Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: Mapping Your Career Path
The career ladder we once believed in — linear, predictable, continuous — no longer exists. Saying goodbye to the yellow brick road of traditional careers means embracing a path that’s less predictable, more personal, and full of possibilities.
So how do you navigate ambiguity and still thrive?
Instead of a linear series of steps, think of your career is a portfolio of experiences and competencies you build for an undefined, as yet undiscovered, array of opportunities. The job market demands a more pragmatic, creative approach to viewing your career and where it can lead.
Think back on your career and the opportunities you never expected. It was the right set of skills, the right time, and the right perspective that allowed you to seize the moment.
How do you answer this call?
Just get started — Create your master resumes for each area of interest, decide on the types of positions to pursue in the short-term, and dive in. You can’t win if you’re not in play.
Keep it moving – Be consistent. It’s easy to get lost in the search engine rabbit hole – looking at potential roles every day. Limit your time spent searching, determine the top 1-2 positions you will pursue each day, and act on those.
Track the applications – Keep a simple list or table of positions, save copies of the job descriptions, and update employer responses. This will also help you spot positions that are reposted or retooled, saving you time and effort.
Tailor your applications – I won’t pretend that this is easy. It takes time to tailor resumes. Find your rhythm, determine which changes matter most, and decide how much time you’ll spend on revisions.
Don’t confuse “Right for Now” with “Dream Job” – Your next role may not be your Dream Job. It might be the perfect role for the next few years or something that strengthens a skill set. Understand your needs and how the position supports them.
Being more practical, strategic and flexible will help you navigate today’s uncertainty. And, this will approach will better position you to pivot over the long-term.
Which unexpected opportunity has shaped your career? If you’re ready to take action, schedule a free Discovery Call or a deep-dive Pivot Starter Pack session to jump-start your next move.