Floating, Finding, Growing: A Career Journey Revisited

Eight years ago, I wrote an article called A Place to Grow: Finding my way through 19 jobs for my employer at the time and reposted it on LinkedIn. Since then, the number of jobs has increased - along with my understanding and acceptance of the lessons I learned then and still learn today, which I share in today's post.

I’ll be honest - putting this out there feels a little daunting, knowing that my resume is far from conventional. But unconventional doesn’t mean unqualified, and I’ve learned to embrace the journey. But in keeping with the theme of Developing the Good Stuff, I think this part of my story is worth sharing again because while yes, it is bumpy & messy, there was also a lot of good stuff developing along the way. Without further introduction, here is A Place to Grow - Revisited.

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A number of years ago, my daughter brought home a library book titled A Place to Grow by Stephanie Bloom. As we read it together, I couldn’t help but feel like it was my life story.

Seriously. In a children’s book. Nothing will humble you or get your attention faster.

The story follows a little seed trying to find a place to grow. It drifts from a vegetable garden to a chicken coop and beyond, always struggling to take root. Each time, the Wind picks it up and moves it along. Confused and discouraged, the seed starts to believe it just isn’t meant to grow.

“But I’m not like other seeds,” said the tiny seed with a sniffle. “I’m a floater, not a grower.”

That line hit me hard. It felt like my own career path. Let’s be honest - I’ve had a lot of jobs. In high school, when people asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” I had no clue. Instead, I made up answers that sounded mature and meaningful. But in reality, I was floating, just like that little seed.

Since then, my resume has grown long—so long that it should come with a disclaimer:

Having this many jobs isn’t typical or always recommended—unless you love life lessons (some tough ones), constant change, and that awkward ‘get to know you’ stage in every new role.

And yet, here I am - a floater who finally found her place to grow.

A Long and Winding Path

My career path wasn’t exactly a straight line—it was more like a winding road with a few unexpected detours. I started as a papergirl at 13 (not a fan of early mornings), worked my way through customer service and hospitality jobs like waitressing, barista life (a personal favorite), and even meter reading (armed only with a stick and Milk-Bones for defense).

Eventually, I found my way into admin roles—answering phones, processing payroll, and juggling a million tasks at once. Then, HR took me in, and I thought I had finally found my place. Until I didn’t.

The journey kept going: HR Generalist, Senior Training Specialist, HR Business Partner, and even an Executive Recruiter before I finally landed where I was meant to be—running my own business.

If I laid out every job I’ve had, the final count would be 24. TWENTY-FOUR. On top of that, I spent a few years in and out of college - juggling even more jobs to make it work. At one point, I was working three part-time jobs at once, which only added to the chaos - and to the growing number of jobs. But looking back, every role - good, bad, or the kind that make for great stories - played a part in leading me here.

The Wind Had a Plan All Along

In my original blog post back in 2017, I wrote about how I had finally found my place to grow in HR. Since then, my journey has taken another turn. I left corporate HR to start my own business - DevelopHR Consulting.

Why? Because I realized that the very thing I once thought was my biggest weakness - my floating - was actually my greatest strength. My wide-ranging experiences allow me to connect with people in ways I never could have imagined. I understand employees and job seekers because I’ve been one. I understand small business owners because I am one. And I understand career pivots because I’ve made more than I can count.

Looking back, I realize the wind had a plan all along. And although I love sticking with a great metaphor, it must be said that for me, the wind has never been random - it’s been God all along. Looking back at every job, every transition, every time I felt lost, I now see His hand guiding me. Even when I fought against it or didn’t understand, He was leading me exactly where I needed to be.

The Unexpected Chapter

And you know one of the coolest things that happened after I originally shared my story? Stephanie Bloom—the author of A Place to Grow—reached out to me. She came across my blog post and sent me this message:

“Hi Christy, this is Stephanie Bloom, the author of A Place to Grow. : ) I just discovered your awesome article… what a wonderful surprise! I am so happy you found your place to grow!”

A few weeks later, she told me that she had even used my blog post during a middle school author visit. She shared my story with students as an example of how personal challenges and obstacles can become powerful stories that inspire others.

I was floored. The book that had impacted me so deeply had now connected me to its author in a way I never expected.

If You’re Still Floating… Keep Going

If you feel like you’re drifting, being picked up and moved by forces outside your control - don't give up. Or if you feel rooted in a role, full of expectations of contentment, but are struggling with restlessness - don't give up. The wind might just be taking you exactly where you need to go. Sometimes it is a slight breeze, and other times it is like the straight line winds coming across the plains of North Dakota.

I used to resent my winding path, but now I see it differently. Every job, every pivot, every unexpected turn has shaped me. And even now, as a business owner, I know my journey isn’t over. The wind is still blowing.

And that’s okay. Because I trust that it’s developing the good stuff.

As I reflect on all of this, I now see my son - a high school junior - starting to ask the same questions I once struggled with: What do I want to do with my life? Where do I belong? I watch him explore different ideas, feeling the weight of expectation but unsure of the path ahead.

If there’s one thing I hope he learns from my story, it’s this: you don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Growth happens in its own time, and the right place will come when you’re ready.

So whether you’re floating, rooted, or somewhere in between - embrace the journey. Keep learning, keep growing, and when the wind moves you, trust that He knows the way.