In this episode, Marc explores the twists and turns in his career that led him to make a career pivot and to launch the CareerPivot brand, website, and blog. He talks about writing his books, and he makes an important CareerPivot announcement for listeners and clients. Listen in to learn more of the CareerPivot story.
Key Takeaways:
[:55] February 13, 2107 is the 5th Anniversary of CareerPivot, so Marc has a special episode for you! This episode will have three segments: about Marc, about the evolution of CareerPivot, and finally, what to expect from CareerPivot, coming soon!
[1:33] Marc was born in New York and raised in New Jersey. His parents advised him to go to college, although he had a learning disability. He graduated from Northwestern in engineering, in under four years, and went to work for IBM in Austin, for 22 years.
[2:08] He worked in word processor software, system assurance, mechanical design, technology transfer, and then he injured his back in December 1992.
[3:19] Marc’s injury required three months off work. At the same time, IBM went through a near-bankruptcy. On April 1, he came back to chaos in his department. He was offered a job at an IBM briefing center, doing product disclosures for IBM’s top customers. He enjoyed being exposed to all kinds of customers and industries.
[3:55] In the late ‘90s Marc followed his manager into IBM Global Services, as a consultant, and it was his first career failure. His only client was EZCorp Pawn Shops. Episode 4 of this podcast tells more about that experience.
[4:24] Marc went back into marketing, and by 2000, he left IBM. He went to work for a successful tech start up, and had a moment of clarity on July 11, 2002, when he had a head-on collision with a car, on his bicycle. He was in the trauma center for five days. In months he flew to China, and landed in the midst of the SARS epidemic.
[5:14] The following year he laid himself off, and taught high school math for two years. He learned it was not for him, so he resigned. For the first time, he felt lost. He went to a non-profit, the Jewish Community Center, and lasted a year. He returned to what was comfortable, a tech startup, Lifesize. That was a mistake, and he retired in three years.
[7:15] In 2006 after teaching high school, Marc had found Launchpad Job Club, a nonprofit weekly networking community. Marc went to his first meeting and saw lots of people that looked like him. That is where the seed of CareerPivot was planted in his mind. He still went on to his two final jobs, before CareerPivot became a reality.
[9:58] In June of 2011, Marc launched a blog, My Career for My Life. In 2012, Marc launched the CareerPivot.com brand and website. He spent the year finding his voice. In 2013 Marc and Susan Lahey published, Repurpose Your Career: A Practical Guide for Baby Boomers. The book came from Marc’s blog, a whitepaper, and Susan.
[11:05] Marc started CareerPivot for clients in Austin, Texas. He has since had clients in Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Peru, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. Skype gives him a global reach.
[11:54] Where do we go next? The second edition of Repurpose Your Career is coming out on April 15, shifting to the concept of second half of life. At some point, midway in our life, things change.
[13:01] CareerPivot will launch a membership site, mid-year. Marc invites you to take a survey to provide input. Just send Marc an email. This site will have a modest monthly fee. Early members will be eligible for a very inexpensive life membership. His goal is to create a community where people can access advice, training, and community.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Contact Marc, and ask questions at: Careerpivot.com/contact-me
Do Not Retire Even if You Can: A Baby Boomer Manifesto, by Mark Miller and Susan Lahey
Repurpose Your Career: A Practical Guide to the Second Half of Life, by Marc Miller with Susan Lahey, available in April 2017
Repurpose Your Career: A Practical Guide for Baby Boomers, by Marc Miller with Susan Lahey
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