters with your ideal clients. There are plenty of website companies that do affordable ‘off the shelf’ designs that you can use to get started.
Of course, the above are just ideas and your pivot may look completely different to the above. Whatever your plans for tomorrow, find a way to dip your toe in the water, get a feel for things and make sure you’re doing your due diligence before you move ahead.