Career Pivots: Finding Your Path in Aotearoa
- Sonja Passmore
- Nov 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 25
Real Career Pivot Stories from Aotearoa
New directions rarely arrive fully formed. They take shape through low-risk experiments. This could be a summer job, a short course, a side project, a conversation, or following an interest simply because it feels right.
What happens when people back their strengths, trust their transferable skills, and take that first step? The stories below offer three very real examples from Aotearoa.
From University Study to Award-Winning Viticulture
Take the story of Tahryn Mason. His journey into viticulture began with a summer job at a vineyard while studying at university. What started as temporary work revealed a genuine passion. He decided to pursue it further. Bringing curiosity, discipline, and problem-solving strengths with him, Tahryn has since been recognized as a national award-winning viticulturist.
His story proves that sometimes the most meaningful opportunities begin with trying something new. It doesn’t require a full plan, just an openness to possibility.
From Parliament to Wellness Entrepreneurship
After serving as a Member of Parliament, Anna Lorck stepped away from politics and entered a completely different landscape: the wellness sector. Using the leadership, communication, and community-building skills developed throughout her career, she is now building a wellbeing-focused business that reflects her values and priorities.
For Anna, the pivot didn’t start with certainty. It began with exploring what felt purposeful and seeing where that path could lead.
From News Reporting to Meditation and Retreat Leadership
For Claire Robbie, the shift from journalism and broadcast media to meditation teaching and running wellbeing retreats was driven by personal transformation. It began with her own practice and teaching small classes. Gradually, she built a community-focused wellbeing organization centered on balance, connection, and growth.
Like many career changes, it began with one small step and evolved into an entirely new chapter.
The Power of Transferable Skills in a Career Pivot
What these stories share is not a reinvention from scratch, but the ability to carry existing strengths into new environments. Transferable skills such as:
Communication and storytelling
Leadership and relationship building
Strategic thinking and planning
Project and operational management
Problem-solving and adaptability
These skills remain valuable, regardless of the industry. The context may shift, but the capability does not.
Finding Your Own Transferable Strengths
If you’re exploring what might come next, start small. Ask yourself:
When have I felt most energized at work?
What strengths do people consistently acknowledge in me?
What kind of work do I lose track of time doing?
What could I experiment with — even for an hour a week?
Clarity often comes through motion, not reflection alone. The world of work is changing rapidly. The most powerful strategy is not to stay in one lane, but to learn how to shift lanes confidently when the time is right. Your next career doesn’t require a leap; it starts with a step. Progress isn’t built on certainty; it’s built on momentum.
The Importance of Community Support
As you navigate your career pivot, remember the value of community support. Engaging with others who are on similar journeys can provide encouragement and insights. Networking events, workshops, and online forums can be excellent places to connect with like-minded individuals.
Sharing your experiences and learning from others can help you gain new perspectives. It can also inspire you to take that next step.
Embracing Change: A Continuous Journey
Embracing a career pivot is not a one-time event. It is a continuous journey of growth and exploration. As you move forward, remain open to new opportunities. Each experience can teach you something valuable, even if it doesn’t lead to an immediate career change.
Remember, the path to fulfillment often involves trial and error. Embrace the process and allow yourself to learn along the way.
Conclusion: Your Path Awaits
In conclusion, the journey of a career pivot can be both exciting and daunting. It requires courage to step into the unknown. However, by leveraging your transferable skills and remaining open to new experiences, you can create a fulfilling career that aligns with your passions and values.
Take that first step today. Your next chapter awaits.
Sources Referenced
Primary ITO – story of Tahryn Mason
NZ Herald – profile featuring Anna Lorck
Fashion Quarterly / Ensemble – coverage of Claire Robbie
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