Non-linear careers : 4 guidelines for starting over later in life
7 min read
In a world where lifelong tenure at a single company is a thing of the past and the workplace is being rapidly reshaped by technological and AI disruption, non-linear career paths have become not just common, but a practical response to a constantly evolving landscape. And while this path cannot be sugar-coated – it is tough and it will require sacrifice – the good news is that it is possible to make a success of an entirely new career later in life, a leadership expert says.
“A non-linear career can be described as a work history that does not follow a single, continuous path within one field or role. It involves shifts, breaks, or transitions between unrelated industries or job types,” says Advaita Naidoo, Africa MD at Jack Hammer, Africa’s largest executive search firm.
“In the past, people would mostly stick to a relatively predictable path throughout their careers – moving steadily up the ladder in their chosen field, or branching out into proximate roles. In the last few years however, this model has been turned on its head, for a variety of reasons including but not limited to the impact of the pandemic, global and local economic volatility, and the impact of AI.”
Examples abound of people who are forced to develop a solid Plan B later in life: Women re-entering the workforce, workers retrenched due to technology disruption or economic factors, and athletes and sports people whose professional careers have come to an end.
Others may not be forced by circumstance, but rather by a need for meaning which they have not found in their primary career path.
The major hurdle facing those seeking to re-enter the workforce, or those wanting to pivot, is how to make their path make sense to hiring managers, Naidoo says.
“Understandably, hiring managers often favour candidates whose resumes tell a logical, sequential story, whose careers ‘make sense’. This preference for predictability can signal stability and sound decision-making to some, but it risks sidelining talent with diverse, meandering experiences. This is why the onus is on the candidate to go outside of the traditional job application and interview mould, to ensure they themselves make their paths make sense to the person or panel considering their candidacy,” says Naidoo.
4 guidelines for non-linear career success
“Smaller companies often need versatile players. Your tech background, for instance, might help a small healthcare firm digitise processes, while your growing commercial skills boost their sales,” says Naidoo.
“Smaller environments are more likely to let you wear multiple hats and develop a wider range of skills. So take time to research local or niche firms in your target industry, and apply for roles where your diverse and transferable skills will add immediate value.”
“Join professional organisations, attend industry events, join online forums (e.g., LinkedIn groups for healthcare or finance professionals), or participate in workshops to meet people in your target field. A personal endorsement carries significant weight, and contacts humanise your story, turning a ‘risky’ non-linear resume into a compelling case for hiring.”
Image credit: Freepik
