Is the Traditional Career Ladder a Cage? Here’s What You Can Do Instead
Let me ask you a tough question: When you look at your career, does it feel like a ladder or a cage? Are you climbing step by step toward something meaningful, or do you feel trapped, waiting for someone to retire or, worse, for life to happen before you can move up?
If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, you’re not alone. In fact, more and more professionals in the UK are waking up to the fact that the old, linear path isn’t cutting it anymore.
And that’s exactly what I want to talk about today: how we can break free from the rigid expectations of a traditional career and explore three powerful alternatives: contracting, content creation, and coaching. This isn’t just theory, it’s the journey I’ve walked, the decisions I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned the hard way.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or simply ready for a new way forward, let’s dive in.
The Problem: Why the Ladder Feels Broken
Before we talk solutions, let’s name the problem.
For years, we were sold the dream: get the qualifications, work hard, network well, and you’ll be rewarded with career progression, financial stability, and a sense of fulfillment. But what happens when you do all that, and still feel like you’re treading water?
Back in the day, I was grinding hard, trying to break into graduate medicine, studying for the GAMSAT, working in the NHS… only to realise that even if I got in, the system itself was rigid. I heard stories of doctors waiting decades for a promotion as a consultant, sometimes literally waiting for someone to retire… or die.
That sense of stagnation? It’s brutal. And it’s not just my story.
Let’s look at the numbers:
- 4.4 million people in the UK are self-employed, and that number is growing.
- 89% of professionals are unhappy with their pay.
- 25% experience conflict at work, and 49% plan to leave their jobs.
- Between 2020 and 2024, freelancers increased by 90%.
The ladder isn’t working for many of us. Rigid structures, slow advancement, misalignment with company values, burnout, these are systemic issues, not personal failings. And the so-called security of a 9-to-5? It’s often just an illusion. I’ve seen people made redundant in a heartbeat, left to scramble for what’s next.
The Shift: From Ladder to Map
So, what’s the alternative?
Imagine trading that rigid ladder for a dynamic map, a portfolio career.
Instead of climbing step by step in a single role, you diversify your skills, income streams, and professional identity. You create a portfolio of opportunities:
- Contracting to leverage your expertise.
- Creating content to build your brand and income.
- Coaching to help others grow and succeed.
This shift isn’t just about making more money (although that’s part of it), it’s about autonomy, purpose, flexibility, and impact.
Let me break these down with real, actionable insights from my own journey.
- Contracting: Your Expertise, Your Terms
Contracting was my game-changer. After leaving the NHS and ditching my long-time dream of medicine, I pivoted into programme management. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
As a contractor, you’re hired for your specific skills and experience, whether you’re inside or outside IR35, whether it’s the public sector or private. You can earn anywhere from £450 to £1,000+ per day, depending on your expertise.
But let’s be honest, contracting isn’t all sunshine. You’re responsible for finding your own work, building a pipeline, nurturing your network, and staying marketable. I’ve felt the pressure: when a contract ends, you’re back to square one unless you’ve got opportunities lined up.
That’s why I always tell my clients and community: don’t just chase the next contract, build your pipeline, develop your brand, and stay connected. Tools like LinkedIn, Toggl for time tracking, and yes, even ChatGPT to help with content or outreach can make a massive difference.
- Content Creation: Build Your Brand, Create Your Audience
Content creation isn’t just for influencers or YouTubers. It’s a serious business opportunity if you treat it strategically.
When I started creating videos and sharing insights, it wasn’t about going viral. It was about building trust and visibility, showing up as someone who understands the challenges professionals face and offering solutions that resonate.
Content creation can open doors you never expected: digital products, courses, consulting gigs, and affiliate income. But it’s not an overnight success story, it takes consistency, clarity, and a deep understanding of your audience’s problems.
Here’s a question I always ask: Are you showing up to go viral, or to provide value?
Focus on the latter, and you’ll build a community, not just a following.
- Coaching: From Experience to Impact
Finally, coaching. This is about transforming your hard-earned lessons into something that helps others grow.
I’ve had clients who needed a sounding board, guidance through career transitions, or accountability in leadership roles. Coaching can be life-changing, not just for your clients, but for you. There’s something deeply fulfilling about helping someone break through a limiting belief, land a new opportunity, or become a more confident leader.
But let’s not sugar-coat it: coaching isn’t easy to break into. The market is saturated. That’s why it’s crucial to differentiate, be authentic, focus on a specific problem, and market your services effectively. Whether it’s career coaching, leadership, or business growth, find your niche and own it.
Bonus Insight: It’s Not About the Perfect Plan—It’s About the First Step
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that you don’t need a flawless plan to get started.
Back in 2014, I was £30,000 in debt, struggling to make my side hustle work, and questioning everything. But I made a decision: to stop playing small, take action, and build something on my terms.
Now, I’m debt-free, running my consultancy, and helping others do the same through contracting, content, and coaching.
It’s not perfect. I’m still learning, iterating, and growing. But I’m in the driver’s seat, not waiting for a promotion or a tap on the shoulder.
Final Thoughts: What’s Your Next Move?
If any of this resonates with you, if you’re tired of the ladder and ready for the map, then here’s my challenge:
What’s one small step you can take this week to explore a new path?
Maybe it’s downloading the Contractor’s Checklist, publishing your first LinkedIn post, or reaching out to someone you admire for a conversation.
Whatever it is, take that step. Don’t wait for permission. Your career is yours to design.
And remember: Understand, reach, and expand. Peace.
