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The Squiggly Career

summary ofThe Squiggly CareerBook by Helen Tupper, Sarah Ellis

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You’ll learn

  • How to uncover your unique strengths
  • What makes a 'learn-it-all' mindset crucial
  • How to network effectively for career success
  • Why adaptability is key in today's job market

first KEY POINT

No more straight lines

Close your eyes and imagine yourself in your 60s or 70s. What do you see? Are you peacefully sipping a pina colada somewhere on the seaside? Or does it seem like a crazy dream that will never come true? If the second option is true for you, don't worry — you are not alone. Most currently working people do not see the same retirement for themselves as the one their parents or grandparents saw.So, no more pina coladas on the beach? Actually, there is hope, and it starts with understanding one simple truth — the corporate ladder is no longer a thing. We work in an environment we could describe with the acronym VUCA — volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous. So, the modern career path is not linear; it is squiggly, and we must embrace it.

Don't be a 'know-it-all,' but become a 'learn-it-all' — set a goal to learn a new skill every few months.

Though turbulent, today's world offers you a unique opportunity — you can succeed doing what you genuinely love, not what society dictates. For this, you need five career skills, and very conveniently, they are all in this summary. So, let's get ahead of the curve!

second KEY POINT

From average to awesome

The first assets needed for your success are your superstrengths. This tale is as old as time, but when was the last time you thoroughly considered your strong suits? Not just got the idea, but in-depth identified all the advantages and natural gifts you can bring. Take your pen and notebook and go through this four-step exercise to get a complete vision of your personality.Step #1: First burstsSet a timer for one minute and write your twenty strong points. It might not be as easy as it seems, but what might help is to include qualities outside your work. Next, write your three weaknesses and try to convert them into strengths. Let's say you have trouble performing in front of people. You can convert this weakness into good listening skills.Step #2: Natural talentsNatural talents might be invisible to you, so ask your friends or colleagues to write your three strong points with a short explanation of why they chose them. After that, compare their results with the one you got in the first step. Try to compile a list of your top six natural talents.Step #3: Learned strengthsReflect on things you have learned throughout your life. Go through your CV and LinkedIn profile to see what tasks you performed and what abilities you have acquired.

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first KEY POINT

The GPS to your career success

second KEY POINT

Become a career rockstar

third KEY POINT

Network like a pro

fourth KEY POINT

Manifest your success

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, co-founders of Amazing If, are dedicated to helping people have more fulfilling careers. Their non-linear career paths sparked them to share their insights through their podcast, Squiggly Careers.

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Frequently asked questions

What is The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career about?

The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career, authored by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, explores the evolving nature of career development in a world that favors flexibility over linear progression. Instead of climbing a career ladder, the book encourages readers to embrace a more fluid path that emphasizes adaptability and the pursuit of meaningful opportunities.

What are the key takeaways from The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career?

Key takeaways from The Squiggly Career include the importance of designing your career based on personal values and skills, rather than following traditional paths. Readers learn to recognize and seize opportunities, navigate uncertainty, and create their own definition of success in a constantly changing job landscape.

Is The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career worth reading?

Yes, The Squiggly Career is worth reading for those looking to rethink their professional journey. Its practical advice and relatable examples make it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to thrive in today's dynamic career environment.

How many pages is The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career and when was it published?

The Squiggly Career spans approximately 288 pages and was published on January 12, 2021. This engaging read is both informative and actionable, making it suitable for readers at all career stages.

How does The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career redefine success?

The book redefines success by promoting the idea that career fulfillment comes from exploring diverse opportunities and embracing non-linear paths rather than adhering to conventional definitions of achievement. It encourages individuals to curate their careers based on curiosity and personal growth.