Careers are not linear

In all the years that I’ve worked in career development, rarely have I come across an individual who stayed on a linear career path. The tell tale signs are in many career stories individuals have shared with me over the years. The bottom line is unexpected work life changes, curiosity and opportunities steer people in new directions. In my case, this is so true. Due to unforeseeable workforce circumstances I wasn’t able to launch my teaching career “way back when”. In an effort to get work I followed a very unusual path combining sporadic teaching assignments, vocational rehab counseling, employment and life skills coaching, career management consulting, corporate training, adult education and self-employment. The mix of work came as a result of funding cuts, economic changes and raising a family. I often wondered, “Where will all of this lead? When will I use these diverse skills and wisdom?” Well maybe the ‘Law of Attraction’ responded to me, because I am now at Mac (3 years plus) providing career development services to employees and using my skills and wisdom. I consider this my reward for all the unexpected twists and turns in my career, which by the way I wouldn’t trade for the world. I am truly fortunate and thankful to be doing something I love, something that is purposeful and has significant meaning to me. I believe I am making a difference in peoples’ lives (so I am told) and am helping them understand how to make their careers work. If I had to start over again and do something different, I wouldn’t. I’m quite happy about how things turned out. As I look to the future, (would you believe retirement????) I am curious and expect more changes and exciting opportunities.