Beyond Linear Plans: Career Journeys and life

​A third of July has passed, and half of this year has gone by. It’s the time of the year when people get to enjoy a well-deserved vacation with their families. This is also a great time for reflecting on how the first half of the year has unfolded and making or revising plans and resolutions for the remainder of the year. Lately, I have been working on an Employee Development Plan (EDP), which involves identifying my strengths, opportunities, and longer-term visions, including where I see myself in 5 to 10 years. 

It has not been too challenging to write down my strengths based on what I’ve demonstrated so far in my current position. As for challenges and opportunities, thanks to my mentors who’ve supported me throughout the journey, I’ve been able to identify several that can advance my career. But I don’t have an inkling of where I see myself in the longer term, say, 10 years from now. I think it’s a fair self-assessment. Life is highly unpredictable. There is not much you can control. Even simple things that you thought you’ve carefully planned, considering all the gains and risks, rarely unfold in a linear way. 

Life is dynamic and transforms within an intricate network of everything around us. A long-term career track that a R&D researcher like me can consider at the current company is to become a Fellow, serving as a technical advisor and career mentor for future generations and upper management. Another route is to become a people leader, like a Director, Senior Director, or even VP. These are two linear, expected routes that R&D researchers can think of, but they often have to face and overcome numerous obstacles that unfold in a non-linear manner along the way. It’s not just these high-level positions; I’ve met many individuals who have chosen to have a long and fulfilling career in mid-level positions. Some of them are my mentors, who bring fresh perspectives about lifelong career and experiences outside of work. I’ve also met a few meandering along non-linear paths, transitioning into and back and forth between different functions, such as marketing, finances, and IP, or exploring completely different fields, pushing themselves out of their comfort zones.

In terms of where I see myself 5 to 10 years from now, I have no clue. I am open to any opportunities that may arise. Rather than having rigid plans without room for error or branching out, I strive to maintain a high level of flexibility in my career and life and focus on developing relationships and providing support. Along this journey, I may learn something, contribute somewhere, and perhaps even receive unexpected benefits. In my short life, I have experienced many positive outcomes when least expected, especially when I help selflessly without expecting anything in return.

I view projects, relationships, and life itself as this metaphor. Imagine a large, transparent glass container adorned with numerous non-linear, complex empty structures. When you fill it with colored water, the overall shape of the container readily becomes apparent. However, life doesn't always work in such a straightforward manner; it is full of struggles. Ironically, it is the process of overcoming these struggles that make us stronger and even happier. As you add rocks and stones of varying sizes and shapes, the narrative shifts. Initially, larger rocks may occupy the main body of the container, but they cannot fill the intricate empty structures branching out from it. The final appearance of the transparent container becomes uncertain. Patience is required as you diligently add smaller and even round-shaped stones, gradually revealing the bigger picture and ultimately perceiving the complete shape. Interestingly, life is not as rigid as glass; it transforms day by day, year by year. To be more accurate, the container should be malleable and deformable, influenced by the inputs of those rocks and stones, or even external force acting upon it. It’s a complexity that defies the application of thermodynamics! Perhaps, it may apply to an omnipotent being that has designed us, but we, as humans, lack the capacity to fully comprehend and foresee all the factors that affect our life. In light of this perspective, I will continue to approach life with humility, support others, and strive to serve as an enabler for a better world.