The Squiggly Career

“How do we thrive in a professional world no longer defined by stability but by constant change? The Squiggly Career answers this by showing how to embrace agility and self-development.”

1. Modern Careers Demand Flexibility and Adaptation

In the past, careers often followed a predictable path: one job at a single company leading to retirement. Today, this linear trajectory is increasingly rare. Careers have become “squiggly,” where employees switch roles and even industries, redefining their own success. Learning to adapt is more important than ever.

Switching jobs is no longer seen as unstable; rather, it showcases open-mindedness and the ability to evolve. Additionally, automation is pushing workers to shift their skill sets repeatedly. Studies like McKinsey's estimate that as many as 375 million people might change careers within the next decade. Resilience and adaptability are the new professional superpowers.

Flexible work arrangements have also shifted professional norms. Employers now value project-focused skills more than static qualifications. However, newfound agility can involve challenges like setting boundaries and coping with isolation from remote work. The ability to thrive in this new dynamic requires intentional planning and balance.

Examples

• Job-hopping seen as positive highlights adaptability and skill diversification.
• McKinsey's prediction of 375 million career shifts emphasizes automation's impact.
• Implementing flexible hours led to a 72% productivity increase in a YouGov study.

2. Build on Your Strengths, Not Just Correct Weaknesses

While it’s natural to address weaknesses, success comes from identifying and sharpening your strengths. Instead of spreading efforts on every skill, focusing on your natural abilities is a more effective path to mastery and fulfillment.

Strengths are split into innate talents and those acquired through experience. When an employee’s role aligns with their strengths, they’re not just more productive—they’re happier. A Gallup study found such workers to be six times more engaged. Investing most of one’s energy into strengths reaps higher rewards than fixing minor flaws.

Discovering your “super strengths”—the things people unambiguously associate with you—allows you to bring greater value to work. These attributes, when displayed openly, can shape how others perceive your professional uniqueness. Don’t let your super strengths go unnoticed; they should guide your career decisions.

Examples

• Gallup reported higher engagement for workers using their strengths.
• Lack of detail-orientation may indicate visionary thinking as a strength counterpart.
• Highlighting “super strengths” publicly builds clarity and confidence.

3. Anchor Your Career in Your Core Values

Success is hollow if it conflicts with what truly matters to you. Defining and integrating your values into work ensures that your career aligns with your sense of purpose, resulting in deeper satisfaction.

Our personal values are formed at specific life stages: early childhood (imprinting stage), school age (copycat stage), and adolescence (rebel stage). These fundamental beliefs influence both professional and personal happiness. Ignoring your values may lead to disengagement, no matter how many perks your job offers.

When values clash with work environments, problems emerge. If honesty is integral to you, you might excel at straightforward feedback yet accidentally offend colleagues. Understanding and aligning your values can help foster positive relationships and a fulfilling career.

Examples

• Imprinting phase shapes values like compassion observed from caregivers.
• Copying a favorite teacher might instill independence during school years.
• A transparent workplace ties in well with those valuing honesty and fairness.

4. Confidence Is a Skill That Can Be Grown

Confidence doesn’t always come naturally, but it can be cultivated with consistent effort. It’s normal to grapple with fears, but addressing insecurity systematically helps you grow both personally and professionally.

Identify what triggers your fears—your “confidence gremlins.” Whether it’s public speaking or job interviews, challenge those feelings by taking small, controlled risks. Positive reinforcements, such as rewarding yourself after challenging situations, help mitigate these doubts over time.

Another way to boost confidence is by surrounding yourself with a supportive network. Mentors or friends who “get it,” challenge you, or have “been there” can anchor you in tough times. Moreover, posture and speaking patterns influence how confident you appear to others—practice strong body language alongside skill-building.

Examples

• Treat yourself (e.g., a snack) after overcoming public-speaking challenges.
• “Support solar systems” include those who provide encouragement and wisdom.
• Adjusting posture to be more open boosts both appearance and inner confidence.

5. Networking Thrives on Mutual Support

Networking isn’t collecting business cards; it’s about exchanging support. This approach helps you forge authentic, long-lasting career connections that can open doors down the road.

