The career ladder is breaking. For decades, the path was simple: do well in school, get a degree, land a job, climb the ranks, retire.
That model is now starting to crack.
With the advent of AI and the increased focus on automating tasks, along with the dismantling of entry-level roles for younger people, many say this has marked the final blow to the ‘career ladder’ as we once knew it.
So, if the ladder no longer works, what replaces it?
Not a straight path, but something more organic.
The career garden.
The career garden is a concept that has been popularised in recent years as a shift in perspective on progression across all fields. As things have moved away from higher education and accolades, there is now more focus on experience and candidates’ personal branding. It emphasises growth over linearity, recognising that careers often take a variety of paths.
Hiring is already shifting. A 2024 Microsoft and LinkedIn report found that 71% of leaders would choose someone with AI skills over someone with more traditional experience.
And that was two years ago. The gap is only widening.
This all seems quite daunting for younger people trying to enter fields with little to no experience. But all that is needed is a shift in perspective.
Here are some tips to navigate the current job market:
1. Adopt a freelancer mindset, even if you are not one
Don’t focus on simply answering interview questions. Focus on understanding the company as a whole and how your role contributes to its bottom line. What skills do you bring to the table? Why is working with you such a positive experience? Do great work and be great to work with. Focusing on how you fit into the company will put you miles ahead of the rest and is exactly what recruiters are looking for in a post-AI job market.
2. Stop endlessly applying for roles
We have all panicked and applied for jobs we don’t really want, but that sit within the right field. It can be very stressful to be unemployed, and looking for work is a full-time role in itself. However, with systems now screening CVs before they are seen by a person, if your CV doesn’t match the criteria, it simply won’t be seen. Save your energy and focus on applying for roles you genuinely want and that align with your experience.
3. Plant more seeds
This is all about side projects. There are countless free resources available that you can use to build your skill set. Looking for a job is more than just scrolling through LinkedIn and Indeed. Gaining micro-qualifications not only builds your knowledge but also shows employers that you are consistently investing in yourself.
4. Invest in skills that don’t expire
Planting more seeds in your CV should focus on skills that will always be valuable. Being a strong communicator or a good conversationalist will take you further than many technical shortcuts. These are the skills that open doors across industries.
The world of work is changing, and so is the way we grow within it. There is no longer one path to follow, only opportunities to create your own. Stop looking for the next rung and start thinking about what you want to plant.
