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 Many of us were once asked ” What do you want to be when you grow up?” which implied that we could only have one true calling in life. So as we grew, we held on to the idea that we must focus on one career else we look like someone with no focus.

In this eye-opening talk, Emilie Wapnick tells us why it’s okay to not want to do one thing for the rest of your life

This talk also buttresses the statement mentioned in “Lean In” by Sherly Sandberg .“The most common metaphor for careers is a ladder, but this concept no longer applies to most workers… Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder,”  writes Sheryl .

“Ladders are limiting – people can move up or down, on or off. Jungle gyms offer more creative exploration. There’s only one way to get to the top of a ladder, but there are many ways to get to the top of a jungle gym.” The theory suggests that we are no longer focused on climbing up the ladder in one career  but we are swinging from different ladders (careers) with the hope to excel at the end of it all.

Sheryl is a perfect example of someone who had several different job roles that have all led to success. “A jungle gym scramble is the best description of my career,” continues Sandberg. “I could never have connected the dots from where I started to where I am today…”

So, Working Lady, don’t worry if you wake up one morning wanting to do a complete career flip . As we grow our interests change and we are able to add value in so many different ways.

Emilie Wapnick describes these kind of people as  “multipotentialites” — people who have a range of interests and jobs over one lifetime. Are you one?

Watch the talk below and tell is what you think!

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a Brands and Communications specialist with a passion to support females in reaching their full potential.

2 Comments

  • Rachel says:

    This is fabulous! and totally me.. I am a multi-prenuer
    I have one day job monday to thurs, my own business on fridays, i’m an NED and I am an Arbonne Independent Consultant and I used to run my own online fashion magazine..
    Finally my lifestyle is recognised.. and is perfectly acceptable – thank you

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