“The, I never had a plan, career plan.”

I appreciate the questions that many of you have sent me, and I continue to answer all of them individually. That said, when one question seems like it may resonate with a larger audience, I answer it here. I hope that you are inspired to share your advice and point of view with the community too – because we all benefit from this conversation.?

Dear Can We Connect? What do you wish someone told you earlier in your career? With a non-traditional career path without clear next steps, how did you figure out yours??

Dear Marcia,?

What do you wish someone told you earlier in your career? I wish someone had told me that it’s ok not to have a clear path or plan. Some people know from a young age what they want to be when they grow up but some of us need to take a more winding path and there’s nothing wrong with that. Part of finding what you want to do is trying things so pick things you're passionate about (or at least interested in), that aligns with your interests and values and go all in. Eventually you’ll find your path.?

How do you figure out your next steps, in a non-traditional career path? I was the daughter of immigrants, and at 17 when my father died unexpectedly, I became financially insecure. And yet, when I graduated college I wasn’t looking for a job, I was searching for my calling. I didn't have a 3 year plan or 5 year plan. What I had was lots of ideas and the willingness to go ALL in on these ideas no matter how crazy.??

When I looked for a job I always started by making lists – lists of things I was passionate about no matter what those were. Then I worked every angle, and many plans at the same time – knowing that having a plan A, B and C would increase my chances of success.?

For example, I was always interested in media (as a kid I loved TV/movies/magazines), so it was on my list. But when I was in business school I didn’t get a job in media, instead I landed a coveted and high paying summer job in investment banking. Since the role was in media investment banking I hoped that my calling could also miraculously be high paying! Ambitious, curious, and determined I figured I could dig into any role. And so that’s what I did that summer. But it quickly became clear that something was missing – that despite my financial insecurity, I needed a job that aligned with my interests and values. So upon graduating, I signed up for one of the lowest paying jobs of anyone in my class, a job in advertising.?

I’m here to tell you that you can pursue your passions, find success and pay your bills. To borrow from Ted Lasso, you just have to believe. My non-linear career path includes many twists and turns including stints at Y&R, Turner, CitySearch, MacMillan, my own bag business, my own consulting business, Univision, NBCU, Gannett, Hyatt and now Nextdoor. Every job I take, I jump in with both feet focused on doing my absolute best. I learn a little about myself and what I need from each role and when I'm ready to move on. Eventually patterns emerge. The key is to trust yourself and the process.

So pick something that interests you. Chase it and don’t give up. If you try it and it doesn’t work out OR if you try it and discover it's not what you love, then you’ll make another move. Life is short. Nothing is forever. Don’t be afraid. Just go for it. And remember, if I can do it, so can you.

Thanks for engaging in the conversation. And as a reminder, here is how this column works. I will collect questions weekly so that I can take the weekend to respond to as many questions as possible and publish a few key questions that I think can apply to many via this LinkedIn Newsletter. Questions can be submitted here . Feel free to share with anyone you think would benefit from the conversation or who you think might have a question they’d like answered.?