Can embracing opportunity help to break gender norms?

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, more people are stepping outside conventional career paths, often shaped by traditional gender expectations. While men and women who pursue non-traditional careers still face significant challenges, these obstacles can also present opportunities for personal growth and societal change. By embracing unexpected opportunities, individuals can advance their own development and contribute to dismantling outdated gender norms that limit career possibilities.

The power of embracing opportunity

In a world where many are conditioned to follow linear career trajectories, embracing unexpected opportunities can be a transformative experience. Opportunities often arise in ways we don’t anticipate, and those who are open to them can discover new passions or skills that may have been overlooked due to societal expectations. Whether it’s a woman entering a male-dominated field like engineering or a man pursuing a career in childcare, choosing to step into non-traditional roles can lead to significant personal growth.

I’ve seen this first-hand. People I know have been described as “lucky” when they’ve landed exciting new roles outside their original field. But what many don’t see is that these individuals weren’t simply lucky—they were prepared. They had developed a breadth of experience that allowed them to recognise opportunities others might overlook because they were focused on following a tightly planned career path.

As the Stoic philosopher Seneca said: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Those who appear lucky are often those who have worked diligently to build diverse skill sets and remain open-minded about where their careers might take them. Their ability to seize opportunities comes not from sheer luck but from having the foresight, confidence, and preparation needed to act when those opportunities arise.

Breaking gender norms as a "by-product" of growth

One of the most profound outcomes of embracing opportunity is the breaking down of gender norms in the workplace. Certain professions have long been associated with one gender—STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) are traditionally male-dominated, while caregiving roles such as nursing or teaching have been seen as women’s work. These associations are reinforced by education systems, media portrayals, and family expectations from an early age.

In Australia, for example, women make up only?28% of the STEM workforce, despite efforts to increase female participation in these fields. Similarly, just?12% of the construction workforce?is female—a decline from 14% in 1998—highlighting the persistent gender segregation in certain industries (Workplace Gender Equality Agency, 2022). However, when individuals choose non-traditional career paths based on their interests rather than societal expectations, they challenge these outdated notions.

For women entering male-dominated industries like construction or technology, they often face stereotypes questioning their competence or ability to handle the job’s demands. In many cases, they may be the only woman in the room—leading to isolation or imposter syndrome. Biases from colleagues or superiors may further hinder their progression.

I’ve often been that woman—the only one in the room at meetings or conferences. I’ve sat through interviews where breaks in a woman’s CV were repeatedly questioned—where there was an unspoken inference that she hadn’t been resilient enough or good enough to stay on course with her career. I’ve watched talented women go through multiple rounds of interviews where they were asked the same questions again and again—almost as if interviewers were waiting for them to slip up.

Instead of focusing on what might have gone wrong during a career break, let’s ask positive questions: What did that break mean for how she showed up in her next role? How did it shape her perspective or improve her skills? By reframing these conversations, we can start dismantling biases that hold women back and create space for individuals to thrive based on merit rather than gendered expectations.

Societal expectations and their impact on career choices

From childhood, boys and girls are steered towards different activities based on what is considered “appropriate” for their gender. Boys are encouraged to pursue subjects like maths and science; girls are nudged towards more nurturing roles. These early influences shape career aspirations and limit the possibilities individuals consider for themselves.

As adults enter the workforce, these expectations continue to play out subtly but powerfully. Women in male-dominated fields may feel constant pressure to prove themselves—working harder than their male peers just to be seen as equal. Men in female-dominated fields may struggle with a lack of role models who understand their experiences or may feel inadequate despite high performance.

By embracing unexpected opportunities and breaking free from these constraints, we can redefine what is possible for us—and for future generations. When more people pursue careers based on motivation and engagement rather than conforming to gender norms, it challenges outdated notions about who belongs in certain fields.

The role of inclusive workplaces

While individuals play a key role in breaking down barriers through their career choices, organisations must also create environments that support non-traditional career paths. This means implementing policies that promote gender equality at all levels—from recruitment practices to leadership development programmes.

Fostering an inclusive workplace culture is essential for breaking down stereotypes. This involves challenging unconscious biases through diversity training and encouraging open conversations about gender roles at work. When employees feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically without fear of judgement or discrimination, they are more likely to thrive in non-traditional roles.

The benefits of such diversity are clear: research shows that?companies with strong female representation at leadership levels see significant financial benefits. For instance, ASX-listed companies with female CEOs saw a?5% increase in market value, equating to an average of AUD$79.6 million (BankWest Curtin Economics Centre). Additionally, a?10 percentage point increase in female representation among top-tier managers?led to a 6.6% increase in market value worth AUD$104.7 million (WGEA).

Building resilience through opportunity

Stepping into a non-traditional career path requires resilience and adaptability. Individuals who embrace these paths will find themselves outside their comfort zones—whether it’s learning new skills or navigating unfamiliar industries. However, this process of personal growth can be immensely rewarding.

Non-linear career paths encourage continuous learning as we are constantly exposed to new ideas and approaches. The diverse skill sets gained along the way make us valuable assets in any industry. By taking risks and exploring uncharted territories, we develop a strong sense of resilience that helps us overcome challenges both professionally and personally.

Looking ahead: a future without gendered career paths?

Creating a future where anyone can pursue any career path without facing gender-based obstacles requires both systemic change at the organisational level and personal commitment from each of us. By creating space where we can embrace unexpected opportunities—we can build workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Unfortunately true equality won’t happen quickly, if ever—but by taking small steps today, we can pave the way for future generations to pursue their careers freely without being constrained by traditional notions of what men and women “should” do.