Why Non-Linear Career Paths Are The Future
People are working longer.
With advances in healthcare and medicine, people are living longer than ever. According to the World Health Organization, by 2030, 1 in 6 people will be 60 years or over. By 2050, that number is expected to double. As a result, the traditional 40-year career is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Instead, the 60-year career is much more likely. However, they must find satisfying and fulfilling roles to remain in the workforce for that long. It’s unlikely that many people will want to stay in the same job for 60 years, so non-linear career paths that require lifelong learning and skill enhancement will become much more common.
Values and priorities have changed.
The pandemic has brought a significant shift in attitudes and values, particularly regarding the importance of aspects outside work. In a Gartner survey, 65% agreed that the pandemic shifted their attitude toward the importance of factors outside work, while 50% said that their expectations toward their employer changed. While salary is substantial, workers seek more than just a paycheck. Flexible and remote working options, work-life balance, and career development opportunities are increasingly emerging.
When people think about their ideal workplace, they want to feel valued, trusted, and inspired. As a result, non-linear career paths that offer these types of benefits will become more common.
Skills are center stage.
In recent years, companies have been more willing to embrace skills-based hiring, where they consider applicants who don’t necessarily have a college degree or minimum years of experience. It’s becoming a top workplace trend for several reasons. First, despite a challenging economy, companies struggle to attract and retain top talent. A skills-based hiring approach expands the talent pool, accelerates hiring time, and reduces hiring costs. It’s also a great way to further workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion by tearing through the “paper ceiling” that holds people back from being considered for roles they are qualified for. That means nontraditional candidates and self-taught career-switchers will have more excellent opportunities.
The workplace is rapidly evolving.
This is a tough time for the labor market, where entire industries are trying to fill gaps in the workforce. Over the next decade, the workplace will change dramatically, with companies looking for skills that don’t exist today. In addition, employees feel less engaged and are less loyal to employers. According to Energage Research, survey data collected from employees at more than 4,000 companies show that employee engagement levels have fallen lower than during the pandemic. The research also revealed lower levels of loyalty as employees leave their employer for a new one.
This shift in allegiance isn’t surprising, given that employee burnout and stress are at all-time highs. In addition, the staggering number of layoffs and hiring freezes announced over the past several months have eroded employee loyalty. All these elements combined contribute to more workers pursuing non-linear career paths.
This a strategic decision
In conclusion, lifetime employment at a single job is a thing of the past. While some employers may still frown upon non-linear careers, those attitudes quickly change. Companies now want flexible workers who can adapt to evolving work situations. By making purpose and passion your guide and leveraging your transferable skills, you can build a career that inspires and motivates you for years.
Remember, a non-linear career path isn’t a sign of flakiness or lack of focus. It’s a strategic decision to pursue work that aligns with your values and passions.
The article is “Why Non-Linear Career Paths Are The Future.”