LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky said the traditional five-year career plan is: “Outdated” and “You're a little stupid.” In the current labor market. speak at “Nobody knows what they're doing.” Rozlansky pointed out on the podcast: “Technology and the labor market and everything is moving under you.” Professionals should instead prioritize short-term goals. Rather than following a fixed long-term path, he “I would highly recommend that you focus on a few things that are probably not your plan for the next few months, but [rather] What do you want to learn? What kind of experience do you want to have? I think that's the right mental model for this environment. ”Roslansky, who has led the professional networking platform since 2020, attributes this change in strategy to the rapid pace of workplace transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and economic shifts. This view is supported by data from the World Economic Forum, which suggests that by 2030, approximately 39% of core worker skills will be transformed or rendered obsolete. Given these changes, Roslansky argued that focusing on immediate skill acquisition and concrete experiences is more effective than planning the next five years of your life.“I often hear people say, 'You need to make a five-year plan. Plan out what the next five years of your life are going to be like and follow that path and follow that plan. I actually think it's a little foolish to make a five-year plan when you know the technology and the job market and everything is moving under you.' Rozlansky said.
Why LinkedIn CEOs don't believe in 5-year career growth plans
By comparison, some career experts continue to advocate for five-year planning, arguing that: “Career growth doesn't just happen” And more rigorous goal setting helps people achieve their goals.“Five-year plans also give you the flexibility to change things that are no longer relevant to your long-term goals without disrupting your progress. This way, you're always working towards what you really want to achieve,” talent management executive Mary McNevin told Ariel Executive.But Roslansky's commitment to this philosophy runs so deep that he produces his own podcast, The Path, which explores how professionals navigate diverse and non-linear career trajectories.“A lot of people believe that there's a linear career path that they jump into. You graduate from high school, you go to a certain college, you become a consultant, you get an MBA. People believe that's how it happens.” Rozlansky added.Based on LinkedIn data, Rozlansky understands that a linear education and career path is not realistic for most people. A recent report from vocational training provider TAFE Gippsland found that people typically change careers between three and seven times in their lifetime, and as many as 16 times.This pattern is even more pronounced among Gen Z workers, who change jobs on average every 1.1 years, according to a recent report from recruitment agency Randstad. This is what we call it at the company. “Growth Hunt” do not have “Job change” That's because Gen Z says they change jobs when they feel stuck or don't see opportunities to advance in their current role.“Many career paths open up to you if you focus on learning, gaining experience and taking short steps. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can take your career into your own hands. No one is trying to figure it out for you.” Rozlansky explained.
