Job Searching as a Polymath: A Choose Your Own Adventure

Some people grow up knowing exactly what they’ll do for work. They want to be a nurse, an engineer, a teacher. They follow that path from training to career to retirement. For them, job searching is about finding the right fit within their field.

That has never been me.

I don’t want to do the same job twice. I thrive on change. I enjoy starting at the bottom, learning everything I can, and working my way up. When the time feels right, I choose a new path altogether. Job searching for me is not a ladder. It’s more like flipping through a Choose Your Own Adventure book where each role is a new chapter.

This approach has given me a wealth of experience across industries. It has also made job searches more complex.

I don’t look for “the next logical step.” I look for opportunities that are interesting and expansive, roles that spark curiosity. I also learned my own boundaries. You will never see me apply to be an actuary, an accountant, or a software engineer. But if a role calls on communication, leadership, or systems thinking, I know I can step in and grow.

The challenge is how employers interpret that.

When they look at my history, they see multiple industries and assume inconsistency. What they often miss is resilience, adaptability, and a proven ability to learn new systems quickly. Some may even be unsettled by the idea that you don’t have to choose one profession for life. You can change direction when you choose.

Being a polymath in the job market isn’t simple, but it is powerful.

What I bring is range. I bring curiosity. I bring the courage to start over and the skills to succeed wherever I land. I bring the perspective of someone who has built, rebuilt, and reimagined not just jobs but systems, teams, and ways of working.

If you are also a polymath, you probably know this feeling. Job searching can feel like a maze, but it is also an invitation. You get to ask yourself which adventure you want to step into next.

The world needs specialists, and it also needs people who can see the bigger picture, connect the dots, and thrive in the spaces between.

So here’s my reflection question for you:

Do you see your career path as a straight line or more like a branching story? What would shift if you gave yourself permission to change directions?