Zigzag for Fun AND Necessity
I’m all over the place! (figuratively and literally)
Let’s consider the value of major life changes. Over the course of my career I have worked across three distinct industries: biotech, computing, and financial services. I’ve also led very different functions including: manufacturing, sales, supply chain, data & analytics, and program management. I’ve lived and worked for a decade each in Maryland, Washington State, and Texas–each cross-country relocation a major switchback for me and my family. Some might see these as fits and starts. Starts and restarts. Wouldn’t it have been better to stay the course, and take a straighter line to the top?! I believe each of my career, role, and geographic changes created a more diverse set of experiences which have come together to create a very unique set of skills and perspectives.
Instead of thinking of a zigzagged career as a possibility, one might also think of it as a necessity. Avid hikers are familiar with the switchbacks cut into a mountain trail enabling a more circuitous yet manageable round trip. Zigzagging up a mountain can be demanding still, but not as ridiculous as the sheer vertical climb! And somehow the vistas are even more amazing when seen from all the switchbacked directions. Looking back at my career, I am certain I would NOT have risen to an executive role had I remained in my original industry or had stopped exploring new career options along the way. I needed to go side-to-side to reach my career outcome.
Consider taking a career “switchback” and see what can happen!
See you out on the trails.