Career Patterns
We usually visualize career progression as a ladder that you climb to reach the top. But sometimes your career is not a ladder but a spiral staircase or a moving sidewalk.
Linear is the traditional "Up the corporate pyramid to the top" pattern. It is the prevalent pattern for most people and traditionally structured organizational development plans. Linear advancement provides rewards with power and prestige. Linears like leadership training and being delegated skill building opportunities like preparing budgets and taking on projects. They become frustrated when advancement is slow or management positions are eliminated.
Spiral is a relatively new pattern referred to as "being well-rounded". Spirals change positions every 5-10 years with each new position being tangential but related to the prior work. An example would be the person who goes from underwriting to developing underwriting information technology. Spirals seek career growth through creative positions. Spirals like to learn new skills and serve on cross-functional teams. They become frustrated when a challenge is accomplished or a job settles into a routine.
Roamer is a very traditional pattern that used to be known pejoratively as "still finding themselves" but now valued as the backbone of the workforce. Roamers change jobs every 2-3 years often to unrelated functions. Roamers have little need for security because they either come from affluent backgrounds or are accustomed to living on very little. They like variety and independence which are found in start-ups and expanding companies. Roamers are people-oriented and like to feel they are making a contribution. They become frustrated when there are personality clashes at work or their feelings are hurt or they feel they are no longer appreciated.
You never know which way your career is going to grow and the important thing is to recognize opportunities and take advantage of them when the become available.
Peter Baskin CPC
PBaskin@Personnel-Associates.com
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