In our 20s, many of us feel the pressure to choose a career path and stick to it. The idea of knowing exactly what we want to do for the rest of our lives can feel overwhelming, but what if that’s not the goal at all?

I didn’t follow a straight line to get where I am today, and I’m honestly grateful for that. My career has taken many unexpected twists and turns, and each step has taught me invaluable lessons that continue to serve me in my current work as a web designer and entrepreneur.

In fact, I wouldn’t be where I am now without the diverse experiences that I’ve had along the way. And I’m here to tell you that the non-linear career path, though often undervalued, can actually open doors to endless possibilities—both personally and professionally.

The Pressure of Defining “One Thing”

There’s often this unwritten rule that we should figure out exactly what we’re “meant” to do with our lives in our early 20s. Society tells us that there’s a perfect job out there with our name on it, and if we just work hard enough, we’ll find it. But that mindset can be paralyzing. It assumes that there’s one specific career path to follow, one “right” answer, and that if we don’t find it, we’ve somehow failed.

If you’re like me, you may have found that pressure overwhelming at times. You get into your career, maybe you’re in a role that doesn’t light you up, and you start questioning whether you’re on the right path. But here’s the thing: what if you didn’t need to pick just one thing? What if your career could be a journey—a journey of discovery, of growing through different experiences, and collecting skills along the way that help you build something meaningful?

By embracing a non-linear path, you open yourself up to the idea that your career can evolve. You don’t have to pick a career and stick with it for the next 30 years. In fact, you shouldn’t feel boxed in by the idea of doing one thing for the rest of your life.

How a Non-Linear Path Actually Prepares You for Success

My own career path has been far from linear, and I’m incredibly thankful for the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today.

I started out as a teacher. And while teaching might seem worlds apart from web design and entrepreneurship, it taught me some foundational skills that I still use today: organization, time management, resourcefulness, adaptability, and, of course, teaching itself. But the skills that really made a difference weren’t always the ones I learned in a textbook. I honed my ability to connect with people, to communicate complex ideas in a simple way, and to work under pressure.

When I moved into the role of a dean, my focus shifted, but my core skills were still relevant. As a dean, I learned to manage a team, provide constructive feedback, and juggle multiple projects at once. It’s one thing to manage your own classroom; it’s another to manage a group of educators, each with their own challenges and needs. But in doing so, I picked up important leadership skills—like project management, delegation, and public speaking—that have been crucial to my success today. I also had to learn how to collaborate with various stakeholders—teachers, administrators, parents, and students—which taught me the value of building relationships and understanding different perspectives.

When I decided to make the leap into entrepreneurship, my first step was in copywriting. At first glance, copywriting might seem completely unrelated to education and leadership, but in reality, it was the perfect bridge to my next role. I learned how to write for a target audience, how to capture a brand’s voice, and how to turn words into powerful tools that resonate with people. That ability to communicate clearly and persuasively has been invaluable in my work as a web designer.

The skills I’ve honed in each role have all carried forward, building upon one another and positioning me for new opportunities. And while I don’t know exactly where my career will take me next, I’m confident that the skills I’ve acquired along the way will continue to serve me, no matter what comes next.

Why the Non-Linear Path Works for Entrepreneurs

As a small business owner, no two days are alike. There’s always something new to learn, and often, you have to wear many different hats: marketer, customer service rep, project manager, designer, and so much more. The ability to pivot, to learn new skills quickly, and to apply lessons from different fields is crucial to navigating the world of entrepreneurship.

My non-linear career path has taught me to be flexible and adaptable, and I’m constantly amazed at how many of the skills I’ve picked up in different roles come into play in my day-to-day life as a business owner. The experience I gained from teaching and managing people has made me a better leader in my own business. The strategic thinking I learned as a dean helps me manage client projects and expectations. And the copywriting skills I developed have made my marketing more impactful.

For anyone looking to build a small business—or to make a career pivot—these diverse experiences give you a competitive edge. You’re not just doing one thing; you’re leveraging a broad skill set to solve problems and create solutions in unique ways.

The Freedom of Not Being “Tied Down” to One Role

One of the most liberating realizations I’ve had is that I don’t have to do one thing for the rest of my life. I can wear multiple hats, take on new roles, and explore new interests as they arise—and all of those experiences will add up to something meaningful.

The beauty of the non-linear career path is that it’s not about finding that one “dream job” that defines you forever. It’s about finding multiple avenues for growth and fulfillment and creating a career that aligns with your strengths, values, and interests. When you stop worrying about following a rigid path, you open yourself up to the freedom to explore different roles and see where your skills can take you.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about where your career is heading, take a moment to reflect on the skills you’ve built up over time. Chances are, you’ve gained a wealth of experience, even if it doesn’t seem directly related to your current goals. Those skills matter. They’ve prepared you for the future, whether it’s in your current role, a new business venture, or a career pivot you haven’t even imagined yet.

So take a deep breath, trust in your journey, and give yourself permission to explore new opportunities—no matter how unconventional they might seem. Your non-linear path isn’t a setback; it’s your greatest asset. Embrace it, and see just how far it can take you.