Why Careers Don't Have to Go Straight UP to be Successful!

Say what???!!!!???

You mean we don't have to go straight up in our careers to be successful? 

NOPE.

Take it from Deloitte CEO Cathy Englebert.  In a recent article posted by Forbes (written by Vicky Valet), Cathy concludes: What I’ve learned is life is not linear,” she says. “Your career is not linear, and the things you’re going to do are not linear.”

FANTASTIC ADVICE!

If you have time, I encourage you to read the article.  But in practical terms, here is what it means:  taking a lateral promotion, changing industries, going back to school to learn something new or earn another degree, etc. does not mean you are going backwards in your career.  A successful career is a journey, not a destination.  And the journey can go sideways, jump a few spaces or slow down and take a break.  

Women know this better than men in many respects.  Women who take a break from the workforce to raise kids and then re-enter the workforce a few years later understand that the slower pace may have changed their trajectory.  But men are beginning to understand this as well.  I have many clients saying "should I go back to school and earn a different degree" or "if I change careers, should I expect to start at the bottom"?  

The key is: how do YOU define success?

Success may mean earning more money or advancing in terms of level or responsibility.  But it can also mean things like:

1. Earning another degree
2. Contributing to social missions that impact people's lives directly
3. Being able to get home to coach soccer, little league or another sport
4. Mentoring others
5. Being considered for a role (same level) in a different department where you can learn another aspect of the company's operations
6. Being TOLD by others that you impacted their lives in some way

Success has millions of meanings.  Don't get hung up on money, job title or level.  Find your self-worth in all aspects of your life, not just your job. People that hinge their entire being and self-worth on their career usually end up unhappy.  Determine what "success means to you".  

And enjoy the journey.  Your career is lifelong and may never end.  Even after "retirement" you might start a new project, consult, mentor or volunteer.

Your journey won't be a straight line up.  And that is the way it should be.