Are you doubtful of your initial career choice? Or perhaps it was the overwhelming sense of dread that followed the thought of spending a lifetime in one profession? Whatever the reason, if you find yourself paralyzed by your career choice, you don’t need to be.

The traditional “vertical” career path, where workers often feel stuck in or required to begin and end in the same industry, is making room for a new, acceptable zig-zag approach. In fact, many professionals are using this method as a fast track to the top. 

A number of factors have collided in today’s market that has opened the door for workers to explore varied professions and industries without damaging their career in the process. A dramatic labor shortage translates into a hot job market for candidates, and the loosening of skill requirements and backgrounds by most employers. Scarcity of talent means today’s companies must be more open-minded.  

This is good news for recent graduates who may be fearful of being pigeon-holed into one career for life. Instead of feeling pressure to find the right job immediately out of the gates, consider experimenting with a few different jobs and/or companies. Or, for those workers who may be feeling disenchanted with their current profession, now is as good a time as any to try your hand at something new. Just keep these important tips in mind:

• Remain disciplined and dedicated at every job you hold, even if it ends up being one you dislike. Putting in your best effort while you’re experimenting is crucial to building an adequate work ethic and can shed light on what you need from a career to be fulfilled.
• Try to transfer into fields or professions that have some connection or alignment with your current skills. For example, if you’ve spend several years in sales, try out marketing or if technology has been your specialty, take on more of a management role in order to build up business acumen.
• Use consulting, contracting or temporary assignments to learn about new industries. This can be an effective way to gain insight into a profession without putting all your eggs in one basket.
• Consider working in a corporate environment of a Fortune 500 company. This experience can be invaluable when it comes to gaining general business skills, as well as ample opportunities to zig zag across departments and functions.

Remember, a career path no longer needs to be linear nor predictable. However, regardless of whether you choose to follow the straight-and-narrow or zig zag your way to the top, make sure you’re choices are well-thought out, and will ultimately enhance your career advancement in one way or another.