How Katherine Pivoted from Advertising to Recruiting with Confidence
From Burned Out to Energized: How Katherine Pivoted from Advertising to Recruiting Without Starting Over
Have you ever reached a point in your career where, despite the promotions, stability, and years of experience, you feel disconnected from your work? You may be meeting expectations on paper, but internally, the motivation is gone, and you know something has to change.
That’s exactly where Katherine found herself after nearly a decade in the advertising industry. Despite her success, the work left her feeling drained and unfulfilled.
“I changed companies, teams, even cities,” Katherine explained. “But no matter what I adjusted, that feeling kept coming back. I knew I wasn’t in the right place anymore.”
Rather than continuing to push through the exhaustion, Katherine made a different decision—one that ultimately led her to an entirely new, more aligned career path.
When Career Success No Longer Feels Satisfying
Katherine’s experience is common among driven professionals. You work hard to build your resume, achieve promotions, and grow your expertise. But over time, the excitement fades, and what once felt like the right path starts to feel limiting or misaligned.
After years of working as an Account Director in advertising, Katherine realized that changing external circumstances—such as location or employer—wasn’t enough to solve the underlying problem. She needed clarity about what truly motivated her and the confidence to make a more significant change.
That’s when she joined the Purpose-Driven Career Accelerator.
Gaining Career Clarity Through Intentional Coaching
Despite initial concerns about the time and financial investment, Katherine recognized that continuing down the same path would only lead to more frustration.
“If nothing changes, nothing changes,” she reflected. “Even if I didn’t walk away with a new job immediately, understanding what drives me would be worth it.”
Through the structured coaching process, Katherine was able to:
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Uncover her core values, motivators, and strengths
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Create a personalized plan to explore new career options
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Engage in strategic networking beyond her existing industry
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Build the confidence to navigate challenging conversations with her employer
The process not only brought clarity, but also reignited her sense of purpose.
Saying No to Comfort and Yes to the Right Opportunity
As her self-awareness grew, Katherine was presented with a pivotal decision. Her company, recognizing her value, offered her a promotion to stay. But for the first time, she had the clarity and confidence to decline the offer.
“It was tempting to stay,” Katherine admitted. “But I knew I would end up in the same place—disconnected from my work and questioning my future.”
Instead, she took a calculated risk and pivoted into a new industry: recruiting.
Building a Career That Aligns with Strengths and Purpose
Katherine’s move into recruiting was not a coincidence. It was the result of targeted exploration, conversations with mentors, and leveraging her transferable skills.
“Once I researched the industry and spoke to people with similar backgrounds, it became clear that recruiting aligned with my strengths and what motivates me,” she explained.
Within the first month of her new role, she experienced a noticeable difference:
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Renewed energy and engagement in her work
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A company culture that reflects her personal values
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Confidence in her long-term career potential
Lifelong Tools for Career Success
Katherine continues to benefit from the exercises and resources developed during her coaching program.
“My new manager asked about my work style and motivators. Because of the blueprint I created, I had those answers ready,” Katherine shared. “I’ve referred back to those tools multiple times. They’ve given me clarity not just for this transition, but for my long-term career decisions.”
Advice for Professionals Considering a Career Pivot
Katherine encourages anyone feeling disconnected, burned out, or uncertain about their path to take action.
“You will never regret investing in your own growth,” she advised. “This process helps you reconnect with your strengths, gain clarity, and build the confidence to create meaningful change. The results speak for themselves.”
Watch our video interview here!
Considering your next career move?
If you feel unfulfilled in your current role and want to explore new possibilities, schedule a complimentary 15-minute Career Brainstorming Call. We will discuss your career goals, explore whether coaching is the right fit, and I’ll help you outline your next steps.
Your career can feel purposeful and energizing again—with the right plan in place.
