The Modern Career Path Isn't Linear But Here's Why You're Not Going Back to Square One When Pivoting
Considering creating your own business or pivoting industries? Here's how to make the jump without starting from scratch.
In partnership with 
Log onto LinkedIn in the year 2026, and you'll see the current state of work. From redundancies to restructures, the modern career path doesn't look the way it did to our parents and grandparents. The stats back this up. The average worker will change careers at least once in their life, and as many as three to seven times before they retire.
If you're currently considering a new career path, you're not alone. It also doesn't mean you're starting over from scratch. Whether you have dependents like children or ageing parents, or can't afford to quit your full-time job to study for a new career, there are ways to pivot that don't mean you need to burn your life to the ground.
"Feeling nervous usually means you're stepping outside your comfort zone and doing something meaningful," says G Hassan, a student advisor at Open Universities Australia. "Changing careers or stepping into something totally new is a big decision, so of course it's going to feel a little scary. But at the same time, if you don't give it a shot, you'll probably always wonder 'what if?'."
Use the Resources At Your Disposal
That's where Open Universities Australia comes in. They are partnered with Australia's leading universities and offer access to thousands of degrees, single subjects and short courses, all in one place. If you're not sure where to start, they have a team of expert student advisors who offer free and unbiased advice. They'll chat to you about your study goals and career outcomes to make an informed decision on the right course that works for you.
"A lot of people assume studying means diving in full-time and completely changing their routine. Once they realise they can start smaller with a single subject or study part-time at a pace that suits them, it often feels much more achievable and less intimidating." Not only do their student advisors offer guidance on study options, but they also help remove any roadblocks when it comes to admin and finance, and can even enrol you directly into uni over the phone.
Break Down Your Goals
Weighing up study and career options as an adult with real responsibilities can feel nerve-wracking. Do you give up corporate stability to open a restaurant? Do you turn your graphic design skills into a homewares brand? How on earth do you get to where you want to go? G says the key is to break your dreams down into smaller steps.
"Break everything down into smaller, manageable steps — whether that's understanding pathways into university, comparing courses or figuring out what might realistically fit your life right now."
Because they know the higher education landscape, Open Universities Australia can help to guide you towards options that make sense for where you are in your life right now. "People often say they feel relieved after having a conversation with us because they finally feel understood instead of pressured."
Pivoting Careers Doesn't Always Feel Linear
While social media can make people's lives look seamless and shiny, the reality is that pivoting careers doesn't always feel as straightforward as it can look. It also doesn't happen overnight.
Stepping sideways, trying something new or investing time into learning can still be progress. And if your next move looks different to the plan you had when you were younger, it doesn't mean you're beginning from the starting line again. You're taking the skills you already have into a new chapter of learning and curiosity.
"If studying is something you keep thinking about or feeling drawn towards, there's usually a reason for that," says G. "Sometimes confidence actually comes after taking the first step, not before."
Your journey into uni starts with Open Universities Australia at open.edu.au
Image Credits: Getty/ Strauss/Curtis
