Changing Paths: The Career Development Process

It’s Spring! With a new season comes a time for reflection and positive change. If you’ve been job searching without success, it may be time to adjust your approach or schedule a practice interview with your coach. And if your target job is shrinking or disappearing in your market, this may be the moment to reevaluate your career direction. If so, 2026 is the perfect year to pivot.

For decades, many people followed a traditional career path—choosing one profession and staying with it, often with the same employer. This model began shifting in the 1970s with the rise of self-employment, globalization, corporate restructuring, and early automation. The change accelerated sharply in the 21st century, especially after the pandemic. Advances in AI have further pushed the decline of the stable, linear career ladder.

Today, traditional employment continues to shrink as work undergoes a long-term transformation—not a temporary disruption. Most senior leaders now agree that the old model is gone. As a result, workers are embracing career pivots and portfolio careers that combine freelance projects, part-time work, and multiple income streams. The average worker will change jobs about 12 times and often move through several distinct careers.

People are no longer asking, “What path should I stay on?” but rather, “Which skills, opportunities, and values should shape my next step?” Career mobility is no longer unusual—it’s essential.

In response to these shifts, William Bridges introduced the concept of “Me Inc.” This idea encourages individuals to view themselves not simply as employees but as entrepreneurs of their own careers. “Me Inc.” emphasizes taking ownership of your development, treating your skills as products, and managing your career like a business in a rapidly changing job market.

Embracing the New Reality – The Career Development Process

A recent survey reports that 43% of workers are actively trying to change careers. Below is a practical process to help guide a career change in 2026.

• Start With a Solid Career Assessment: The best way to manage a small or large career change is to begin with self-assessment. Reflect on your strengths, values, interests, lifestyle preferences, and practical needs. When identifying your top skills, focus on those you truly enjoy using—time passes quickly when you apply them. Work with an accountability partner to ensure you complete the entire assessment. This step becomes the foundation for evaluating future options.

  • Key questions include:

    • What do I feel called to contribute?

    • Which activities energize me?

    • When am I most in the flow?

• Generate Options: Next, brainstorm all possible job ideas that emerge from your self-assessment. Think broadly and creatively—this is not the time to edit or limit yourself. Collaborate with others to expand your list.

• Research Options: Then research the roles you identified. Use resources such as:

  • O*NET (onetonline.org)

  • Occupational Outlook Handbook (bls.gov/ooh)

  • CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org)

• Explore growth trends, salary ranges, and needed skills.

• Evaluation and Action Planning: Compare your research findings to your prioritized self-assessment results. Identify your top two or three career options and then work with your coach to build an action plan.

More on the Action Plan

• Repackage your experience: Create a narrative that shows how your background uniquely qualifies you for your new field. Use the language of the field and connect with people already doing the work.

• Reframe your résumé: Incorporate keywords from your target job postings.

• Experiment with low-risk opportunities: Freelancing, part-time roles, volunteering, or job shadowing can provide experience and confidence.

• Engage in training: Choose programs that strengthen your qualifications and support your transition.

• Network authentically: Start with people you know, then reach out on LinkedIn to individuals doing your desired work. Ask short, focused questions and continue expanding your connections.

• Increase visibility: Post on social media, volunteer for assignments, or form an accountability group.

• Plan for the emotional side: Change is demanding—practice self-care and stay connected to supportive people.

As the traditional career path fades, this career development process becomes essential. Take small, consistent steps—clarity and confidence grow with action. Revisit the process annually on a meaningful date to stay aligned with your goals and thrive in the new world of work.