Traditional career paths, such as becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, are often seen as the most desirable options for graduates. However, there are many non-conventional career paths that can be just as fulfilling and rewarding.

Non-conventional career paths are those that fall outside of the traditional job market. They are often more flexible and creative, and they can offer a variety of benefits, such as the ability to work from home, set your own hours, and be your own boss.

Non-conventional career paths are becoming increasingly popular in India, as more and more people are looking for ways to pursue their passions and interests while also making a good living.

• A recent survey by LinkedIn found that 66% of Indian millennials are interested in pursuing a non-conventional career path.
• Another survey by Deloitte found that 58% of Indian businesses are planning to hire more freelancers and contract workers in the next two years.
• The Indian government is also promoting non-conventional career paths, through initiatives such as the Skill India Mission and the Startup India Mission.

What are non-conventional career paths?

Non-conventional career paths can take many different forms. Some examples include:

• Freelancing: Freelancers work independently, rather than for a traditional employer. They can offer a variety of services, such as writing, editing, graphic design, web development, and social media marketing.
• Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs start their own businesses. This can be a challenging but rewarding path, and it offers the opportunity to create something new and impactful.
• Creative careers: Creative careers include things like acting, music, writing, and art. These careers can be more difficult to break into than traditional careers, but they can also be very rewarding.
• Nonprofit work: Nonprofit workers work for organizations that are dedicated to social and environmental causes. This can be a great way to make a difference in the world and pursue your passion.

Why explore non-conventional career paths?

There are many reasons to explore non-conventional career paths. Here are a few:

• Flexibility: Non-conventional career paths often offer more flexibility than traditional jobs. For example, freelancers can choose their own hours and work from wherever they want.
• Creativity: Non-conventional career paths can allow you to use your creativity and pursue your passions. For example, entrepreneurs can create their own products or services, and creative professionals can express themselves through their work.
• Fulfillment: Non-conventional career paths can be more fulfilling than traditional jobs, especially if you are working on something that you are passionate about. For example, nonprofit workers can make a real difference in the world, and entrepreneurs can create something new and impactful.

Benefits of non-conventional career paths

Non-conventional career paths can offer a variety of benefits, including:

• Flexibility: As mentioned above, non-conventional career paths often offer more flexibility than traditional jobs. This can be a major benefit for people who have families or other commitments, or who simply want to have more control over their work-life balance.
• Earning potential: Non-conventional career paths can also offer a lot of earning potential. For example, successful freelancers and entrepreneurs can earn a very good living.
• Personal growth: Non-conventional career paths can also provide opportunities for personal growth. For example, starting your own business can teach you valuable skills such as leadership, resilience, and problem-solving.

Popular non-conventional career paths

Some popular non-conventional career paths include:

• Freelance writing
• Graphic design
• Web development
• Social media marketing
• Content creation
• Photography
• Video editing
• Virtual assisting
• E-commerce
• Consulting
• Coaching
• Teaching

How to choose a non-conventional career path

If you are considering a non-conventional career path, here are a few tips for choosing the right one for you:

1. Identify your skills and interests. What are you good at? What are you passionate about? Make a list of your skills and interests, and then brainstorm a list of non-conventional career paths that might be a good fit for you.
2. Research different non-conventional career paths. Once you have a list of potential career paths, take some time to research them. Learn about the job market, the required skills and experience, and the typical salary range.
3. Talk to people who are working in non-conventional career paths. One of the best ways to learn about a non-conventional career path is to talk to someone who is already working in it. Ask them about their experiences, the challenges they face, and the rewards they enjoy.
4. Experiment with different types of work. If you are not sure what non-conventional career path is right for you, try experimenting with different types of work. You can do this by volunteering, freelancing, or starting a side hustle.

How to make a decision if unconventional career path is right for you?

If you’re not familiar with Ikigai, it’s a Japanese concept that means “reason for being.” It’s about finding your purpose in life, and it can be applied to your career as well.

Here’s a simplified explanation of how to use Ikigai to make a career decision:

1. Think about what you’re passionate about. What are the things that you love to do and that make you feel alive?
2. Think about what you’re good at. What are your skills and talents? What do you naturally excel at?
3. Think about what the world needs. What problems are you passionate about solving? What needs can you meet?
4. Think about how you can make a living. How can you monetize your skills and talents? How can you use them to solve problems and meet needs?

Once you have a good understanding of your passions, skills, talents, and the world’s needs, you can start to look for career opportunities that align with all four aspects of Ikigai.

For example, if you’re passionate about teaching and you’re good at working with children, you might consider a career as a teacher. Or, if you’re passionate about protecting the environment and you’re good at research, you might consider a career as an environmental scientist.

The possibilities are endless. The important thing is to find a career that you’re passionate about, that you’re good at, that meets the world’s needs, and that allows you to make a living.

If you’re feeling stuck in your career or you’re not sure where to start, I encourage you to try the below simple Ikigai exercise. It’s a great way to gain clarity and direction while choosing a career path.

Question	Yes	No
Are you passionate about your work?	Go to question 2	Go to question 3
Are you good at your work?	Go to question 4	Go back to question 1
Identify your skills and talents	Go to question 5	Go back to question 2
How can you make a living doing something you are good at and passionate about?	Go to question 6	Go back to question 4
Does your work align with all four aspects of Ikigai?	You are on the right track! Keep pursuing your passion and making a difference in the world.	Go back to question 3 or 4 and reconsider your options.

Tips for success in a non-conventional career path

Here are a few tips for success in a non-conventional career path:

1. Be self-motivated and disciplined. Non-conventional career paths often require a lot of self-motivation and discipline. You will need to be able to set your own goals, manage your time effectively, and stay on task

2. Be adaptable and willing to learn new things. The world is constantly changing, and non-conventional career paths are no exception. Be prepared to adapt to new trends and technologies, and be willing to learn new skills.

3. Be proactive and network with people in your field. Networking is essential for success in any career, but it is especially important in non-conventional career paths. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and reach out to people you admire.

4. Build a strong personal brand. Your personal brand is your reputation. It is what people think of when they hear your name. Make sure that your personal brand is aligned with your career goals and that it reflects your skills and experience.

5. Market yourself and your services effectively. Once you have built a strong personal brand, you need to market yourself and your services effectively. This can involve creating a website, writing blog posts, and using social media.

Final Thoughts

Non-conventional career paths can offer many benefits, such as flexibility, freedom, and the opportunity to pursue your passion. If you are considering a non-conventional career path, be sure to do your research and talk to people who are already working in the field. With hard work and dedication, you can be successful in any career path you choose.

We would like to know in the comments below, which path you are following for your career? The safe and predictable one or unconventional and rewarding.