Gloria, a client of mine, thought her career path would be traditional and resemble a climb up a mountain. She aimed to follow the steps to success: First, she would choose a mountain by picking a field of work. Then, she would put in her time and build specialized skills. Next, she would shoot for the summit. She’d always been told that when you’re aiming to grow, there’s no room for stagnation or complacency, only linear advancement.
Navigate Your Career Path Like the Road Trip of a Lifetime
Leave space for spontaneous detours and exploration.
April 29, 2024
Summary.
Over the past few years, the way we work has changed. Recent data show that working in a single company, or staying confined to a single job title, for several years is becoming rarer. Not everyone’s career paths will be traditional and resemble a climb up a mountain. And that’s okay. We need a new way to approach our careers, one that allows us to be nimble and resilient. Why not approach your paths like the road trip of a lifetime — to build an intentional career path that is unique, enjoyable, and adaptive to change.
- Get in the driver’s seat. You don’t have to be confined to a predetermined path and you don’t have to stay on a single track — you can curate a portfolio of experiences. You can embark on a diverse and adventurous journey filled with discovery.
- Know that the plan is iterative. When you set off on a road trip, you don’t plug your ultimate destination into the GPS and drive there as quickly and directly as possible. You ask yourself some key questions about what you want to experience along the journey: What kinds of places do I want to visit? What do I want to see and experience? When you embark on your career, know that it is okay to make detours.
- Be open to unexpected opportunities and load up your trunk. On a road trip, change is expected — that’s what makes it a rich adventure. Approach your career path with openness to unforeseen possibilities and seize them. You can even loop back to revisit somewhere you’ve been before with fresh eyes and new experience under your belt. As you explore, practice articulating the connections between where you’ve been and where you’re going. You should learn how to transfer your unique skills to each new role, as they can make you an asset in new spaces.
New!
HBR Learning
Career Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Career Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What's your next career move? Learn how to set yourself up for success.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Career Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Career Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What's your next career move? Learn how to set yourself up for success.