Maximizing Wealth: The Power of Leverage in Non-Linear Careers

In today’s dynamic world, where flexibility and independence are increasingly valuable, many professionals are rethinking traditional career paths. I’ve walked both linear and non-linear paths in my career, and I want to share what I’ve learned about each approach and how it’s shaped my journey toward independence and impact.

My Experience with Linear Jobs

Early in my career, I followed the classic linear path. After earning my degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, I started working in major FAANG companies. Each role I took was a step forward in terms of responsibility and expertise. Over time, I moved up the ranks, developing specialized knowledge in AI infrastructure and building platforms like Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Meta infrastructure as employee.

What worked well in my linear career:

• Clarity and predictability: Each job role had a defined set of expectations, and promotions followed a clear timeline. This offered stability and security. I knew that as long as I put in the hours, my expertise would grow, and the next promotion was on the horizon.
• Deep expertise: Staying in the tech world for years allowed me to become highly skilled in specific areas, making me an asset in teams responsible for building cutting-edge AI systems.

But as I progressed, I began to feel constrained. While the work was meaningful, I found myself locked into a cycle of time-driven performance, with my days dictated by meetings, deliverables, and corporate goals.

The Shift to a Non-Linear Path

The turning point came when I realized that, despite achieving significant milestones, my ultimate goal was not just career advancement but also independence — the ability to control my time, decisions, and the impact I wanted to create. This led me to explore non-linear career options, a journey that began when I founded MyGardenEmporium and other ventures after leaving Silicon Valley.

I’ve since shifted from input-based work to output-based work, where the focus is not on the hours I spend but on the results I create. When I was building datacenters and AI tools, I was measured by how much time and effort I invested. But now, as an entrepreneur, I’m leveraging my experience to create impact in entirely new ways — helping green urban spaces, empowering rural women, and transforming rural education through CareerKickstartClub.

How leverage works in non-linear careers: Leverage allows you to amplify your output without putting in more time. One of my greatest lessons came from building scalable tech systems, where a small piece of code could create massive business value. This principle applies to my current ventures, where I leverage my expertise, networks, and technology to make a greater impact in less time.

For example, in MyGardenEmporium, I’m not just selling plants. By automating operations and using my network, I’m building a business that promotes sustainability and community empowerment. The leverage comes from using technology and collaboration to multiply the impact of my efforts.

Choosing Between Linear and Non-Linear Paths

The choice between a linear or non-linear career ultimately depends on your goals. If stability, structured growth, and expertise development are important to you, a linear career path may be the right choice. However, if you value independence and want to create a disproportionate impact with your skills, a non-linear path, like the one I’ve chosen, might be more fulfilling.

Key advantages of non-linear careers:

• Independence: I now have control over my time and decisions, a freedom I didn’t have in a corporate role.
• Leverage: By leveraging technology and networks, I can create a bigger impact with fewer resources.
• Flexibility to pivot: In a non-linear career, I’m free to adapt based on changing market conditions or personal interests — a flexibility that has been crucial in my transition from tech to sustainability and entrepreneurship.

Why Independence Matters

One of the greatest benefits of a non-linear career is the freedom it offers. I’m no longer bound to a specific time or place. Instead, I’m measured by my output — the value I bring. This allows me to focus on the work that truly matters and aligns with my passions, like creating urban greenery and supporting rural education, all while balancing my personal life.

The concept of leverage plays a pivotal role here. Whether it’s using automation to streamline business processes or building networks that expand my reach, leverage allows me to create more value with less effort. This is what makes non-linear careers so powerful in today’s world.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my career journey, I’ve come to realize that success is not just about climbing the corporate ladder. It’s about optimizing for independence, creating value, and leveraging your skills to make the greatest possible impact. Whether you choose a linear or non-linear path, the key is to align your work with your passions and goals, maximizing your leverage along the way.

By choosing independence and focusing on output, you can unlock a more fulfilling and impactful career — just as I did when I left Silicon Valley to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams in India.