9 Lives for Women Blog

Here you will find compelling excerpts from a wonderful article by Dr. Tracey Wilen-Daugenti, Vice President and Managing Director of Apollo Research Institute, an organization focused on education, work and careers in Palo Alto, California.

Dr. Tracey’s article gives great credence to the non-linear career path, which I’m happy to see is trending upward. In my coaching and recruiting years I’ve always advised women to think of life and work as a series of stages–in and out of the workforce. That’s why I did not create a one-size-fits-all career blog site, I created 9 Lives for Women—this multi-channel blog site that helps women “Find the Work that Fits Your Life”.

For all of you who have one foot on the off ramp as you struggle to balance career and motherhood, you will find insight and affirmation in this article. My only concern is that I think Dr. Tracey’s career “labyrinth” concept (vs. career ladder) could have a negative connotation. There’s a laborious tinge to the word–and I think too many women consider the prospect of zigzagging in and out of the workforce as difficult and daunting–rather than positive opportunities for growth, discovery and reinvention. Words aside, the message Dr. Tracey sends about the benefits of non-linear work and life is superb. I hope her article gets wide recognition and discussion. (I’m doing my part to get it out there—please join in the discussion!) —KAS

From Dr. Tracey’s article:

***

Career success for women is now less about climbing the corporate ladder and more dependent on forging a path through a labyrinth. According to the new book Women Lead by Apollo Research Institute, 58% of women professionals describe their career path as nonlinear…

…Among the more than 200 women leaders across multiple industries interviewed for Women Lead, many characterized their career tracks as a series of “zigzags,” defined by personal values, customization and work-life balance. Career development theories call this the “boundaryless” career model, and women are embracing it. Across the country, women are deliberately choosing to switch industries, take time off, work part-time or flexible schedules, seek additional education or credentials or start their own business…

…The workplace evolving today requires “adaptation, flexibility, lifelong learning, and the ability to work on an ad hoc basis whether in an organization or independently,” a reality that reflects a career labyrinth, not a ladder…

…Couples make career decisions based on practical matters such as salary, benefits, lifestyle and personal satisfaction — all of which are allowing women to design their own career tracks…

…Parents may turn to freelancing or entrepreneurial endeavors as a way to balance work and family responsibilities. “‘Virtual gigging,’ which is essentially online short-term project work, allows for both flexibility and variety,” says Michael “Dr. Woody” Woodward, an organizational psychologist and author of The YOU Plan. Woodward predicts that the number of parents “pursuing small business start-ups and entrepreneurial endeavors will continue to grow in 2013 as unemployment remains high.”…

…Family matters are not the only reason women may follow twisting career paths. Many of those interviewed for Women Lead cited the desire to align their work with their values. When their jobs did not fulfill their need for balance, integrity, fair treatment, or challenge and achievement, these women sought a change…

…One study found that 46% of women equated success with “personal fulfillment or happiness,” a definition that was preferred over “recognition” or “financial considerations”…

…But in all this creative freedom lies a caveat: A career path that resembles a labyrinth rather than a ladder does not mean workers can leave their career development up to chance. In fact, in this new environment, career planning is more essential than ever because the next steps are not clearly marked. To navigate the labyrinth successfully, women–and men–must deliberately map the direction toward their goals, and make continuous learning a lifelong value.”

To read Dr. Tracey’s complete article, click here.