"The linear career path changed somewhere between the rise of the gig economy and the rise of artificial intelligence. Companies are restructuring. Some industries may collapse entirely in the next five years. I've gone from studying law to studying software entrepreneurship to being a self-improvement essayist. My career is still an "experiment in progress." The world of work is changing. And I'm changing with it."
"If the promotion is not coming, don't dwell on it. Or obsess over the next one. Focus on what you can do to take control of your skills. The title may look great on LinkedIn, but you will want more than that. Do more for your present skills. Can you get good at other skills beyond your current expertise? Can you interpret data? Manage difficult conversations? Build better relationships with the people on your team?"
"These skills travel with you. Titles don't. Titles change, while your values and skills evolve. You are either ahead of change or being left behind. Don't focus too much on reaching the final level of management. Stack indispensable skills you can take anywhere. That means take that weird project nobody wants. You'll learn something. Say yes to the cross-functional team-even if it's more work. Learn the skill that scares you a little."
The linear career path has fractured under forces like the gig economy and artificial intelligence, producing unclear futures and industry disruption. Companies are restructuring and some industries may collapse within years. Career trajectories can shift dramatically, requiring continuous adaptation and experimentation. Success increasingly favors those who build transferable skills and flexibility instead of chasing titles. Practical strategies include taking unwanted projects, joining cross-functional teams, and learning intimidating new skills to expand capabilities. Transferable skills such as data interpretation, difficult conversations, and relationship-building enable mobility across roles and resilience amid rapid workplace change.
Read at Fast Company
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