Non-Linear Career Paths
Max Ehrmann once said, “keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time”. Everyone has a moment where they try and figure out what career path to take. Unfortunately, no one has the ability to foresee if the career path chosen will have been for the best. This presents the challenge of finding a career that fulfills one’s own interest, takes advantage of the skill set acquired through one’s hobbies, and has the ability to generate income to be able to support oneself.
Traditionally, career paths have largely been seen as linear: Decide to be a lawyer. Major in a pre-law major: political science, sociology, philosophy; apply to law school; graduate with a law degree; take and pass the bar; practice law. But what happens if the path takes a different turn? It becomes non linear.
Writer Caroline Castrillon, in her 2023 article for Forbes, writes, “it used to be that people would map out their careers in a very linear fashion…as employers and employees face an ever-changing job market, non-linear career paths are becoming the new normal… when we talk about non-linear career paths, they are intentional. Your career may not follow a straight line, but there’s still a bit of planning involved”.
It is safe to say the job market has taken several unexpected turns over the last 20-30 years. This is important to note because the job market indicates which career occupations are the most in-demand as well as for approximately how long. The job market serves as a vessel for the changing times with rises of new innovative technology, inflation within costs of living- rent, utilities, cars, education, etc. as well as changing scopes regarding new and old ways of life- work/life balance, remote work, and cooperative education.
From these changes comes different ways and different directions regarding career paths. Some find a way to have the best of both worlds; carve out a lane for oneself that involves making money in a traditional 8-5 job with benefits while pursuing self employment on a small to mid scale. Some work in a traditional 8-5 job with benefits for 20 years, retire from that job, and then decide to do something else. Some decide to go into self-employment full time and enjoy the flexibility that comes with being an entrepreneur.
Regardless of the path chosen, it all comes down to what one can see themselves doing. It comes down to finding a career that excites them the moment they wake up in the morning. Non-linear career paths are paths that can be done through extensive research and guidance. However it also requires a small dose of serendipity.
