Welcome to The Career Pivot

What is this newsletter all about?

We are witnessing the complete meltdown of international development.

Direct job losses from the USAID funding freeze are 50,000-100,000 in the past two weeks alone. Job losses around the world could approach one million. I wish that was hyperbole.

I am seeing my life’s work die. 25 years of dream jobs destroyed in two weeks.

I Don’t See Aid Coming Back

Oh, the idea that international development will continue. That USAID was “only” 43% of global aid flows. That there are still programs funded by other bilateral donors, multilateral organizations, foundations, and millions of individual donors.

Thank you. Each and every one of you. For still believing in the idea that those with plenty should help lift up those without. I still believe in mission-driven work, too.

This is the Reality

When bilateral foreign assistance resumes—and I am convinced it will—USAID will be 25-50% of its size on January 19, 2025. It will probably be subsumed by the State Department—effectively, if not actually—and subject to the changing whims of an oligarchy high on perceived power.

I don’t think I want to work in that rubble. The programs will be small, the staff neutered. Whatever aid does happen will be micromanaged and subject to domestic political ideas that are antithetical to my beliefs.

It is Time to Pivot

We must accept that we all need to find new jobs, new careers, new pathways in this life that give us joy and accomplishment.

Some of us are not ready to accept that yet. Others know how hard transitions can be—mine into international development took two years of pain and tears.

For those who are ready, the transition will not be easy. I do not have all the answers. Yet, I want us to make this transition together.

The Career Pivot

This site is my effort to help us all transition to something new. I’ve helped hundreds of people transition into rewarding international development careers. Now, that industry is dead. It's time for us to mourn... then move on.

I make the public promise to you that I will do my best to help you transition in the way that suits you the best through one of these services:

Free Subscription

• Sign up for this newsletter for free advice on how to approach the job search. How to tailor your CV and showcase transferable skills. Which employers are hiring and who they are looking for.

Paid Subscribers

I ask for your trust (and payment) that I will deliver great value to you, including:

• Job Analysis: Dissecting job ads to show you what employers are really looking for. Use these skills to learn which jobs are worth your time and which employers are just fishing for cheap help.

• Application Analysis: Reviewing your cover letter and CV to highlight your unique skills, abilities, and competencies to match what the employer seeks and increase your likelihood of getting an interview.

• Mock Interviews: Asking you questions and analyzing your responses based on your background and the job advertisement to help you prepare for—and pass!— job interviews.

Founding Members

• Personal Coaching: Talking with you one on one to understand your personal career dreams and the challenges you face, and then develop a comprehensive plan you can implement to speed up your career pivot.

What Else do You Need?

Like I said before, I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know all your needs. I am willing to pivot this service—as we all must pivot—to better help you overcome your challenges and find a new job.

Please let me know how The Career Pivot can be better.

Thank you for your trust,

Wayan Vota