⚖️ Career Inflection Points
- marinamartinezmont
- Oct 19
- 3 min read
At some point in every professional journey, something changes. Sometimes it’s by choice; other times, it’s driven by circumstances — a company restructuring, a partner pursuing an MBA abroad, or the sudden need (or opportunity) to take a new direction.Suddenly, what once felt stable starts to move, and the big question arises: “What now?”
This happens to many of my clients — and it’s completely normal. That moment of uncertainty isn’t a sign of weakness or lack of direction; it’s part of a natural transition that most professionals experience at some point in their careers.
📊 What the Data Says
Major career changes are becoming increasingly common:
The average professional changes jobs around 11 times during their working life. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
26% of employees say they are likely to change jobs within the next 12 months. (PwC Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey 2023)
According to the World Economic Forum, 39% of key job skills are expected to change by 2030.
In short: reinventing yourself isn’t just possible — it’s becoming an integral part of a modern professional career.
🧭 When Everything Shifts — Industry, Function, or Country
When faced with a career transition, most people find themselves making decisions across three main dimensions:
Industry: for example, moving from retail to technology.
Function: shifting from finance to marketing, or from operations to strategy.
Country: relocating abroad for professional or personal reasons.
Having worked across several countries in Europe and Latin America, I’ve supported many professionals through these transitions. And one pattern always emerges: it’s usually wiser to change only one or two of these variables at a time.
This isn’t just anecdotal — it’s supported by research:
Harvard Business Review recommends approaching career changes strategically, preserving your professional network and building transferable skills rather than attempting a total reinvention overnight.
LinkedIn shows that the world of work is changing rapidly, and that networks and skills are key to seizing opportunities and managing transitions effectively.
McKinsey highlights that complex transitions — especially in the context of digital transformation — often require significant adjustment, including investment in training and time to stabilize results.
That’s why keeping one “steady leg” — whether it’s your country, function, or industry — can make the process smoother and reduce the impact of change.
That said, let’s be clear: the “triple jump” (changing industry, function, and country all at once) is possible. It takes work, self-awareness, patience, and a solid plan — but with the right preparation, it can absolutely be done.
💭 The Beliefs That Hold Us Back
During these transitions, it’s common to encounter limiting beliefs such as:
“It’s too late to change.”
“No one will hire me without direct experience.”
“I can’t take risks right now.”
“I can’t change if I’m pregnant or planning to be.”
These thoughts are understandable, but they’re often rooted in fear rather than fact. Today, career reinvention is a structured and attainable process. It’s about identifying transferable skills, understanding the market, and building a realistic plan that combines growth, purpose, and personal stability.
💡 How to Approach It with Intention
The first step isn’t deciding what to do next — it’s understanding who you are now and what you need at this stage. From there, you can explore possibilities and design a plan that balances purpose, motivation, and realism.
As a coach, I help professionals:
Explore their true motivations and priorities.
Map real career options, taking into account personal, family, and financial factors.
Design an actionable plan with clear steps, timelines, and measurable goals.
The ultimate goal isn’t just to change jobs — it’s to build a career that feels meaningful and aligned with your personal and professional aspirations.
🌱 Final Reflection
A career change isn’t a rupture; it’s an evolution.With reflection, support, and a clear plan, every transition can become a gateway to a more authentic and fulfilling version of your professional life.
If you feel it’s time to move, trust yourself — you’re exactly where you need to be to design your next chapter with purpose and clarity
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