I’m currently reading The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis.
This career development book is an enjoyable read, packed with strategies and ideas - and I love the concept of a career being a ‘squiggle’ as it neatly sums up how careers are moving today – in other words, the traditional idea of a linear career path is no longer the only or preferred option.
The ‘squiggly career’ is one where individuals negotiate a flexible career path filled with changes and opportunities; one where personal growth features prominently.
This is neatly encapsulated in the sub title of the book: Ditch the ladder. Discover opportunity. Design your career.
The main takeaways
Ditch the career ladder – Traditional career paths assume progress is linear, but modern careers are more fluid. Embracing change and adaptability leads to greater fulfilment.
Understand and use your strengths – Identifying and leveraging your personal strengths allows you to thrive in different roles, rather than sticking to predefined paths.
Give your values the place they deserve – Aligning work with personal values increases job satisfaction and motivation. Self-awareness is key to finding the right fit.
Keep learning and stay open to new challenges – Careers are built through continuous learning and adapting to change, rather than rigid goal-setting.
Build a meaningful network – Strong relationships and mentorships are more valuable than hierarchical promotions. Networking should be authentic and mutually beneficial.
Take control of your career – Rather than waiting for opportunities, proactively explore new roles, projects, and develop new skills to shape your career journey.
The ‘Super Strengths’ exercise
This is one of the many exercises in the book. It can help you to identify your unique strengths as a guide towards fulfilling career opportunities. Instead of focusing on weaknesses, the approach encourages playing to one's strengths.
How to:
Reflect on past work experiences where you felt energised and performed well.
Identify common themes from those moments.
Ask colleagues, friends, or mentors for feedback on what they think your strengths are.
Focus on developing and leveraging those strengths in your career choices.
The book is practical, offering exercises, real-life examples, and tools to help with taking ownership of your career.
It’s particularly useful for those feeling stuck, looking for a career change, or wanting to navigate your professional lives with more confidence and purpose. There is also a squiggly careers podcast.
Debbie
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