What is a zigzag career path, and how does it work?

💪💼 The bank employee who left a senior executive role to join a startup in a mid-level position isn’t lacking ambition zigzag career path professional landscape increasingly shaped by AI

The logic behind it is straightforward. shrinking pool visibly disappearing

Egyptians were doing this before it had a name

Egypt’s graduates have been zigzagging for years.

Startups are absorbing much of that redirected talent. increasingly attractive Statista

Not everyone arrives at a zigzag by choice.

What companies lose when they don't adapt

Companies don’t only lose when they restructure annually, eliminate middle management, or cut headcount

A productivity dip looks like the inevitable price. University of Pennsylvania study

What companies can do differently

Redefine what advancement looks like. Gartner survey

Support internal mobility. HR specialists

Embrace flexible roles.

Invest in continuous learning that goes beyond the current role. training programs and development budgets