Why I’m Embracing My Non-Linear Career Path And Loving It
For a long time, I thought that building a successful career meant following a straight line—picking a path, staying on it, and keeping climbing. But as I reflect on my journey, I’ve realized that my career has been anything but linear—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
A Journey Through Languages, Brains, and People
My path began in language teaching, where I worked with students from all walks of life across higher education (HE) and Further Education (FE) institutions in the UK. I taught Mandarin Chinese to beginners and advanced learners, designed assessments, created learning materials, and explored innovative ways to keep students engaged.
Yet, as much as I loved teaching, I kept asking deeper questions: How do people actually learn languages? What happens in the brain when we switch between different languages? Why do some children thrive in bilingual environments while others struggle?
These questions led me into psycholinguistics and cognitive neuroscience — fields I would never have imagined stepping into when I started. Now, I find myself fascinated by topics like how the brain processes written words, how bilingual kids develop reading skills, and what cognitive mechanisms underlie cross-language interference. I’m working with fMRI and EEG data, learning to analyze brain imaging, and collaborating on projects with children and families.
Adding Neurodiversity and Creativity to the Mix
But my curiosity didn’t stop there. Along the way, I’ve become deeply passionate about neurodiversity — especially how we can better support neurodivergent individuals (like those with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia) in education and everyday life. This has inspired me to explore entrepreneurial ideas, from designing products and services that foster self-care and creativity to building communities that celebrate neurodivergent strengths.
I’m also reconnecting with my artistic side, designing self-care tools, cards, and digital prints that combine my love for language, neuroscience, and mental health.
What I Have Learned from a Non-Linear Path
Looking back, I see now that every step of my journey — even when it felt like a detour — has been connected in ways I couldn’t fully see at the time. Teaching languages taught me about communication, patience, and human connection. Diving into neuroscience taught me about curiosity, analysis, and the beauty of the human brain. Exploring neurodiversity has taught me compassion, resilience, and creativity.
Far from being a weakness, my non-linear path has given me a unique perspective — one that bridges languages, brains, education, and human experience.
Enjoying the Journey (Not Just the Destination)
So, if you’re like me — exploring different fields, shifting directions, and wondering if it’s okay not to have a “perfect plan” — let me say this: It’s more than okay. It’s a gift.
I’ve stopped seeing my career as a ladder and started seeing it as a garden — with many branches growing in different directions, sometimes messy, but always alive and evolving.
Right now, I’m enjoying that journey. I’m excited about what’s next — whether it’s research, creative projects, or working with diverse communities — and I’m embracing the fact that I don’t need to have it all figured out to keep moving forward.
Final Thought
So here’s to non-linear paths, to following curiosity, and to trusting that even winding roads can lead to meaningful destinations. If you’re on one, too, know that you’re not alone — and that sometimes, the most beautiful destinations are found off the beaten path.
