What to Expect? What Do You Want?
Please help me figure out how to bring you value every day
It’s Time to Move On
I started this newsletter to help us all transition from international development to other careers. I know not everyone has accepted it yet, but USAID is dying.
I don’t say this lightly. My whole life, self-image, peers, community are in international development. Flying around the world, helping people via technology—that’s been who I am (was?) for 25 glorious years. Digital development was my dream job.
Don’t get me wrong. I firmly believe that the concept of humanitarian relief and US foreign assistance will endure, but it will be 25-50% of what it was on January 19, 2025. Therefore, 50-75% of us will need to pivot into a new career. Myself included.
We must now grieve. Go through the five stages of grief in our own way, at our own speed. The process is not linear. I am still crying and screaming into the wind.
However, we must move on. My family can survive on my wife’s income—for now. Like you, I need to get a new job ASAP to pay the bills, bring home the bacon, and have self-worth.
What to Expect?
I’ve helped hundreds of people transition into rewarding international development careers. Now, it’s time to help us transition out of international development, into careers we can find equally rewarding—financially, professionally, personally, spiritually.
And that last word is key. I am only motivated if I believe in the mission of an organization. If the team isn’t mission-driven, I’m not money-driven to help. I like money, of course, but I can’t sell my soul for it. I expect you’re the same.
Hence, here is what I think I can offer you in The Career Pivot:
General advice on how to transition from the aid world into other sectors and roles that preserve our dedication to improving the world.
Links to recruiters, career coaches, and job opportunities for you to pursue as they seem relevant to your situation.
Zoom calls and Substack chat sessions that help build community and allow you to connect with your peers as we transition together.
Job ad analysis to show you who the employer is really looking for to save you the time and heartache of applying for jobs you’ll never get.
Cover letter and CV analysis to showcase your transferable skills and highlight why an employer should interview and hire you.
Mock interviews that hone your pitch and help you move from potential candidate to hired employee in your next dream job.
Personal career coaching that explores what drives you and where you can work that meets your financial, professional, personal, and spiritual goals.
The first three will always be free, if a little generic. Items 4-6 are for paid subscribers and will be tailored to your personal experience. And 7 is an ongoing deep discussion with me to help you succeed.
What do you want?
I’ve listed what I think you want. Please tell me what else you seek. How can I help you? I promise to read and respond to every message.
And this is my main promise with The Career Pivot. We are all on our own journeys to a new job. I want to help you travel along your journey quickly and with joy.
Thank you for reading this far,
Wayan