The Rise of the Squiggly Career: Why Non-Linear Paths Are Becoming the New Normal

For decades, career success was often portrayed as a straight ladder: start in an entry-level role, gain experience, earn promotions, and steadily climb towards leadership. Today, however, the world of work looks very different. Increasingly, professionals are following what has become known as a squiggly career.

A credit where it is due: the term squiggly career was popularised by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis of Amazing If, and their Squiggly Careers podcast is where I first heard about it. Their Sunday Times bestselling book, The Squiggly Career, is well worth a read.

Rather than moving in a predictable upward direction, a squiggly career involves lateral moves, industry changes, skill pivots, periods of learning, and sometimes even stepping backwards to move forwards. What once may have been seen as an unconventional path is now becoming the norm.

What is a squiggly career?

The term squiggly career describes a professional journey that is non-linear. Instead of progressing through a single discipline or function, individuals build experience across multiple roles, industries, and areas of expertise.

A squiggly career might include:

• Moving from marketing into product management
• Transitioning from teaching into technology
• Taking a career break to reskill
• Shifting from a corporate role into a startup environment
• Combining multiple specialisms over time

The result is a career path that looks less like a ladder and more like a series of connected experiences that create a unique professional identity.

Why squiggly careers are increasing

Several factors are driving this shift.

Rapid technological change

Technology continues to transform industries at an unprecedented pace. Roles that didn't exist ten years ago are now in high demand, while others are evolving quickly. As new opportunities emerge, professionals are increasingly willing to learn new skills and explore different career directions.

Longer working lives

Many people will spend 40 to 50 years in the workforce. It's unrealistic to expect individuals to remain in the same profession for such a long period. Career changes and reinvention are becoming a natural part of professional life.

Changing employee expectations

Today's workforce often prioritises purpose, flexibility, learning opportunities, and personal growth alongside financial rewards. Career decisions are increasingly influenced by values and interests rather than simply title progression.

Access to learning

Online courses, certifications, bootcamps, and digital learning platforms have made it easier than ever to gain new skills and transition into different fields. Continuous learning is now a critical component of career development.

The benefits of a squiggly career

While non-linear careers can sometimes feel uncertain, they offer significant advantages.

Increased adaptability

People who have successfully navigated different roles and industries often become highly adaptable. They are more comfortable with change and better equipped to respond to evolving business needs.

Broader skill sets

A diverse professional background can create powerful combinations of skills. For example, someone with experience in customer service, data analysis, and project management may bring a unique perspective to problem-solving.

Enhanced innovation

Innovation often happens at the intersection of disciplines. Individuals who have worked across different sectors frequently introduce fresh ideas and challenge conventional thinking.

Greater self-awareness

Exploring different opportunities helps professionals better understand their strengths, interests, and motivations, enabling them to make more intentional career decisions.

What this means for employers

For organisations, embracing squiggly careers requires a shift in mindset.

Traditional recruitment often focuses heavily on matching candidates to a predefined career trajectory. However, employers that recognise transferable skills and diverse experiences can access a broader and more adaptable talent pool.

Forward-thinking organisations are increasingly:

• Hiring for potential as well as experience
• Investing in internal mobility programmes
• Supporting reskilling and upskilling initiatives
• Encouraging employees to explore cross-functional opportunities
• Creating cultures where career growth is not limited to vertical promotion

By supporting non-linear career development, businesses can improve employee engagement, retention, and innovation.

How BearTech embraces squiggly careers

At BearTech, we actively promote and celebrate squiggly careers. We recognise that great talent doesn't always come from traditional career paths, and that some of the most valuable skills are developed through diverse experiences.

Many of our team members have followed non-linear journeys, bringing expertise from different industries, roles, and backgrounds. We see this diversity of experience as a strength, helping us approach challenges with fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.

Whether it's supporting employees who want to develop new skills, explore different areas of the business, or take on new challenges, we're committed to creating an environment where continuous learning and career evolution are encouraged. We believe that career growth isn't about following a prescribed route. It's about discovering opportunities, building capabilities, and developing a career that reflects individual strengths and ambitions.

By embracing squiggly careers, we're not only helping our people thrive but also building a more adaptable, resilient, and future-ready business.

The future of work is less linear

The concept of a single career path is gradually fading. In its place is a more dynamic approach that values adaptability, learning, and diverse experiences.

At BearTech, we believe that the careers of the future will be shaped by curiosity, continuous learning, and the confidence to embrace change. That's why we champion career journeys that may not always follow a straight line but ultimately lead to richer experiences, stronger skills, and greater opportunities.

The most successful professionals of the future may not be those who follow a perfect ladder of progression, but those who develop the confidence to navigate change, embrace new opportunities, and continuously evolve their skills.

In a rapidly changing world, the squiggly career is no longer the exception. It is increasingly becoming the blueprint for lifelong professional growth.

Building your own squiggly career

If you're considering a career pivot or exploring new opportunities, remember that a squiggly path doesn't mean a lack of direction. Instead, it means being open to growth and recognising that every experience can contribute to your long-term development.

Some practical steps include:

• Identify transferable skills you can take into new roles.
• Invest in continuous learning and professional development.
• Stay curious about emerging industries and technologies.
• Build a diverse professional network.
• Focus on gaining experiences, not just job titles.