Career Breaks, Pivots, and the Space Between What Was and What’s Next

There’s a chapter of our careers we don’t talk about enough.

Not the big promotion.
Not the shiny new job announcement.
Not even the dramatic “I quit!” moment.

We’re talking about the space in between—the pause, the pivot, the quiet stretch where something old has ended… and something new hasn’t quite landed yet.

A woman seated at a desk in a bright office, looking away thoughtfully during a moment of career reflection and transition.

That space can feel uncomfortable. Awkward. Disorienting.
And also? Incredibly powerful.

The Myth of the Linear Career

Somewhere along the way, we were sold a very tidy story about success:
Pick a path → climb steadily → never step off → arrive.

Real life, however, looks more like:
Pause → side-step → regroup → detour → leap → pause again.

Career breaks and pivots aren’t signs of failure or lack of ambition. More often, they’re signs of self-awareness. They happen when something no longer fits—your values, your season of life, your energy, or your goals.

And that moment of “this isn’t working anymore” is often the first honest step toward something better.

Why the In-Between Feels So Hard

The space between what was and what’s next messes with us because it removes certainty.

You might be asking yourself:

Who am I if I’m not doing that anymore?
How do I explain this gap or shift?
What if I make the wrong next move?

There’s also a lot of noise telling us we should be “using the time productively” or “figuring it out quickly.” But clarity doesn’t usually arrive on command. It shows up after reflection, experimentation, rest, and—yes—some discomfort.

The in-between is not a problem to solve. It’s a phase to move through.

Reframing a Career Break (or Pivot)

Instead of seeing this chapter as a gap, try seeing it as:

A reset: space to reassess what actually matters now, not five years ago.
A testing ground: trying things on without long-term commitment.
A realignment: reconnecting with strengths, interests, and boundaries you may have ignored.

Many people discover during this phase that they don’t want “more” of the same—they want different. Different pace. Different environment. Different definition of success.

That’s not quitting. That’s evolving.

Questions about timing often surface in this space—especially for anyone feeling the pull to start something of their own. In Episode 11 of Everything in Between, Lynne and Braelyn talk honestly about what it really means to start a business, including how Thrive came to life. Lynne shares a refreshingly candid perspective from years of advising entrepreneurs: if she can easily talk you out of starting a business, it may not be the right path yet. Sometimes clarity doesn’t come from pushing forward—it comes from slowing down and asking better questions.

What Actually Helps in the In-Between

A few things that tend to make this season healthier (and less spiral-y):

1. Create gentle structure
You don’t need a rigid schedule, but a rhythm helps. Regular movement, social connection, and dedicated thinking time keep you grounded while your next chapter takes shape.

2. Talk it out (with the right people)
Choose people who listen without rushing you to answers. You don’t need fixing—you need space to process.

3. Try before you decide
Freelance, volunteer, take a class, explore a side project. Small experiments often lead to big clarity.

4. Change your environment when you can
Where you spend your days matters more than we admit. Being in a space designed for focus, connection, and creativity can quietly support you while you’re figuring things out.

The Truth About What’s Next

Here’s the part no one loves to hear:
You probably won’t have the full picture right away.

What you can have is a next step. One conversation. One application. One boundary. One brave experiment.

Careers aren’t built in one leap—they’re built through a series of thoughtful moves, especially in moments of transition.

And that in-between space?
It’s not wasted time. It’s where insight, confidence, and direction quietly start to form.

You’re not behind.
You’re becoming.

Thrive isn’t just a workspace; it’s a vibrant community of inspiring women who support and empower each other. With its beautiful decor, abundant amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, Thrive provides the perfect environment to boost productivity and achieve your professional goals. If you’re looking for a space to focus, connect, and grow, consider trying out Thrive for yourself. Join us and discover the difference a dedicated, empowering workspace can make in your life and career!

Schedule a tour here: https://calendly.com/thriveaz/thrive-tour