Hi Hannah, great article. This recalled directly Dexter Holland from The Offspring.
I saw them at a music festival this week and was amused again by his story: a PhD, pilot, entrepreneur, and punk rock lead singer somehow living in one person.
In his USC speech, he said he used to feel he had to choose — science or music, one path or the other.
Then he said:
“I hope you reject that premise.”
And later:
“The gravity that pulls you also grounds you.”
I think this connects beautifully to nonlinear careers.
A personal brand can help other people understand your path.
But first, you need to understand the force that keeps pulling you forward and accept it)
Hey Hannah, this is a really nice article and shares a lot of useful pointers. Reading the line "When you’ve put out a clear case for what you’re good at, people come to you, and they’re the ones fitting a role to you instead of you contorting to fit theirs..." sparked a thought --
While it's true that a personal brand helps employees create new roles and open doors that weren't there before, I wonder if this is enough to support non-linear careers in the future. Because the non-linear hire is still having to work within an existing system that has historically valued "linear" paths more than non-linear. Unless the environment and organizational systems change, the non-linear hire may find themselves bucketed once again into a role that only leverage a small portion of their abilities. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this!
100%, institutional change is the harder part. I think we’re starting to see a big split btwn startups vs large corporate on this, with startups ofc trending in the right direction
Hi Hannah, this was such a great article - I have switched my fields literally 180 degrees from Manufacturing Engg to Creator Economy and now I lead Brand Partnerships for one of India's top lifestyle creators!
It has literally opened my eyes to resume my content journey and not sleep on that ever again.
Thank you for this article Hannah. I've struggled feeling like a square peg trying to fit into a round job description and constantly have to dumb down my resume. I especially appreciate your template.
Ironically, last week I asked Claude to tell me what's holding me back in my job search. Claude said I consistently underestimate my accomplishments and I know what kind of environment I need to thrive in but keep applying to opportunities that don't match it because it feels like doing something.
In a relationship with Claude and it's complicated.
I rewrote my LinkedIn About and now it reflects who I am and what I want, authentically.
For mission-driven, AI-native startups and technology companies, I'm a knowledge strategist and writer who transforms complexity into clarity, unlike traditional technical writers or content marketers. I bring the rare combination of deep technical knowledge, expert-level writing, consultative sales instincts, and marketing experience across smart home technology, ecommerce, direct response, and publishing.
Spot on perspective @Hannah Zhang ✨ You helped bring to light such an important distinction. We often think we need a “perfect” career path to build credibility, when it’s really about connecting the dots in a way that’s authentic and meaningful. 🩵
My resume is absurd. Insurance, Publishing, Healthcare Innovation Tech, Product Development, Retail Consulting & Kids Parties, Blockchain, AI- all in small businesses and startups.
I like the contrast between “Why your nonlinear career needs a personal brand” and the recruiting message you shared—it’s a tangible example of opportunities finding you because your work is visible. A nonlinear path often creates a more interesting story than a perfectly linear one, and that story can become a real advantage when it's communicated well.
Hannah! I just discovered your Substack! I have been following all your advice on Instagram. And yes, personal brands do work. I started building one less than 3 months ago - one paid partnership, one free conference ticket, and a job offer already. Thank you for all the knowledge you share!
Brilliant, Hannah. I've certainly been on a non-linear path -- and yet, in my third career now, I've discovered a through-line: storyteller. I've actually always known that, but have struggled with how to monetize it. Tough sledding. Your essay here is a nimble guide and workable tips heet.
Storytelling is my through line too, except particularly in the not for profit space. I can’t believe it took a 6 month career break after 15 years in marketing to realise what my own USP was 😅
Hi Hannah, I read that you worked in Hongkong prior to your MBA. Would you know how international students on F-1 (OPT + STEM) can start monetizing their creation. I've been trying to grow a following on IG but a little confused about navigating monetization on a OPT.
The part about imposter syndrome beginning before you ever walk in the door is something I've been trying to articulate for a while. The explaining-yourself process is what creates the imposter feeling - by the time I've spent three interviews justifying why law → MBA → spacetech makes sense, I've half-talked yourself into believing it doesn't. The personal brand as a way to skip that loop entirely makes complete sense.
Hi Hannah, great article. This recalled directly Dexter Holland from The Offspring.
I saw them at a music festival this week and was amused again by his story: a PhD, pilot, entrepreneur, and punk rock lead singer somehow living in one person.
