Is 'Career Path' An Outdated Concept?
April 08, 2009 (10:00AM) by Rick Saia, CPRW
 A recent Boston Globe article drove home a point about how the notion of following a particular “career path” is changing, if not outdated. In fact, more people have warmed up to the idea that changing careers is the better path, even if it takes a few unexpected turns.
So it’s not surprising that I have yet to find a general careers- or jobs-related web site (and that includes this one) that doesn’t address the idea of changing careers. Some of the advice is more specific, such as how to write your resume for a career change or how your current skill set can transfer to the new career.
The current recession has forced many people to alter their career paths in search of something different. For some, the issue is less about moving toward their long-term career goals and more about just needing a job to pay the bills. I’m sure there are more than a few laid-off workers from the financial services and auto manufacturing industries who can identify.
Here in the U.S., we have traditionally put a lot of stock (some might say too much) into what people do for a living. It has given us stature in our professions and communities, and it can generate interesting conversation at dinner and cocktail parties. For many, their job title is "proof" of how hard they’ve worked to get where they are, and the positive reactions they get provide validation of their career choices – as well as an ego stroke. That’s why, at least for experienced professionals, taking a layoff-induced step back on the career path or being denied a coveted promotion can be devastating.
What makes it all worse is that companies won’t hesitate to dump even the most valued among their workers, while employees who believe they can have a better work experience elsewhere – and maybe a better work/life balance – are more content to move from job to job than they were 15 or 20 years ago.
So, is this notion of “career path” undergoing a major transformation? If you’re in your 20s or 30s, what does it mean to have a “satisfying career?” And if you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, how has the idea of “following your career path (or goal)” changed since you entered the work force? Please add your views in a comment below.
RELATED LINKS
A 3-Step Interview Strategy for Career Changers
Jobless? Sometimes You Gotta Leggo Your Ego
Is Now the Right Time to Change Careers?
I have very mixed feelings about the concept of a career path.
On the one hand, it feels very satisfying to me to have over 10 years in one industry, where I am starting to truly feel like an expert. On the other hand, I often wonder what other great opportunities are out there - perhaps something dramatically different than what I do now.
But, it's the "golden handcuffs" that make these latter thoughts nothing more than fleeting.
However, I have at least had other professional experiences such as international trade (and living abroad), financial services, corporate barter, competitive intelligence, and finally a "career" in Internet marketing that has seen dramatic, exciting change in the past 10 years.
I believe that the notion of career path, in the sense that my parents knew it in the 60's, 70's, 80's and even in the 90's, has changed significantly. Especially when the "trust" was broken between employer and employee as that generation experienced a wave of coorporate layoffs that had not been seen before. No more guaranteed pensions & retirement benefits, or "employment for life."
I hope my children focus on enjoying their work, staying nimble, exploring new avenues, and understanding that it's all about your enjoyment of other people that will ultimately lead you in the directions that are most satisfying (professionally & personally).
Hi Andy!
I agree that the notion of the "career path" is drastically different from what we witnessed in the latter half of the 20th century. Yes, the employer/employee "trust" barely exists today, if at all.
But probably more important today, employees are more likely to change jobs because they believes they could fare better elsewhere, and be happier. I like two recent posts by Laurie Ruettiman on this subject at her blog, Punk Rock Human Resources:
http://punkrockhr.com/2009/04/07/prhr-question-of-the-day/
http://punkrockhr.com/2009/04/09/sophies-choice-your-job/
~ Rick
It has been my observation through time that change in our life style is a ongoing evalution, that slows and speeds up from time to time but never stops.
Therfore the idea that people may have to make several changes in their occupation throughout their lifetime to me seems like a good thing.
Instead of belabouring the facts, use your talents, rely on your senses honed by experience and meet the new challenges head on.
There is however just as in science a set of natural rules by which we all must live. The most important of these in my mind is honesty followed by integrity. Without these all we do or accomplish in life will be of no value to those who follow.
Ben Switzer
I am a 49 year old displaced homemaker. It has been very difficult to find a job. I have done clerical work for over twenty years. I am currently a student, my major is Accounting. I have gone into debt, because I have not had any income for the past 3 years. Everytime I apply for a job, and a background check is done, I am no longer in the running. Do anyone out there have any suggestion?
I know that the concept of "career path is as much alive as the T-rex. As a 60 yo, former banker, I know that the thought of changing directions on that path can be frightening. I have had about 8 interviews in the past 4 months and each time knowing that a background check would be done, I have been upfront with the fact that my finances are not very good. I wish that this wasn't a part of the review process. Unfortunately with each passing week and my dwindeling benefits, this is becoming an increasing problem. I told a friend in choir today at church that I'm ready to start bussing tables!
@ Ben -- I hear you loud and clear! Change can indeed be good, even for those who resist it.
@ Jacqulyn -- First of all, be sure your resume is focused on the kind of job you want, and don't discount what you accomplished as a homemaker. Look to our Learning Center (On our home page, click on "Learn") for more advice.
@ Bill -- If the banking sector is turning into a dead end, think of other sectors that can use someone with your skill level, preferably one that doesn't require a check of your finances. At the same time, do what you can to fix that situation.
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