Why I Ditched My 10-Year Career Plan (And Why You Should Too)

Your Career Doesn't Need a Master Plan. The notion of a "linear career path" is obsolete.?

I thought I had it all figured out when I graduated. Graduate school, land my first job, climb the corporate ladder rung by rung, move to manage people and teams, and eventually reach the coveted C-suite. Spoiler alert: It didnt go as planned, and I am glad it didnt.

Ryan Roslansky talks about career paths as never straightforward in his podcast - The Path .

The whole "climb the corporate ladder" thing feels outdated. We're bombarded with career advice telling us to meticulously plan our professional journeys. One of the most popular interview questions is - “Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?”. The secret nobody tells you - there is no such thing as a "right" path. The most interesting careers are often the most unexpected ones.

My career snapshot:

The Good

• 2x Career pivots
• 2x IC to Manager + 1x Manager to IC move
• 4x promotions

The Bad

• 2x role moved to another state/company
• I lost out in the final stage for a C-suite role?

The Ugly

• 3x - Laid off

Why Non-linear Careers are Rewarding and Fulfilling

My non-linear journey has been marked by twists and turns. Along the way, I have learned some valuable lessons about chasing curiosity, the importance of embracing uncertainty, and the value of detours.

Chase Curiosity

When I joined GoDaddy, I felt like I was starting from scratch - a new industry, a new problem, starting as an IC after managing teams. I stayed focused on the problem and the people for who I was unlocking opportunities. It was a time of discovery, and it helped me identify what I was truly passionate about. I never thought that chasing curiosity would lead to a life-altering experience helping convert people’s passions into professions. See a fascinating opportunity outside your current expertise? Go for it! Those seemingly unrelated experiences can add unexpected depth and dimension to your skill set and create uncommon outcomes.

Embrace Uncertainty

Uncertainty can be uncomfortable, but it's also a catalyst for growth. When I took on the General Manager role at GoDaddy, I was thrown into a new world of growing the business, understanding finance, and building strategic partnerships. I had to learn quickly, and it was scary at times, but it forced me to adapt and think creatively. I learned to embrace the unknown and trust that I would figure it out along the way. I enlisted the help of my amazing cross-functional partners and saw myself adding value in no time.

Detours create Value

Detours are an inevitable part of any non-linear journey. They can be frustrating at times, but they're also growth opportunities. When I was at an early-stage startup, I took a detour into marketing, which seemed like a departure from my role in leading product and design. It ended up being a valuable experience that helped me understand the customer's perspective and develop a customer-centric approach to building products.?

Focus on Skills, Not Titles

Building skills beyond your core is a natural part of any non-linear career path. It requires a willingness to take risks and adapt to changing circumstances. When I left eBay, I could have stuck with what I knew, but instead, I took a chance and pursued a new path as employee #3 of an early-stage startup. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. I spent countless hours working with the board, legal, and partners, and visiting potential customers around the world - none of these were a part of my job description. I did what was required and that helped me build skills that I bring along to the mission I serve.

Pivot with Purpose

Having a personal purpose is as critical as companies having their mission and purpose. In the early stages of my career, I took on roles based on two factors - the people I would work with and the impact I would help deliver. As I grew into senior roles, I added another dimension to that framework - the mission I would support. Being purposeful about the purpose you serve is more powerful than listing out the problems you want to solve - you can learn to solve new problems, but you cannot build a passion without being purposeful about it. I highly recommend you invest time in defining your purpose and picking roles that align.

TL;DR

My non-linear journey has been incredibly rewarding. I've learned to embrace uncertainty and value detours as opportunities for growth. I have realized that there's no one path to success – it's a winding road that requires adaptability, resilience, and persistence. So, if you're feeling lost or uncertain about your career path, take a deep breath and remember that it's okay to take the scenic route. It isn't a detour - it's a rewarding journey. And trust me, it's one hell of a ride.

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