3-Minute Quiz: Find the Best Career Trajectory Model For Lasting Job Satisfaction

Like most people, I followed the traditional "linear career model" for the last decade. I wish I'd known about different career models I could follow because I would have taken action to improve my job satisfaction much sooner.

A career trajectory is a path an individual follows in their work life, influenced by factors like personal values, goals, strengths, and risk tolerance. Knowing your preferred career trajectory is crucial to lasting job satisfaction.

Here is a short quiz to find yours, and corresponding practical tips to improve your job satisfaction.

3-Minute Quiz

1. How do you feel about long-term career planning?
A) I prefer setting clear, long-term goals and working toward them.
B) I enjoy mastering a particular skill and staying in that niche.
C) I like to explore new areas of interest every few years.
D) I’m not into long-term planning; I’m open to switching roles or industries as opportunities arise.

2. How do you feel about taking risks in your career?
A) I avoid risks and prefer a stable, secure path.
B) I’m open to calculated risks if they help deepen my expertise.
C) I’m willing to take moderate risks if they offer growth and new learning opportunities.
D) I embrace risks and enjoy the excitement of trying something new or different.

3. What motivates you most in your career?
A) Climbing the ranks and achieving a senior position.
B) Becoming an expert and being recognized in my field.
C) Personal growth and learning new things.
D) New challenges and flexibility.

4. How do you approach learning?
A) I focus on gaining experience and steadily building my skills.
B) I like to dive deep into one area of expertise.
C) I love learning new things and often explore multiple fields.
D) I’m adaptable and prefer to learn as I go in different roles.

5. What does career success mean to you?
A) Achieving a top position in my organization or industry.
B) Being known as a specialist and go-to expert in my field.
C) Gaining diverse skills and having a broad range of experiences.
D) Working on exciting projects, regardless of the industry or role.

6. How do you handle career changes?
A) I prefer staying on a stable path and progressing steadily.
B) I’m open to change but only if it deepens my expertise in a specific area.
C) I welcome change and often switch roles to broaden my experience.
D) I’m always ready for change and enjoy the excitement of new opportunities.

7. Do you prefer working in structured environments or flexible ones?
A) I thrive in structured environments with clear paths to advancement.
B) I prefer some structure, but I like autonomy in how I work.
C) I enjoy flexibility and the freedom to explore new roles or fields.
D) I prefer flexibility and often take on different projects or freelance work.

8. How long do you usually stay in a job or role?
A) I stay in a role for many years, progressing steadily.
B) I stick with a job as long as it allows me to deepen my expertise.
C) I change roles every 3-5 years to try something new.
D) I switch roles or industries frequently, sometimes within a year or two.

9. What is your ideal work-life balance?
A) I’m okay with sacrificing some personal time to climb the career ladder.
B) I want balance, but I’m willing to focus on my work to develop my expertise.
C) I prioritize balance and seek roles that allow both career growth and personal time.
D) Flexibility is key; I prefer to control when and how I work.

10. How do you define job satisfaction?
A) Moving up the ladder and achieving seniority.
B) Mastery of my craft and being recognized as an expert.
C) Personal growth through new learning experiences.
D) Variety and freedom to work on different projects or in different fields.

4 Career Trajectory Models

If you answered mostly 'A':

Linear ("Traditional")

• Description: You thrive in structured environments with a clear path to success. Long-term stability and upward progression are important to you, and you’re motivated by climbing the ranks.
• Characteristics: A steady progression from junior roles to senior leadership positions.
• Example: An employee starts as an entry-level associate, becomes a manager, and eventually an executive role.
• Who it’s for: People who value career advancement within one field.

If you answered mostly 'B':

Steady-State ("Expert")

• Description: You’re driven by mastery and specialization. You enjoy going deep into a particular field and becoming a recognized expert, rather than focusing on higher pay/title.
• Characteristics: The individual becomes highly specialized and is seen as an authority or thought leader in their field.
• Example: A software engineer who stays in technical roles for a decade, continuously developing their skills, without transitioning to management.
• Who it’s for: Professionals who prioritize technical expertise and job security.

If you answered mostly 'C':

Spiral ("Growth")

• Description: You prefer periodic career changes in related fields to continue learning new skills to build a "broad expertise". Growth and skill diversity are important to you, and you thrive on variety while building upon your past experiences.
• Characteristics: Lateral moves, with occasional upward shifts, but each change builds on prior experiences and brings new learning opportunities.
• Example: A person who starts as a software developer, switches to data science for a few years, and is now in AI, building a broad expertise in technology.
• Who it’s for: Those who value variety, new challenges, and a broader range of experiences that build on each other.

If you answered mostly 'D':

Transitory ("Change")

• Description: You’re comfortable with frequent career changes and enjoy the freedom to switch roles and industries as new opportunities arise. This is the most flexible and dynamic model.
• Characteristics: Frequent job changes, gig work, freelance projects, or part-time roles. Career moves are often less planned and more reactive to opportunities.
• Example: Someone who drives a moving truck for a year, relocates to a new city for a receptionist role, then takes on a hospitality job.
• Who it’s for: Individuals who prioritize flexibility, variety, and adaptability. They can thrive in gig economies or entrepreneurial environments.

Practical Tips for Each Type:

Linear ("Traditional")

• Set Clear Long-Term Goals
  • Define where you want to be in 1, 5, and 10 years.
  • Use these goals to guide your job choices and skill development.
• Be Proactive About Promotions
  • Regularly check in with your supervisors about your performance and express your interest in new responsibilities.
• Strategic Lateral Moves
  • Strategic lateral career moves if they provide valuable experience or new skills. These can open doors to higher positions later.

Steady-State ("Expert")

• Focus on Deepening Knowledge
  • Continuously learn and refine your craft in your chosen niche, whether through workshops, certifications, or research.
• Position Yourself as a Thought Leader
  • Share your expertise through writing, public speaking, or teaching others.
• Stay Relevant
  • Keep up with the latest trends, tools, and technologies in your field to maintain your expert status.

Spiral ("Growth")

• Embrace New Learning Opportunities
  • Don’t be afraid to pivot into a new role or industry that complements your existing skills and broadens your experience.
• Build a Diverse Skill Set
  • Take on projects that allow you to develop a variety of transferable skills like communication, project management, or leadership.
• Create a Story of Your Career Path
  • Reflect on how each career change builds on the last, and the "broad" expertise you are trying to cultivate.

Transitory ("Change")

• Cultivate Resilience and Adaptability
  • Develop the mindset to handle change and uncertainty by focusing on your core strengths and staying organized.
• Embrace change
  • Be flexible and ready to take on new roles as they arise, whether in different industries or short-term projects.
• Build a Strong Network
  • Since transitions often happen unexpectedly, a strong professional network can help you find new opportunities quickly.

Lasting Job Satisfaction

Each model offers a different way to think about career development, depending on factors such as personal values, goals, strengths, and risk-tolerance.

Let's say that you thrive on change and new experiences. Imagine how unhappy you would be if you only followed the traditional linear career path!

Lasting career satisfaction comes from knowing yourself and designing a path that fits your unique strengths, goals, and needs. 📈

Join me on a journey to redesign life, one step at a time! 👊