Changing jobs was not common until a few decades ago. In the past, it was quite normal for an employee to spend most of their career at one company. This is not the case these days, with teams changing their lineup more and more often. There are several reasons for this.
If a person decides they want to become a lawyer, they plan to graduate, start working at a law firm, and work their way up after years of work. But what happens if that person graduates but can’t find a job in their field, or starts a job but is laid off after a year or two, or after working for a while discovers that the job isn’t for them ? The non-linear career path is a result of the ever-changing labor market. It is different from job-hopping, an English term used for people who spend little time with each employer and “hop” from job to job without a particular plan. A person’s non-linear career path involves planning, but also reacting to circumstances.
Values and priorities have changed
A Gartner study proves that after the Covid-19 pandemic, people have changed their attitudes. They now consider flexible and remote work opportunities, work-life balance and career development opportunities increasingly important. While pay is still the determining factor, the ideal workplace makes people feel valued, respected and inspired.
Skills become essential
Companies face challenges and struggle to attract and retain top talent. A skills-based hiring approach could be one solution. This approach considers candidates who do not necessarily have a university degree or a minimum of years of experience. This expands the talent pool, accelerates time to hire, and lowers the cost of hiring. It is also a great way to increase diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace by removing barriers that prevent people from being considered for roles they’re qualified for. This means that non-traditional candidates and self-taught talent who are changing careers will have greater opportunities for advancement.
The workplace is evolving rapidly
Over the next decade, the workplace will change dramatically, with companies looking for skills that don’t even exist today. In recent months, one can see the rapid entry of artificial intelligence and the need for skills for its correct use. It’s all new and evolving fast. Companies want people on their teams who can adapt to changing work situations. Needs and interests change over time. This means that non-linear career paths that require lifelong learning and upskilling will become much more common.
While some employers may still not have a good understanding of people with non-linear careers, these attitudes are rapidly changing. When a person uses skills that are applicable to different situations and careers, and when they step outside their comfort zone, they will be able to build a career that will inspire and motivate them for years to come.
