We are all collectors of experiences.

‍

Whenever we start a new job or a new project, we come with baggage.

‍

Being aware of this also allows us to make career decisions based on what will nurture us the most.

‍

One option is following a straight path aimed at your ultimate goals.

‍

One industry. One area. One type of company.

‍

The other option is wandering through different environments (this is also useful for those unsure of what they want).

‍

Different markets. Different teams. Different cultures.

‍

This alternative can provide us with diversified knowledge that goes beyond one specific field. It gives us perspective and a wider scope.

‍

Keep reading to learn about the benefits varied experience can bring to your career.

‍

Continuous learning

‍

Consistently changing your work bubble keeps you active.

‍

Whether it’s target audience changes, product type changes, work format changes, or industry changes, they all require an openness to learn something from scratch.

‍

Instead of staying in your comfort zone with the abilities you’ve already honed, this approach forces you to branch out. To build new skill sets.

‍

It’s easy to be lazy and do what we’re good at. But that doesn’t stimulate true growth.

‍

‍

By putting yourself in strange or unknown situations that require extra effort, you’re stimulating your learning ability and creativity.

‍

Once you’ve solved the new challenge, you’ll leave it different than you entered it. You’ll be more knowledgeable and resourceful.

‍

And that’s exactly what an experienced professional should be.

‍

New teams, new leaders, new cultures

‍

A big part of any job is teamwork.

‍

Maybe it’s a team of 20. Maybe it’s five people. Maybe it’s you and your leader.

‍

But there’s always someone to collaborate with.

‍

By seeking diverse experiences, you’re also exposing yourself to different people and their work ethic.

‍

Strict leaders. Overbearing managers. Friendly teammates. Hostile cultures. Procrastinators. Teacher’s pets.

‍

Dealing with different types of people and communities fosters empathy, understanding, and frustration management.

‍

You might find your perfect match or have that one coworker you hate, but it all strengthens your character.

‍

Plus, it’s not just about personalities.

‍

Other people bring their knowledge and experience to the table which can mesh well with yours or even complement it with things you didn’t know.

‍

The brightest ideas stem from conversations.

‍

Perhaps one of your teammates will teach you an invaluable lesson you will always carry with you.

‍

And perhaps you’ll do the same for them.

‍

The more different you and those you interact with are, the richer each exchange will be.

‍

Recycling to strike gold

‍

Using all your baggage in your favor shouldn’t just apply to fixing issues and getting out of trouble.

‍

It should open your senses and provide you with tools to see what others don’t.

‍

Having worked in other industries, segments, and environments can help you locate problems, identify opportunities, and come up with new concepts and solutions.

‍

‍

Sometimes, the perfect answer is in the adjacent fields.

‍

You can import your experience and previous success stories to find what you’re looking for.

‍

By bringing the way of doing things in a different industry into your current situation, you may discover the key no one else has thought of.

‍

Because no one else has your exact same career path, and that’s a good thing.

‍

Building your baggage

‍

Variety in experience is extremely valuable and increases your resourcefulness.

‍

While no approach is right or wrong, this one can help you stack up diverse knowledge and build unique skill sets that set you apart.

‍

It encourages you to challenge yourself constantly to not stay stagnant and work on yourself.

‍

It exposes you to different personalities, cultures, leadership styles, and thought processes.

‍

And it nurtures you with perspectives you never would have had within your arsenal otherwise.

‍

It may be a steep climb and sometimes feel counterintuitive, but the doors it opens are endless.

‍

If you want to learn more about this topic, check out this week’s episode of TOP CMO, featuring David Yurman’s CMO, out now!

‍

‍

Ever thought about creating your own thought leadership content? At TOP Thought Leader, we amplify new and established voices so they can become pioneers of their generation. Get in touch with us and embark on your journey!