Developing a Multi-Track Career: Finding Fulfillment and Sustainability through Career Pluralism, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

The HCL Review Podcast

Abstract: This article explores the concept of "career pluralism," or developing multiple, complementary career tracks over one's working life. It argues that limiting career pursuits to a single path often leaves people feeling constrained or unfulfilled in the long run, as fields evolve and priorities change. Career pluralism offers various advantages, such as increased resilience to disruption through varied skills, deeper fulfillment from rotational roles, and leveraging synergies across complementary fields. Real-world examples describe professionals diversifying into new areas like public policy, education technology, and social ventures. It provides guidance on thoughtful design and implementation of a multi-track career approach through principles like starting with core strengths, conducting skills assessments, building related qualifications sequentially, and leveraging networks strategically. It aims to spark reflection on crafting sustainable, purposeful professional trajectories.