How To Explain A Non-Linear Career

"My career’s a little... squiggly."

I’ve heard this so many times—from brilliant, capable people.

They say it with hesitation. Armor on. Ready to defend.

What they’re really worried about is:

• How do I answer, “How does your experience tie to this role?”

• Will people think I lack commitment?

• Can I turn this into a cohesive story or brand?

• What passion do I pursue, and what do I give up?

These are not surface-level worries.

They speak to something deeper:

👉 How do I honor my creativity and diverse experience without being judged, punished, or rejected?

👉 How do I build a career that pays the bills and makes space for my multi-dimensional self?

Let me be clear: your squiggly, loopy, non-linear career path is not a weakness. It is an asset.

It is proof you are:

✓ Adaptive

✓ Resilient

✓ Entrepreneurial

✓ A creative problem-solver

✓ Rich in perspective and connection

The key is not in justifying the roads you’ve taken.

 It’s in discovering—and communicating—the golden thread that ties it all together.

✨ Focus your message on the strengths, skills, and abilities you bring, and the impact you make.

✨ Then show how your diverse path developed the skills that make you a standout candidate for the role.

You don’t need to fit your squiggly career into a box.

Turn it into your unique asset.

Help others see the sky outside of it.