For decades, the blueprint for professional success was simple. You found a good entry-level job, kept your head down, and slowly climbed the corporate ladder.
That linear model is disappearing.
Artificial intelligence, remote working models, and the rise of the gig economy have changed how companies structure their teams. In this environment, the rigid "up or out" mentality of the traditional career ladder can lead to stagnation rather than success.
Instead of a straight climb, today’s most successful careers look more like a lattice structure. Movement happens in all directions - up, sideways, sometimes diagonally. By reframing how we view progression, you can build a career that’s resilient and fulfilling.
The evidence for change
The shift from linear progression isn’t just anecdotal, it’s backed by industry research. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) highlighted this evolution in their recent piece on future career paths.
Their research suggests that the era of the "job for life" is over. The modern finance and business professional is expected to have a "portfolio career." This means acquiring diverse experiences across different sectors, roles, and even geographies.
The ACCA report emphasises that career mobility is increasing. Professionals are no longer defined by their job title. Instead, value is placed on adaptability and the breadth of skills acquired. The report points to a future where career paths are fluid, driven by opportunities and the acquisition of new capabilities, rather than a series of promotions.
Why the "career ladder" is broken
While the stability of a career ladder might sound appealing, it comes with significant downsides in the modern economy.
It ignores transferable skills
On a traditional ladder, success is measured by how well you perform a specific set of narrow tasks to reach the next level. This discourages professionals from learning skills outside their immediate remit. However, in an AI-driven world, the ability to connect dots between different disciplines, such as understanding both data analytics and financial reporting, is where true value lies.
It creates bottlenecks
Career ladders are narrow at the top. If the person above you doesn’t leave or get promoted, you are stuck. This structural rigidity forces talented individuals to leave organisations just to find room to grow.
It discourages lateral moves
In a ladder mindset, moving sideways to a different department to learn a new skill is often viewed as a stall in momentum. In reality, these lateral moves are often the best way to build a robust, future-ready skillset.
Building flexible career paths
If the ladder is dead, what replaces it? The answer lies in skills-led thinking.
A flexible career path focuses on the accumulation of experiences and competencies. It allows you to pivot when industries shift. For example, an accountant might spend two years in audit, move sideways into a data analysis role to learn Python, and then pivot into a strategic sales position.
On a CV, this might look "messy" to a traditionalist. But to a forward-thinking employer, it looks like an agile professional who understands the business from multiple angles.
This approach empowers you to own your development. You are no longer waiting for a manager to hand you a promotion, you’re actively seeking the skills that increase your market value.
Practical steps to design your own path
Building a non-linear career requires more proactive planning than simply waiting for your annual review. Here are four practical steps to get started.
1. Conduct a personal skills audit
Stop thinking about job titles and start thinking about capabilities. Write down what you can actually do. Can you interpret complex data? Are you a persuasive communicator? Do you understand cloud computing? Once you list your current assets, identify the gaps. If you want to move into a fintech role, for example, you might need to bolster your tech literacy.
2. Embrace lateral moves
Don’t be afraid to take a role that isn’t a "step up" in title or salary if it offers a significant learning opportunity. Moving from a large corporate firm to a start-up, or swapping a finance role for an operations role, can provide the diverse experience that accelerates your career later on.
3. Commit to lifelong learning
“Lifelong learning” doesn’t always mean going back to university for a three-year degree. It can mean taking professional qualifications, such as CIMA or AAT. Continuous upskilling ensures you remain employable regardless of how technology changes your industry.
4. Build a diverse network
On a ladder, you mostly talk to the people on the rungs directly above and below you. On a flexible path, you need a network that spans industries and functions. Connect with peers in different departments. Their insights can alert you to opportunities you might not be aware of.
Frequently asked questions
Will a non-linear career look bad on my CV?
Not if you frame it correctly. When interviewing, focus on the narrative of why you made each move. Explain how moving sideways allowed you to gain a specific skill that makes you better suited for the role you are applying for now. Employers value purpose and adaptability.
How do I know when to move?
If you feel your learning and development has stagnated, it might be time to look for the next challenge. In a skills-led career, stagnation is the enemy. If a role no longer offers the chance to acquire new capabilities or refine existing ones, look for the next opportunity, whether that is up, sideways, or elsewhere.
Embrace the new era of work
The death of the career ladder is no cause for alarm, it’s an invitation to innovate. By letting go of the pressure to climb straight up, you gain the freedom to explore, learn, and build a career that is unique to you.
By focusing on real-world skills and staying open to diverse opportunities, you ensure your career is built on a foundation much stronger than a single job title.
Are you ready to add new skills to your portfolio? Explore Kaplan’s range of professional qualifications and apprenticeships to start building a future-ready career today.