The 'Lily Padding' Career Shift That Pays 31% More

Adam Smiley Poswolsky, a 42-year-old public speaker and author, said he moved between government, non-profit, creative and corporate work over 15 years. His résumé includes project leader for the Peace Corps, English teacher at Harvard University, location scout for Warner Bros, film producer in New York, staffer on Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, and think-tank fellow. He eventually matched the $70,000 he earned at the Peace Corps at age 28. "The skills I learned in that government job helped me as a writer," Poswolsky said. "That led to me writing a book, which led to my current career as a professional keynote speaker."

Nicola Grant, chief people officer at UK insurer Hiscox, said she has noticed a broader shift in how younger employees view career development. "People want variety, pace and to build skills that will remain relevant," Grant said. "Expectations have changed." She said the shift benefits both individuals and organizations when employers adapt.

Lucy Kemp, a strategic brand and communications leader at IT firm La Fosse, goes further. "Younger people have seen that loyalty doesn't pay off," Kemp said. "They want to shape their own careers, based on skills they value." She pointed out that post-pandemic remote work and AI adoption have reduced informal learning from peers inside the office. Job moves become a more deliberate way to acquire new capabilities.

Harris-Nelson summed up the mindset. "I see my career as an ongoing journey rather than a destination," she said. "I'm always learning and growing."