Career growth is not linear -- and that’s a good thing.

We’ve been sold this idea that the path goes:

Junior → Mid → Senior → Lead → Manager → Director...

But real growth?

- In temporary plateaus.

- It happens in sideways moves.

- In setbacks that become our greatest lessons.

Here’s how nonlinear growth shows up:

- Switching teams to learn a new domain

- Moving from individual contributor to mentor

- Taking a smaller role to regain balance or focus

- Following curiosity, not just the fastest ladder climb

You’re not falling behind if your path looks different. You’re crafting a career that fits you.

It won't be the same as someone else's -- and that's okay.

What non-traditional move helped you grow the most?

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