Beyond the Linear Path: Embracing Change, Growth and AI in Your Career

Beyond the Linear Path: Embracing Change, Growth and AI in Your Career

From the moment we’re asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” a world of possibilities opens. This world is filled with aspirations, doubts, pivots, and sometimes, complete reinventions.

I never aspired to a career in HR. In fact, I was a classic case of someone unsure of what they wanted to do. Early on, I didn’t see HR as an impactful career; I had heard it reduced to mere engagement activities—a famous line in India being "facilitators of our myriad festivities," something far removed from driving business success. But experience changed my perspective, and that earlier image faded into a far corner in my head. Fortunately, working with great organizations in India, then moving to Dubai and Canada, I saw HR’s true potential—not just as a support function, but as a strategic partner shaping business outcomes.

Yet, my curiosity about other fields never faded. Wouldn’t business consultants have more control over business goals? Wouldn’t data analysts, who decode past and future trends, play a more direct role in steering an organization’s success? These questions led me to explore different industries, carefully balancing my need for learning with my employability. This journey—one of trial, adaptation, and strategic career moves—has led me to where I am today: leveraging HR, business analytics, and AI to drive people strategies that create real impact.

Career Confusion Isn’t Just an Individual Struggle

For the longest time, I believed career dilemmas were more common among women. I thought men simply picked a profession, stuck with it, and fulfilled their obligations without emotional complexity. Their linear career paths seemed structured and enviable. But as I progressed in my career and spoke to more professionals, I found that men, too, faced uncertainties, stagnation, and the need to pivot.

Our careers shape more than just our financial stability—they influence our confidence, identity, relationships, sense of purpose, and even how we perceive the world. Yet, choosing and evolving within a career is rarely straightforward. Many professionals hit a crossroads, wondering whether their current path still serves their ambitions. Some feel trapped in roles that no longer excite them but fear change. Others question their relevance in industries evolving at breakneck speed. The doubt creeps in: “Am I too old to switch?” “Am I becoming obsolete?”

Reigniting Passion Through Growth and AI

For me, excitement in HR was reignited when I saw how AI could elevate the function from reactive to truly strategic. My deep dive into business and data analytics paid off, allowing me to drive HR decisions with foresight rather than hindsight. We’re already familiar with AI in HR—particularly in areas we have a love-hate relationship with, like recruitment, where ATS systems can be both a blessing and a frustration, or onboarding, which, while imperfect, certainly beats endless paperwork. But my real favorites go beyond these. With AI, I can predict attrition before it impacts business performance, ethically analyze sentiment before dissatisfaction takes root, detect skills gaps before they lead to disengagement, and implement AI-driven career development tools that ensure employees grow rather than feel stuck.

This isn’t just about HR—it’s about leadership. As I coach, mentor, and guide teams, I see firsthand how staying adaptable and embracing innovation fuels professional growth.

Your Career Will Evolve with You—if You Let It

If you’re at a career crossroads, reflect on the pain point. What’s holding you back? Is it confusion, guilt, fear of failure, or a sense of being undervalued? Often, the answers to our career struggles lie in the very challenges we face. That’s the first quadrant of spirituality as well as success. Your ideal career isn’t a fixed destination; it’s a journey that grows alongside you.

Whether you’re just starting out, feeling stuck, or considering a pivot, remember this: the most successful careers aren’t the ones that follow a straight path. They are the ones that evolve with purpose, strategy, and continuous learning. The question isn’t just what’s next—it’s how are you shaping what’s next?