Dallas Dutch Girl

For years, we were taught that careers should follow a predictable path: climb the ladder, get promoted, and stay in one lane. But in The Squiggly Career, Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis argue that this model is no longer realistic—or even desirable. Today’s careers are full of twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities, and that’s actually a good thing.

Instead of aiming for a straight line, the authors encourage us to embrace the “squiggle”: a career journey that moves sideways, changes direction, and evolves over time.

The New Rules of Career Growth

In a fast-changing world, success isn’t about sticking to one plan. It’s about staying adaptable. Job changes, lateral moves, and trying different industries are no longer red flags—they’re signs of curiosity and growth.

A modern career is less about titles and more about learning, impact, and fulfillment. That means you—not your employer—are in charge of shaping your path.

The 5 Skills You Need to Thrive

To navigate a squiggly career successfully, the book highlights five essential skills:

• Know your strengths: Focus on what you’re naturally good at and use those skills often.
• Clarify your values: Understand what really matters to you and use it to guide decisions.
• Build confidence: Learn to manage self-doubt and take action even when you’re unsure.
• Grow your network: Build meaningful relationships across different industries and roles.
• Explore possibilities: Stay curious and open to new opportunities, even if they don’t look like a traditional “next step.”

Together, these skills help you create a career that fits who you are—not just what’s expected of you.

Progress Isn’t Always Upward

One of the most refreshing ideas in the book is that progress doesn’t have to mean promotion. Sometimes the best move is sideways—into a role that builds new skills, opens new doors, or aligns better with your interests.

When you shift your mindset from “climbing” to “growing,” your career becomes more flexible—and often more fulfilling.

Designing Your Own Career Path

A squiggly career requires ownership. That means regularly reflecting on your work: what you enjoy, what you’re learning, and what you want next. It also means being willing to experiment, try new things, and adjust as you go.

Rather than chasing the “perfect” move, the goal is to keep moving forward—learning and adapting along the way.

Final Thought

The Squiggly Career reminds us that there’s no single right path anymore. And that’s not something to fear—it’s something to embrace.

When you focus on your strengths, stay curious, and take control of your choices, your career becomes less about following a plan and more about creating one that actually works for you.