Non-linear careers: guidelines for starting over

IN a world where lifelong tenure at a single company is a thing of the past and the workplace is being rapidly reshaped by technological and AI disruption, non-linear career paths have become not just common, but a practical response to a constantly evolving landscape. And while this path cannot be sugar-coated it is tough and will require sacrifice the good news is that it is possible to make a success of an entirely new career later in life.

- ADVAITA NAIDOO

A non-linear career can be described as a work history that does not follow a single, continuous path within one field or role. It involves shifts, breaks or transitions between unrelated industries or job types.

Plan B

In the past, people would mostly stick to a relatively predictable path throughout their careers - moving steadily up the ladder in their chosen field, or branching out into proximate roles. In the last few years, however, this model has been turned on its head. The various reasons for this include but are not limited to the effects of the pandemic, global and local economic volatility, and the impact of AI.

Examples abound of people who are forced to develop a solid “plan B” later in life: women re-entering the workforce, workers retrenched due to technology disruption or economic factors, and athletes and sports people whose professional careers have come to an end. Others may not be forced by circumstance, but rather by a need for meaning which they have not found in their primary career path.

The major hurdle facing those seeking to re-enter the workforce or those wanting to pivot is how to make their non-linear career path make sense to hiring managers.