Labor Day Special: Forks vs. Pivots

A friend of mine, Dan, recently landed a new job with a firm based on another continent. While the job is overseas, his employer has given him the flexibility to continue living in Atlanta with his wife and two children. What started as a temporary contract position has now evolved into a permanent role. It’s a setup that feels increasingly common in today’s work environment, where contract employees are continuously reclassified in the gig economy. But that’s a conversation for another day.

When Dan shared the news, his feelings were mixed—excited but also uncertain. On the surface, it’s pretty straightforward: He lives in one place but works in another, which presents logistical challenges. But there’s a deeper layer to this situation that often goes unnoticed.

The Shift in the Working World

Dan is like many people today—former corporate professionals who ventured out on their own and have found some success but are always under the pressure to do more, achieve more, and earn more. When I pointed out that it sounded like he was making a career pivot rather than simply taking a fork in the road, he seemed to accept the distinction.

This idea of a pivot—changing direction but staying within the same general realm—has become a defining characteristic of our time. Pivots are happening all around us, constantly reshaping careers in response to unprecedented change, constant transitions, and what feels like a leaderless march toward a “new normal.”

The Difference Between a Pivot and a Fork

Since the term “pivot” was first coined in 2011, it’s been used to describe a shift, often subtle, within a person’s career or industry. Unfortunately, this shift hasn’t led to the dramatic economic growth we were all hoping for. For example, the U.S. economy is only seeing around 2% growth—hardly cause for celebration.

In fact, according to a report from Vet Jobs Early Eagle, a newsletter that helps veterans secure employment, 86 million workers are not counted among the employed, and the workforce participation rate has dropped to 62%, the lowest in 40 years. The workforce is increasingly fractured, and not everyone is adjusting well to the new normal.

Navigating Career Decisions

For those still working to manage their careers in this landscape, it’s crucial to understand the difference between a pivot and a fork in the road.

• Pivots are often temporary, driven by personal choice, and generally involve a shift in direction without a major upheaval.

• Forks, on the other hand, represent deeper, more permanent changes—like relocating for a new job or making a significant lifestyle adjustment. These changes may also be involuntary, such as layoffs or restructuring.

For now, I prefer to stick with the fork in my hand—at least until a real fork in the road emerges. Understanding the difference can put you ahead in your career management and help you make more informed choices.

The Takeaway: Keep Moving Forward

This Labor Day, take a moment to reflect on the choices ahead of you. Are you facing a pivot or a fork? Knowing which one you’re dealing with will give you a better understanding of the road ahead and where to focus your energy.

Happy Labor Day!