Michelle spoke with Carli Fink, a certified career development practitioner, about the realities of non-linear careers, why people still idealize linear ones, and how to make smart, strategic career transitions. The conversation also made a compelling case for adult gap years as a tool for career exploration and self-discovery.
About Carli
Certified Career Development PractitionerRuns Foreseeable Futures — a career counseling practice focused on non-linear careersAlso works part-time for a consulting company and teaches career classes at a universityOriginally trained as a K-12 teacher; her own career has spanned student life, academic advising, career counselling, and workforce developmentBenefits of a Non-Linear Career
Personal fulfillment — careers that served you at 25 may not serve you at 45; transitions allow you to meet evolving needsResilience and adaptability — diverse experience protects against labor market shocksTransferable skills — the same advice we give young people (keep doors open, diversify experience) applies throughout your entire careerIt's Not Too Late — Reframing Career Age
Working lives are getting longer (many now work into their 70s)Someone in their late 30s may have 30+ more years of working life aheadAt that stage, you've barely entered the "adult chapter" of your careerKey message: Dreams don't have deadlinesSigns It May Be Time to Consider a Career Change
Consistently leaving work feeling drained and depletedNoticing systematic issues with the industry or profession, not just a temporary rough patchFeeling disengaged or going through the motions for an extended periodDissatisfaction that isn't resolved by seasonal changes or minor adjustmentsBest Practices for Making a Career Transition
1. Diagnose the Problem Correctly
Track when feelings of frustration or disengagement ariseIs it specific tasks? Certain people? Structural conditions of the industry?Fixing the wrong problem leads to the same dissatisfaction in a new role2. Prototype in Low-Cost, Low-Risk Ways
Talk to people working in fields you're consideringRead or listen to content from people in those fieldsVolunteer, take a course, or build a personal project to test competenciesExplore before making a full leapThe Adult Gap Year Connection
An adult gap year is essentially an extended prototyping opportunityProvides time and space for self-exploration that full-time employment rarely allowsCan be used to:Explore new career pathsDevelop new competenciesTest interests in a hands-on wayReturn to a former employer with clarity — or transition into something newOrganizational sabbaticals, extended leave, or deferred pay plans can all create this opportunityKey Quotes
"It's hard to fix the problem if you don't know what it is."
"You can prototype things before you actually jump in a big way."
"Working lives are getting longer — you may be much younger in your career than you realize."
Resources & Links
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlifink/🌐 Website: https://www.foreseeablefutures.ca/Takeaway
Non-linear careers are not a consolation prize — they are an adaptive, fulfilling, and increasingly strategic way to navigate a changing world of work. Whether you're 28 or 58, it is never too late to reconsider your path, and an adult gap year can be a powerful tool to make that transition thoughtfully and intentionally.
Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association
