The Squiggly Career by Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis was published in 2020 around the time the pandemic started and the world began thinking of operating in different ways!
The authors argue that careers and jobs can’t be understood in the same way we did decades ago and there isn’t any point lamenting the issues at the workplace – because that won’t get you far. They recommend taking charge of your career and shaping it in ways you can futureproof your life. Careers aren’t structured as we envision them to be however planned we may be. They evolve and staying agile and flexible helps weather the ups and downs of work.
The five career skills they recommend are to a) appreciate and focus on what you do best b) stay true to your values c) be aware of the imposter syndrome that can pull you down d) build relationships with networking e) keep options open and always be ready to experiment when needed
Online technologies have taken over our lives. While we have more flexibility, we are also ‘always’ available, and mental health issues are on the rise.
My key take-aways:
– Even though careers aren’t linear, managing your trajectory will mean taking a structured approach. The authors outline exercises and assessments to figure out your purpose, values,
– Confidence is crucial although knowing what comes in the way can allow you to grow more assertive. The authors highlight the value of a support system, getting feedback, recognizing achievements, and being mindful of words spoken.
– Giving more than taking can help you build your network and net worth. Interesting to see that personal branding gets a mention in the Networks segment of the book and one of the suggestions is to do good ‘karma’. Understanding your role in the network is useful or else you may flounder.
– For future-proofing your career, the authors mention 3 skills: curiosity, feedback, and grit, drawing from well-known scholars and research writing.
– The last segment of the book addressed pointed questions about specific asks and challenges people face from – not getting training opportunities to demonstrating leadership in an individual contributor role.
Perspectives I differed on:
– The book fails to address the issues with the new ways of working, especially with how organizations are reframing the hybrid vs remote expectations. There are serious concerns that impact how one thinks of a career, especially when it comes to the limitations of learning and development, building interpersonal relationships, growing new skills, and taking on added responsibilities at work.
– What strikes me about this and all the recent books I have read (unrelated to each other though) is that personal branding as a theme comes across as valuable and important. The book talks of ‘pivoting’ which in essence is what I refer to as ‘reinventing yourself’ in the 3C Model of Personal Branding. I would think organizations and HR departments must invest in the coaching staff and leaders on this crucial aspect that can allow careers to be revisited.
– The book doesn’t discuss what performance and performance management means for a squiggly career – does it change how it functions and the expectations from employers and staff? How does one set clear goals and guidelines?
By the way, the 100 pieces of advice at the end of the book are excellent to read. People from different walks of life have shared what learning, values, confidence, courage, and looking after yourself mean.
In essence, the book highlights the importance of charting your own path and running your own race. Because no two careers are the same and we have different priorities and goals.
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Looking for articles to kick-start your Personal Branding journey? Here they are!
– Personal Branding – the why, what, and how of differentiating yourself
– Reflections to demystify Personal Branding
– Add Value to the World, Build your Personal Brand
– Personal Branding: 6 Reasons that Might Be Holding You Back
– Clarity, Commitment, and Consistency: Key to Personal Branding
Keen to participate in the ongoing Interview Series on Personal Branding, Internal Communications or CSR Communications and share your expertise? Drop me a note at [email protected]
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