Embrace Your Journey: Your Career Path Doesn’t Have to Be Linear

Your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line to be strong. Sometimes the most meaningful paths are the ones we don’t plan.

The theme of #InternationalCoachingWeek this year was Shaping Futures Through Coaching. It was a great reminder that coaching is all about what’s ahead. It involves defining what matters, removing what holds us back, and finding strategies that move us ahead. This is something I have been reflecting and taking action on over the past month.

That’s certainly too been the case in much of the career-focused coaching I do. For some, it’s about clarity; for others, it’s about momentum. But underneath it all is a desire to shape a future that feels aligned, purposeful, and sustainable.

 My own path? Definitely not linear.

I’ve gone from construction to recruitment, employability coaching to legislation and policy, and finally leading strategic communications planning. I also support others as an in-house coach. A winding road, sure—but one that’s been rich with learning.

I used to feel a bit self-conscious about not having a “clear five-year plan,” although admittedly only when it came to job applications or when asked about my background. I never quite feel that I am being asked the right question. What people actually mean is ” tell me your job history” and “what do you want to do next”. I always feel that’s too generic – a wasted conversation that doesn’t tell the questioner anything about what I can bring.

Now I don’t feel self-conscious at all. In fact I embrace it. I see now that my values have been my compass all along. Those and my strengths are my golden thread.

 What’s stayed constant:

• A deep curiosity
• A love of solving problems
• A desire to help people unlock their thinking
• A need to add value in whatever I do
• And a drive to connect ideas, people, and purpose

These aren’t just personality traits—they’re strengths that energise me and shape how I work. When your strengths are rooted in your values, it gives your career a kind of quiet power. It helps you adapt without losing direction. It allows you to grow with intention—even if the route surprises you.

 Here’s the truth:

The most fulfilled people I coach aren’t those with the neatest CVs. They’re the ones who understand what energises them, what they care deeply about, and how they can use those strengths in different contexts. That self-awareness becomes their competitive edge. When that awareness develops, that’s when they make their best career decisions and do their best work.

So, if your path feels a little “off track,” maybe it’s not. Maybe you’re just gathering the right ingredients to shape a future that fits for you.

As a coach, I’m of course going to recommend working with one if you can. An experienced coach can help you explore your values and shape your next steps. They will act as a guide to facilitate your thinking through great questions and observations.

If you’re unable to access a coach, there’s no reason why you can’t do some of that exploration yourself however. Here are some tools that could help you:

• Career Coach: Your Personal Workbook for a Better Career by Corinne Mills – a practical and supportive guide for identifying strengths, preferences and next steps .
• The Squiggly Careers podcast – for non-linear thinkers who want to thrive (there are some great books by the hosts too).
• Strengths Profile and VIA Character Strengths – free and paid tools to help you reflect on what energises you

If your career has taken a few unexpected turns—and led you somewhere better—I’d love to hear about it. Let’s celebrate the squiggly, values-led careers that help us grow.