In his USC speech, he said he used to feel he had to choose — science or music, one path or the other.
Then he said:
“I hope you reject that premise.”
And later:
“The gravity that pulls you also grounds you.”
I think this connects beautifully to nonlinear careers.
A personal brand can help other people understand your path.
But first, you need to understand the force that keeps pulling you forward and accept it)
Not just choose a career.
Choose a life as messy and brilliant as you are.
This is so beautiful! Ty for sharing
Hey Hannah, this is a really nice article and shares a lot of useful pointers. Reading the line "When you’ve put out a clear case for what you’re good at, people come to you, and they’re the ones fitting a role to you instead of you contorting to fit theirs..." sparked a thought --
While it's true that a personal brand helps employees create new roles and open doors that weren't there before, I wonder if this is enough to support non-linear careers in the future. Because the non-linear hire is still having to work within an existing system that has historically valued "linear" paths more than non-linear. Unless the environment and organizational systems change, the non-linear hire may find themselves bucketed once again into a role that only leverage a small portion of their abilities. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this!
100%, institutional change is the harder part. I think we’re starting to see a big split btwn startups vs large corporate on this, with startups ofc trending in the right direction
Hi Hannah, this was such a great article - I have switched my fields literally 180 degrees from Manufacturing Engg to Creator Economy and now I lead Brand Partnerships for one of India's top lifestyle creators!
It has literally opened my eyes to resume my content journey and not sleep on that ever again.
That’s such a cool pivot girl!
Thank you for this article Hannah. I've struggled feeling like a square peg trying to fit into a round job description and constantly have to dumb down my resume. I especially appreciate your template.
Ironically, last week I asked Claude to tell me what's holding me back in my job search. Claude said I consistently underestimate my accomplishments and I know what kind of environment I need to thrive in but keep applying to opportunities that don't match it because it feels like doing something.
In a relationship with Claude and it's complicated.
I rewrote my LinkedIn About and now it reflects who I am and what I want, authentically.
For mission-driven, AI-native startups and technology companies, I'm a knowledge strategist and writer who transforms complexity into clarity, unlike traditional technical writers or content marketers. I bring the rare combination of deep technical knowledge, expert-level writing, consultative sales instincts, and marketing experience across smart home technology, ecommerce, direct response, and publishing.
Spot on perspective @Hannah Zhang ✨ You helped bring to light such an important distinction. We often think we need a “perfect” career path to build credibility, when it’s really about connecting the dots in a way that’s authentic and meaningful. 🩵
My resume is absurd. Insurance, Publishing, Healthcare Innovation Tech, Product Development, Retail Consulting & Kids Parties, Blockchain, AI- all in small businesses and startups.
A personal brand results from a personal path. Following external expectations and comparisons with others are limiting actions.
I like the contrast between “Why your nonlinear career needs a personal brand” and the recruiting message you shared—it’s a tangible example of opportunities finding you because your work is visible. A nonlinear path often creates a more interesting story than a perfectly linear one, and that story can become a real advantage when it's communicated well.
Hannah! I just discovered your Substack! I have been following all your advice on Instagram. And yes, personal brands do work. I started building one less than 3 months ago - one paid partnership, one free conference ticket, and a job offer already. Thank you for all the knowledge you share!
That is INCREDIBLE! Huge congratulations! 🎉
Brilliant, Hannah. I've certainly been on a non-linear path -- and yet, in my third career now, I've discovered a through-line: storyteller. I've actually always known that, but have struggled with how to monetize it. Tough sledding. Your essay here is a nimble guide and workable tips heet.
Thank you.
Storytelling is my through line too, except particularly in the not for profit space. I can’t believe it took a 6 month career break after 15 years in marketing to realise what my own USP was 😅
Love this! USP. Well-played!
For the first time, I felt so seen and guided. May you always in good grace of the universe~
Hi Hannah, I read that you worked in Hongkong prior to your MBA. Would you know how international students on F-1 (OPT + STEM) can start monetizing their creation. I've been trying to grow a following on IG but a little confused about navigating monetization on a OPT.
The part about imposter syndrome beginning before you ever walk in the door is something I've been trying to articulate for a while. The explaining-yourself process is what creates the imposter feeling - by the time I've spent three interviews justifying why law → MBA → spacetech makes sense, I've half-talked yourself into believing it doesn't. The personal brand as a way to skip that loop entirely makes complete sense.