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Embracing Change: Lessons from a Career Pivot

The more responsive you are to change the better chance you have at survival

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The Deputy
December 05, 2024

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Embracing Change: Lessons From a Career Pivot

A few years ago, I was caught in the middle of a big reorganization at a big company: Pepsi Cola. Life was going smoothly, until a phone call from the top boss in Dallas flipped the script. Suddenly, I had a new manager.

The news hit me hard. My first instinct was to quit, pack up, and pursue something—anything—different. But after some reflection, I decided to buckle down and create a plan to impress my new boss. This strategy worked for a while. Then came another curveball: I was asked to relocate, this time to Oklahoma.

Now, living in Arkansas was already a stretch for me, so moving to Oklahoma felt like too much. I decided to walk away, taking a new opportunity in San Diego instead.

Looking back, I wonder if I should have stuck it out a bit longer—or even taken the job in Oklahoma. Life inside big corporations is never easy. Most employees are far removed from the executive decision-making process, which can lead to frustration and impatience. It’s easy to feel sidelined and start looking for an exit.

Just the other day, I spoke to a candidate in a similar situation. She was frustrated by some organizational changes at her company. While her concerns seemed valid on the surface, they were largely internalized—imaginary monsters, conjured by fear and uncertainty.

In her case, the new CEO hasn’t even finalized or announced any significant changes, yet she’s already panicking. This kind of overreaction is common, but it’s also avoidable. The strongest professionals adapt to change instead of running from it.

The Power of Adaptability

If you’re working for a company going through big changes, here’s my advice: deal with it. Adaptability is one of the most valuable traits you can develop, especially in today’s ever-shifting professional landscape.

Reflecting on my own career, I realize that resilience is key. Sure, I could have stayed in Arkansas a bit longer or taken the job in Oklahoma. But every career pivot is a lesson in adaptability. These experiences teach us to stay patient, face challenges head-on, and build mental toughness.

A Word to Readers

For those of you who have been following The Deputy for the past year, thank you for your attention. Writing a newsletter and delivering content worth reading is no small feat, but it’s been an incredible journey. Staying sharp, sharing insights, and learning along the way are what keep me going.

The Bottom Line

Adapting to change isn’t optional—it’s survival. Whether you’re navigating a reorg, considering a new job, or simply dealing with daily uncertainty, remember this: you need to move faster than you think you can and get more comfortable with change.

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