Copyright Forbes
For all the Millennial readers out there: Yes. This is what dreams are made of. Hilary Duff was our poster child of pop, and now, she’s making a huge comeback. But was she really MIA for all those years? Absolutely not. This 2000s Disney icon built a diversified empire and became one of the most well-known actors, entrepreneurs, and producers. Just look at her resume. For the past ten years, she’s starred in iconic shows like Younger and How I Met Your Father, has become a vocal advocate for slow fashion, and is now the Chief Brand Director for Below 60°. So, yeah. This Millennial mom has kept herself busy. And, she’s leveraged every single moment along the way. That’s why I think she’s one of the best examples of how your nonlinear background can become your present-day career strength, especially when it comes to your job search strategy. Hilary Duff didn’t disappear into the shadows. If anything, she honed her skills, expanded her reach, and figured out how to weave it all together into a concrete framework that set the stage for her incredible comeback. So, if she can do it, why can’t you? Whether you spent the last five years leading a nonprofit, consulting at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, or getting a doctorate in organic gardening, I’ll give you the tools you need to bring this all together and show you how your detours are actually your career stepping stones. So, are you ready? Perfect. Let’s start with this first truth. MORE FOR YOU Your Career Detours Are Your Competitive Edge Look. I get it. Detours can feel like a never-ending hamster wheel that keeps you spinning, tired, and stagnant. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Because here’s the encouraging news: Everything you do and everything that you’ve done has made you into the person you are today. I know this sounds like a graduation speech at your alma mater, but stay with me, because the data proves it. Take a look at this report by the U.S. Department of Labour. In this study, they found that Boomers born between 1957 and 1964 held an average of 12.9 jobs from ages 18 to 58. Out of that, they had an average of 5.6 jobs from 18 to 24. And interestingly, this average fell to 4.5 jobs from 25 to 34; to 2.9 jobs from 35 to 44; to 2.2 jobs from 45 to 54; and to 1.3 jobs from 55 to 58, which is less than the sum of the jobs across the individual age groups. So, what does this prove? Why do these numbers have any bearing on what people are facing with the current job market? Well, I’m glad you asked. It demonstrates that job-hopping isn’t only a trait of Gen Z, who, according to The University of Queensland, Australia, will have anywhere from 16 to 17 jobs across 5-7 careers. Nonlinear backgrounds are common across all ages. In fact, it’s a trait many companies look for when hiring. And why wouldn’t they? After all, these career paths equip employees to thrive amidst the uncertainties and complexities of the future workplace. Businesses want to hire people who thrive under pressure and can adapt quickly to change. So, don’t listen to anyone who tells you to stay in your lane. Hilary didn’t. Follow her example and you’ll find what I like to call your secret sauce for professional success. This next section provides all the ingredients you need. The 4-Step Comeback Narrative Formula That Works When I was younger, I sang opera in Italy and performed with an incredible cast at a nearby professional theater. So, why am I not belting out Aida at the MET or dancing on Broadway today? Well, because those experiences were just a part of my story. Look, I absolutely adored performing. There was nothing better than singing at the cathedrals in Tuscany. Or, taking a bow after the opening night of Bye Bye Birdie. But the actor’s life did not become a full-time profession. Now, does that mean my time auditioning and performing was a waste? Absolutely not. I learned how to put myself out there, deal with rejection, and lead with empathy through every twist and turn of my career path, all because of those experiences. So, what’s a part of your professional journey that makes you unique? Are you discounting anything that shaped you into the person you are today? Well, if you’re at a loss, this exercise will help. Ask yourself these five questions to gain some clarity and see the big picture of all your accomplishments coming together. What compliments have you received from past jobs, volunteer positions, or even past educational experiences? Now, look at those past positions and pick the one that resonated with you the most. If every employee from that business decided to quit, what would be the first three things that you would do to make the company thrive and survive? Ok. So, now that you have those three things in your mind, ask yourself: What department would enable you to do those tasks daily? Next, create a prompt for Claude and ask it to make a list of fifty companies that value your background, interests, and specific talents. And lastly, filter down the list to businesses that value non-traditional experience and cross-training as part of their workplace culture. Find Companies That Want Your Diversified Background According to Workday’s The Global State of Skills report, 55% of businesses have already started their transition to a skills-based organization, with an additional 23% planning to do so within the next 12 months. Tons of companies are specifically looking for candidates just like you with a nonlinear background and the ability to work across a variety of departments. You have something others lack: the ability to pivot quickly. And between AI-integration, economic shifts, and the fact that the world is evolving at record speed, your adaptability and resilience are in high demand. So, think of this job search process like finding the perfect slice of New York City-style pizza. It takes effort and energy to find the best trattoria, but oh, is it worth the wait. Take this week to rework your job search strategy, list out your explicit strengths, and then look for businesses that embrace your ability to bring a diverse skill set. Because, as Hilary Duff would say, “Why not take a crazy chance?” Make your brilliant comeback with confidence.
