Originally published in John Geraghty’s LinkedIn Newsletter, The Long Game
With March Madness wrapping up, I started thinking about how quickly a game can change.
The teams that make it deep into the tournament are the ones who can adjust. Halftime resets, in-game decisions, and the ability to recognize what is working and what is not usually determine who moves on.
Careers are not all that different.
In the first edition of The Long Game, I wrote about how small decisions over time shape outcomes. This time, I want to focus on what happens when the plan you have been following no longer fits the situation.
Because at some point, the game changes.
What a “Halftime Adjustment” Actually Looks Like
A halftime adjustment in your career starts with stepping back and being honest about where you are compared to where you thought you would be.
Sometimes that means recognizing you are in a rut. Other times, it means recognizing you’ve accomplished more than you give yourself credit for and should consider how to build on it.
Most people do not take the time to reflect in this way. They show up, do their work, and move on to the next day.
The problem is, it is difficult to improve if you are not clear on where you stand.
Even when things are going well, taking time to evaluate your progress and make adjustments helps you keep growing.
Why Some People Adjust, and Others Do Not
Adjusting in the middle of your career is not easy.
It requires a level of self-awareness and honesty that many people avoid. It is easier to stick to a routine and assume things will keep working out.
The professionals who adapt well tend to have a balance of confidence and humility. They understand what they do well, but are also willing to acknowledge where they need to improve. They ask questions, try new approaches, and are willing to step outside their comfort zone.
Those who struggle often rely too heavily on what got them to where they are. That approach can work for a time, but it becomes limiting when the environment around them changes.
The 10-Year Plan Still Matters, But It Has to Evolve
I still believe a 10-year plan matters.
It provides direction and guides short-term decisions, especially since most people change roles every few years. The issue is becoming too attached to it.
If every decision is based on short-term factors like compensation or boredom, it becomes difficult to build real momentum. At the same time, if you refuse to adjust your plan when the market changes, you risk falling behind.
The goal is to maintain a long-term vision while staying flexible enough to adapt as conditions evolve.
Recognizing When the Game Is Changing
In most cases, the signals are there, and technology is usually the first indicator.
Deloitte points out that as technology becomes more common, the real advantage comes from the “human edge.” It comes down to how people adapt, communicate, and make decisions as things change.
Work that once required time and manual effort is now faster and more efficient, which shifts what skills are actually valued.
As that happens, leadership, communication, and the ability to work with others become more important as technology takes on more of the transactional work.
The mistake is ignoring these signals. If you keep operating the same way while everything around you evolves, you risk becoming stagnant or less relevant over time.
How to Pivot Without Starting Over
When an industry shifts, many people either resist the change or assume they need to start over completely. Neither approach is effective. The better approach is to adjust your mindset first.
Your experience still has value, but now the focus should be on how your skills and experience can be applied in new ways. This is where transferable skills become important.
Leadership, communication, and problem-solving are not tied to one specific role or industry. In many cases, they become even more valuable during periods of change.
The professionals who navigate these transitions well are the ones who recognize them early and position themselves ahead.
The Role of Relationships
Periods of change often come with uncertainty, and this is where relationships play an important role.
Strong relationships provide perspective, support, and access to opportunities that may not be visible otherwise. They can also help reinforce your confidence when it is easy to start questioning your value.
In many cases, relationships become even more important during periods of transition than they are when things are stable.
Key Takeaway
The professionals who succeed over time are the ones who can deviate from their game plan and recognize when it’s time to adjust.
Staying adaptable requires a willingness to learn, step outside your comfort zone, and approach change with a growth mindset.
The game will continue to evolve, but how you respond to it ultimately shapes your career.
Let’s Start the Conversation
At Chesapeake Search Partners, we work closely with professionals and hiring leaders across a range of industries. That perspective gives us a clear view into how careers evolve over time.
If you are thinking about your next move or trying to better understand where your industry is heading, contact us. We are always open to a conversation.