You Don't Need to Follow a Clear Career Path to Get Ahead

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1. Make "Yes" Your Default

When your manager needs someone to take part in an interdepartmental project, volunteer. When you see that the internal documents needs updating, take on the task. Poke your head outside your cubicle and look around. You never know what you'll find.

It doesn't matter if a project or opportunity isn't the stuff of dreams; not every single occasion is going to be the best thing ever. But embrace the less exciting moments, and you'll reap the benefits: learn a new skill, expand your experience, grow outside your comfort zone.



2. Expand Your Circle

Connect with people outside of your normal "orbit." Get back in touch with your old high school friend who's now a record producer. Have lunch once a month with a former colleague, just to catch up. Talk to the guy sitting next to you at the dog park. Find commonalities and differences between your industries.

An early connection through a friend of her father's was able to show Moroney that a career in the art world was possible. "She had turned a passion into a real job," Moroney recalls, and that was inspiring. Conversations with people who were living the life she imagined made her dream seem achievable.



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3. Give Serendipity Room to Operate

Not all opportunities have to come from the office. Take that Spanish refresher course, volunteer for a cause you believe in, join a running group. The great thing about serendipity is that it can—and does—occur everywhere.

Over 50% of the people who I've helped make career changes have job offers that originated from chance encounters or relationships. So don't leave your career up to chance—create more opportunities for yourself, and see what you discover.

For instance, I'm a big fan of the airplane encounter. Sure, I could be silent the whole flight, focus on my iPad (I'm an introvert, after all), and not strike up conversation with my seatmate, but then I'd miss out on opportunities to meet people and expand my network. This is how and where serendipity happens.



In sum, your path doesn't have to be linear from A to Z. What looks like a side trip may actually end up being your next great career move. It truly is as much about the journey as the end destination.

As Moroney says, "I've just followed what I've enjoyed and what I've been passionate about." Things had a way of working out for her—and if you want to get ahead, you've got to stop stressing over the unplanned course of your career. Keep your life in motion and your eyes open, and, chances are, it'll work out for you too.

https://www.themuse.com/advice/you-dont-need-to-follow-a-clear-career-path-to-get-ahead