Most people think about their career as a ladder—one they climb rung-by-rung, entirely on their own. A better metaphor is to think of your career as an escalator. Factors outside your own efforts can help carry you toward your goals—or work against you.
My success at Tripadvisor was not mine alone—it was the product of diligent work, but also the support of a stellar manager, exceptional teammates, the opportunity to work on important projects, and a little dose of luck. Career development feels much easier when you’re working with the system.
What this essay explores
- Assess whether your current environment is creating tailwinds or adding friction to career progress.
- Recognize upward signals: business growth, advancement, strong relationships, recognition, and a sense of flow.
- Spot downward signals such as no flow, an unreachable promotion, and a strained manager relationship.
- Measure headwinds and tailwinds before mistaking temporary frustration for an environment working against you.
- Use candid manager feedback to align on expectations, deliver commitments, and decide whether to move on.
A career moves up when the surrounding system gives you momentum.
Key takeaway
Either the system is working with you or against you.
