Master Your Zigzag Career: 8 Powerful Tips from a Change Expert to Propel You Forward

Looking back, if my twenty-something self knew what I'd be doing decades later, she'd probably choke on her double iced Americano. Leading people and organizations through change? Yeah, right. I started out thinking I was going to be a computer programmer, only to find out that I was not good at it. Life has certainly had other plans for me along the way—like catapulting me through various career pivots including building and owning a real estate brokerage, corporate communications, product marketing, PR, tech, a few stints in food service, and even state government. This zigzag path, as messy as it seemed at some points, led me to a kick-ass career leading change worldwide for individuals and Fortune 500 companies, impacting thousands of lives globally.

Let’s be real—being curious can turn our career paths into a chaotic, non-traditional rollercoaster. But guess what? Every weird job, every bizarre encounter, every “how did I end up here?” moment adds to your unique life experience, your perspective and your toolkit. 

So, if your career looks anything like mine and resembles more of a plate of spaghetti than a straight line, I'm telling you to embrace it - own it.  That non-linear career mess is your golden ticket to long-term success, my friend.  

Here's eight effective ways to take your zigzag career and move yourself forward: 

1. Identify Your Strengths: You have unique strengths that can set you apart in different roles and across different industries. Take some time to identify your strengths, such as your ability to focus deeply on tasks or your strong analytical skills. Often what you may not think of as a strength can become a big asset when it’s applied in the right circumstances. For example:  when applied in the right circumstances the ability to listen actively and empathetically is a valuable asset in leadership roles. 
2. Build a Support Network: By reaching out to a few close friends or colleagues who understand your different roles, experiences and the nature of your personality, they can help provide support and encouragement to take a step forward. This could be as simple as scheduling regular check-ins or coffee dates to discuss challenges and successes with a colleague, friend or family member. Get a fresh perspective if you’re feeling stuck. 
3. Develop Your Communication Skills: Just about everyone can benefit from improving their communication skills. Job interviews are one of the most stressful ways your communication skills are put to the test.  Practicing speaking up in smaller group settings, such as team meetings or brainstorming sessions can help build your skills.  Seek out opportunities to give presentations or lead discussions on topics that you are passionate about, Get a friend to role-play conversations…. Gasp… yes I said role-play conversations (it really can be helpful) or do mock interviews to gradually build your confidence and communication skills.
4. Set Clear Goals: It’s important to take some time to reflect on what your heart really desires - find your true aspirations. Think about what you like to do, what makes you happy and also what doesn't make you happy. You can then create a plan with specific, measurable goals and a timeline for achieving them. This could include setting goals for career advancement, skill development, or personal growth. 
5. Seek Out New Opportunities: Actively seek out new opportunities for growth and advancement, even if they push you outside your comfort zone. This could include volunteering for a new project, taking on a leadership role, or pursuing additional training or certifications. Making yourself uncomfortable can often lead to breakthroughs and remember just because you pursued an opportunity doesn’t mean you have to take it. It’s far better to have multiple opportunities that give you a choice then to have one or none and no choice. 
6. Embrace Your Uniqueness: A critical piece to navigating your career is recognizing and embracing your own nature and personality as a unique strength. Whether you are introverted or extroverted or a combination of the two, embrace it as your strength and use your abilities that come with it to your advantage. Especially with a non-linear career path you bring a variety of things to the table that only you can bring.   
7. Be Open to Change: Change is a natural part of any career and by being open to new opportunities and challenges you give yourself permission to move forward. Embrace a growth mindset and approach change with curiosity and a willingness to learn, seeing it as an opportunity for growth and development.
8. Stay Positive and Resilient: Practice self-care and how to maintain a positive mindset, even in the face of challenges. This could include taking breaks to recharge, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and focusing on the things you can control rather than dwelling on the things you can't.

Remember to always stay true to yourself, embrace your strengths, and never stop learning and growing. One of the things I often ask in my coaching sessions is what about your day do you truly love... what pieces of things that you do, however small they are really light you up.  No matter what your career path looks like, there is always an opportunity to go after more of those things that light you up and re-write your story.