People connect best when relationships are meaningful, not transactional. Robin Dunbar's research shows that we maintain around 150 casual friends but only a handful of trusted confidantes. Cultivating these relationships—through supporting others as often as you ask for support—builds trust.

Quality matters more than quantity. Identify individuals whose advice you value and approach them with specific requests. If diversity improves business outcomes like McKinsey’s noted profitability increase, it will also make your personal network more well-rounded in perspective.

Examples

• Dunbar’s theory identifies 150 casual and closer sub-groups of friendships.
• Success asking an industry mentor about their career journey builds connection.
• Diversity studies prove better problem-solving through varied viewpoints.

6. Embrace Exploration Over Predicting Life’s Path

Rather than following planned-out paths, future-proofing means imagining varied possibilities for your career. Not all paths are obvious, but exploring unconventional choices keeps you flexible as changes arise.

Think in scenarios: What’s the next logical career move for you? What alternate role could utilize your skills in entirely new ways? What dream job have you avoided pursuing, assuming it’s impractical? Mapping out imaginative roles encourages flexibility if plans need adjustment.

Beyond what roles you pick, clarify why you pursue them. Employers like Google define their “why”—empowering better-organized information—alongside the “what,” which is creating tech solutions. Your purpose statement will similarly ground you.

Examples

• Dream possibilities include imagining a non-linear leap, like from accountant to pilot.
• A pivot possibility could be a graphic designer shifting toward teaching design skills.
• Google clarifies its “why” for innovation beyond mere search engines.

7. Adopt Curiosity, Feedback, and Grit as Vital Skills

Fast-paced workplace demands require qualities beyond technical expertise. Curiosity, the ability to give and receive feedback, and perseverance are now hallmarks of success.

Staying curious keeps you informed about industry trends and innovations, while feedback helps you grow. Harvard studies show that open-minded workplaces are better problem-solvers. Deliberate practice—working toward specific skill goals—further complements these traits.

Grit, defined as persistent effort, is often more important than pure talent. Angela Duckworth suggests deliberate practice includes discovering passions, breaking them into daily tasks, and linking them to larger purposes.

Examples

• Francesca Gino finds curious workplaces reduce internal conflict.
• Feedback methods like “what went well/even better if” boost constructive dialogue.
• Grit helps employees surpass natural skill disparities through consistency.

8. Evaluate Opportunities Objectively

The pull of a new job might feel exciting—but don’t jump ship without examining all factors. Objectively assess why you’re ready for a change and if another role fits your bigger goals.

Evaluate a job offer’s genuine benefits. Research by Kahneman and Deaton shows that money alone doesn’t bring happiness once it crosses a moderate threshold. Focus instead on the opportunity’s alignment with your strengths and values.

If your dissatisfaction stems from lack of growth, advocate for learning opportunities. Designing personal development plans or tackling passion projects can unlock hidden potential at your current organization, potentially saving you from unnecessary moves.

Examples

• Studies reveal happiness plateaus with salaries beyond $75,000 yearly.
• Growth-focused IBM research proves upskilling motivates retention.
• Passion-led projects can invigorate interest while staying at the same role.

9. Small Steps Drive Career Clarity and Progress

Big career decisions often overwhelm, but small, achievable steps create momentum. Documenting successes or learning from setbacks keeps your goals clear and realizable.

By consistently noting achievements, both big and small, you’ll see patterns in your progress. Likewise, reflecting on missteps contributes to self-awareness and turns mistakes into growth opportunities.

Whether consulting mentors, experimenting with side projects, or finding learning grants, taking manageable actions lets your career thrive. Life rarely moves in straight lines—so celebrate the squiggles.

Examples

• Writing down daily “wins” builds clarity about progress made over time.
• Learning grants/awards provide financial support for small training opportunities.
• A student juggling school with a fashion side hustle demonstrates passion focus.

Takeaways

1. Reflect weekly by documenting daily achievements or steps forward.
2. Identify and clarify your “super strengths,” promoting them within your professional circle.
3. Build a diverse, active support network by exchanging value authentically.