If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be starting over in my 30s, I probably would’ve laughed. I had a stable job as a process engineer, a clear career path, and honestly, I was pretty good at what I did. For the longest time, I thought that was it—the end goal.

But life shifted. I became a mom, moved countries, and started questioning things I never used to. It wasn’t that I suddenly hated my job. It just didn’t fit me the same way anymore.

So I pivoted. I took the leap and moved into data—new tools, new language, new environment. At first, it was exciting. A fresh start, something to prove, a new challenge to conquer.

But now that I landed the job, I found myself asking, “Okay… now what?”

That’s when the real journey began—figuring out what purpose looked like after the pivot.

It’s Not Just About Starting Over

There’s this pressure to prove that your decision to change careers was the right one. That you’re thriving, making moves, getting wins. I definitely felt that. I threw myself into learning, upskilling, and applying for roles—basically anything to keep the momentum going.

But somewhere in that hustle, I realized I wasn’t chasing a career—I was chasing validation. And honestly, that’s exhausting.

What I really wanted wasn’t just a new job. I wanted to feel fulfilled again.

Purpose Doesn’t Come With a Job Title

I used to think purpose was tied to status or recognition—like, “When I reach this level or land this role, I’ll be recognized.” But switching careers taught me otherwise.

Now, purpose feels quieter. It’s being able to pick up my daughter without checking my phone every five minutes. It’s working on things that challenge my mind but still let me be present for life outside of work. It’s knowing that my years of engineering weren’t wasted—they gave me tools I still use today, just in a different way.

Purpose, I’ve learned, isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s just a calm sense that you’re in the right place for where you are right now.

Redefining What Fulfillment Looks Like

The version of success I had in my 20s doesn’t fit my life anymore—and that took a while to accept. Back then, it was about growth, titles, and output. Now, it’s more about balance, impact, and alignment.

Small things matter more now: making steady progress, feeling seen in my work, having the freedom to step away when I need to.

That’s the thing about purpose—it evolves as you do.

You Don’t Need All the Answers

I’m still figuring it out, and honestly? That’s part of the process. The pivot got me on a different path, but I’m still walking it, still adjusting as I go.

If you’re in that messy middle—between where you were and where you want to be—just know that’s normal. Purpose isn’t something you magically arrive at. It’s something you uncover a little more every day.

And if you’re asking the big questions—“What do I actually want?” “What feels meaningful now?”—you’re already on your way.

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Finding purpose after a career pivot isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious, staying honest with yourself, and allowing space to grow into your next chapter. Some weeks, things click. Other weeks, you’re just figuring it out as you go. And that’s okay.

If you’re navigating a transition like I did, you don’t need to sprint. You just need steady steps forward. That’s why I created a free weekly planner to help you reflect, set gentle goals, and reconnect with what really matters—without the pressure.

👉 Download your free Weekly Intention Planner.

Give yourself permission to grow slowly. Your purpose isn’t behind you—it’s unfolding right in front of you. 💫