love this framework Anna. A web makes a lot of sense. And it immediately got me asking, "Are most of us prepared for this shift, and what it means from a financial security perspective?"
It's a very big and important question, and I think a lot will need to change at a structural level to support the inevitable changes that are coming with the mass adoption of AI. It's going to be an interesting few years 👀
This idea really hit home. I haven’t built a full “portfolio career” yet, but I’ve definitely felt the pull in that direction. Especially as I explore more writing, consulting, and side projects outside my 9–5.
Your framing of the career web makes so much sense. It’s not just about chasing one title or path anymore it’s about making meaning from the threads we’re already weaving.
Thanks for putting words to something many of us are navigating in real time.
Basically my day job, but take it down to part time. Then doing more travel advising. And running a community energy program. And being a policy advocate. And sitting on public committees and councils….i have lots of interests 😁
I loved the framework/analogy too! The way I was thinking about how it related to my life when I was reading it was more around all the twists and turns I’ve taken (the squiggle) with my education and career, and how hard I’ve been on myself because it hasn’t been super linear/ladder like. And how I could instead view it more as a web and my work instead is to connect all the radial strands and use them to expand up and out. It also gives me the freedom to continue to explore what interests me, knowing that it potentially is another strand I’m adding to my web.
It’s crazy how indoctrinated the career ladder is in our mindset of what’s possible!!
We are massively indoctrinated to think that the only way is step up up up, but I much prefer the idea of building outwards. I'm so happy this has given you a new way of thinking about your career 😍
Oh yes the concept of a career web definitely hits! And to build on the analogy, have you ever noticed how strong a spider’s web can be in the wind and rain? It withstands the unpredictable elements because it isn’t rigid, it has enough structure AND flexibility. Like our careers and work could be, to weather the unpredictable storms of life and changing seasons! Thanks for sharing, it’s created a great visual in my mind.
Absolutely love this idea of the "career web"! I've liked thinking of my career as a tree with different branches. The tree metaphor has fun opportunities to think about roots (your character traits/personal brand?), trunk (your education/career foundation/personal network?), and branches (different interests/revenue streams/areas of expertise?). It's not quite as organized as your web metaphor though - needs some workshopping! Or some "pruning" haha
Loved this, Anna, I think the Career Web is a great metaphor for how many of us are actually working and thinking now.
I recently wrote a post on using AI to simulate different career paths before you commit, to help move beyond “what sounds exciting” into “what actually fits who I am.” It’s a practical way to explore and test-drive the strands of your web before fully weaving them in.
I loved this concept of our own web we want to weave. I am curious to sit down and write/draw/create how I want my 'future' web to look like. So appreciated reading this today. Thank you for sharing.🥰
love this framework Anna. A web makes a lot of sense. And it immediately got me asking, "Are most of us prepared for this shift, and what it means from a financial security perspective?"
It's a very big and important question, and I think a lot will need to change at a structural level to support the inevitable changes that are coming with the mass adoption of AI. It's going to be an interesting few years 👀
This idea really hit home. I haven’t built a full “portfolio career” yet, but I’ve definitely felt the pull in that direction. Especially as I explore more writing, consulting, and side projects outside my 9–5.
Your framing of the career web makes so much sense. It’s not just about chasing one title or path anymore it’s about making meaning from the threads we’re already weaving.
Thanks for putting words to something many of us are navigating in real time.
That's 100% it. Glad it resonated 😊
Love this, Anna. I immediately drew my own aspirational web 🙌
Oo what did it look like?!
Basically my day job, but take it down to part time. Then doing more travel advising. And running a community energy program. And being a policy advocate. And sitting on public committees and councils….i have lots of interests 😁
I loved the framework/analogy too! The way I was thinking about how it related to my life when I was reading it was more around all the twists and turns I’ve taken (the squiggle) with my education and career, and how hard I’ve been on myself because it hasn’t been super linear/ladder like. And how I could instead view it more as a web and my work instead is to connect all the radial strands and use them to expand up and out. It also gives me the freedom to continue to explore what interests me, knowing that it potentially is another strand I’m adding to my web.
It’s crazy how indoctrinated the career ladder is in our mindset of what’s possible!!
We are massively indoctrinated to think that the only way is step up up up, but I much prefer the idea of building outwards. I'm so happy this has given you a new way of thinking about your career 😍
Oh yes the concept of a career web definitely hits! And to build on the analogy, have you ever noticed how strong a spider’s web can be in the wind and rain? It withstands the unpredictable elements because it isn’t rigid, it has enough structure AND flexibility. Like our careers and work could be, to weather the unpredictable storms of life and changing seasons! Thanks for sharing, it’s created a great visual in my mind.
Exactly!! The metaphor works in so many ways 😍
Great framework 👏👏👏
Absolutely love this idea of the "career web"! I've liked thinking of my career as a tree with different branches. The tree metaphor has fun opportunities to think about roots (your character traits/personal brand?), trunk (your education/career foundation/personal network?), and branches (different interests/revenue streams/areas of expertise?). It's not quite as organized as your web metaphor though - needs some workshopping! Or some "pruning" haha
Haha I love your thinking. I actually wrote another article with a tree metaphor a few weeks ago (here if you're curious: https://annamackstack.substack.com/p/how-to-build-a-personal-brand-when). I do think they could link together potentially. Hmm. I will marinate on that! Haha
Loved this, Anna, I think the Career Web is a great metaphor for how many of us are actually working and thinking now.
I recently wrote a post on using AI to simulate different career paths before you commit, to help move beyond “what sounds exciting” into “what actually fits who I am.” It’s a practical way to explore and test-drive the strands of your web before fully weaving them in.
Might be useful for anyone here who’s navigating their own version of the squiggle: https://aiblewmymind.substack.com/p/how-to-see-your-future-before-you
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you for sharing! Popping this on my weekend reading list 😊
curious to hear what you think!
I loved this concept of our own web we want to weave. I am curious to sit down and write/draw/create how I want my 'future' web to look like. So appreciated reading this today. Thank you for sharing.🥰
You’re so welcome!
They are always divinely timed!🙏
The universe has its ways, doesn't it 👀