To some, a perfect career path exists. But for many, just like myself, the perfect career path is far from linear and far from perfect. In this blog post, let’s talk about the “perfect career path” and why changing directions is a sign of strength.

1. Introduction: The Pressure of a Linear Career Path

I don’t know about you, but growing up in school, we were often asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As children, my friends and I would excitedly share our dream jobs, equating them with who we wanted to become as adults. I remember hearing dreams of becoming doctors, lawyers, journalists, and teachers—professions that were widely recognized and admired.

But as we got older, many of us took paths far from those childhood dreams. Some of my friends changed their university courses, and I did too. I started as a communications student but graduated with a degree in Home Economics from the University of the Philippines. After graduation, I was drawn to entrepreneurship despite coming from a lower-middle-class family. I took a job as an Executive Assistant at a non-profit organization composed of Filipino and foreign business owners who had established or invested in businesses in the Philippines.

A few months in, I realized I was far from where I thought I should be—not because I wasn’t learning, but because I didn’t find fulfillment in what I was learning. Soon enough, I transitioned to teaching, passed the board exam, and became a licensed teacher. Four years later, I felt lost again.

In the back of my mind, I knew there was something out there for me. I just couldn’t figure out what. While my friends were climbing the corporate ladder or sharpening their skills in a specific field, I was still daydreaming about my “perfect” career path. Eventually, I transitioned from training to instructional design and then to consulting. My career path wasn’t linear, but looking back, I know I am exactly where I’m meant to be.

2. Why the “Perfect Career Path” is a Myth

We often grow up believing that success follows a clear step-by-step path: choose a career, study for it, land a job, and steadily move up. But in reality, very few careers follow this idealized route.

Time and time again, we see the job market change. Job descriptions and qualifications shift, technical skills need constant updates, and, finally, people skills are getting the recognition they deserve. The idea of a “perfect career path” assumes that the professional world stays the same, but the truth is, industries change, businesses adapt, and new fields emerge.

Many people think a dream career means either doing what they’re naturally good at or following what’s currently in demand. Yet, more often than not, people end up finding fulfillment and peace in jobs they never initially considered. The skills we build and the experiences we gain along the way often lead us to unexpected but rewarding opportunities.

As the job market continues to evolve and as we learn more about ourselves, we realize that careers don’t have to follow a straight line. While a traditional, predictable path might work for some, it’s not the only way—and that’s okay. What once seemed like a detour may actually be a step in the right direction.

The job market changes, and so do we. New skills become relevant, and we discover new strengths. As technology moves forward, we now see careers that involve AI, virtual reality, and other innovations. These fields weren’t as common back then (otherwise, learning math and chemistry would have been way easier for me—haha!). Moving from one career to another is just as normal as the changing job market itself.

3. The Strength in Changing Career Directions

Adaptability is key. Resilient professionals recognize when a shift is needed and take action. Take time to explore the new skills and emerging technologies around you, and find the opportunity to familiarize yourself with them.

Diverse experiences make you more valuable. Skills from different roles often transfer across careers. My own career shifts have shown me how different experiences can help in unexpected ways. From teaching entrepreneurship, empowerment technologies, and practical arts to learning how to develop eLearning courses to crafting learning solutions for projects, all of these play equally important roles in my life as a professional.

Job satisfaction increases. Being open to change helps you find work that better matches your strengths and interests. No, I am not encouraging you to leave your current roles in the hopes of finding a greener pasture. I am, however, encouraging you to explore opportunities that would provide you with the learnings you want and opportunities to grow in the field you have chosen. People say a job is just a job, and that is true. But for most of you who spend 40+ hours of your life in a week doing the job, finding joy and fulfillment is definitely a plus.

4. How to Navigate a Career Change with Confidence

Identify transferable skills. Think about what you already know that applies to new roles.

Reframe your experience. Present your career shift as a strength on resumes, LinkedIn, and in conversations.

Stay open to learning. Upskilling, mentorship, and continuous growth are key to making a smooth transition.

5. Conclusion: Your Career is a Journey, Not a Destination

Career changes aren’t failures—they’re signs of growth and adaptability. Your career path doesn’t have to be straight to be successful. Embrace the journey and trust that every experience is leading you to where you’re meant to be.

In the end, what matters is that you are learning and paving your way to growth. Jobs will always change, and so will you. What may feel like a setback today might actually be a stepping stone to something even better tomorrow.