But like many web-folk, my career has taken a zig-zag path to where I am now. The web just wasn’t a career option back when I was in university. Had it been, things probably would have worked out differently. Not that I’m complaining. Over the last decade, I’ve worn several hats and enjoyed the fit of each one. I’ve been an engineer, a photographer, an entrepreneur and a lead web designer. And each role along the way has taught me countless lessons which I continue to benefit from today.

Some may view my career shifts as a product of indecision and uncertainty. Pfft. I believe it to be quite the opposite.  Fifteen years ago, I knew I wanted to create something. I just wasn’t sure what. I tried my hand at a bunch of stuff but none of it felt perfect. So I kept listening, kept working hard, and kept pushing my limits.  I knew my calling would make itself heard, it simply didn’t exist yet. It took me a while, but I’m certain I’ve found it in web marketing intelligence. Unfortunately, this journey can take a very long time for some. That’s the harsh reality of life; for many people:

The world hasn’t caught up to their dreams.

Sometime you have to try on a lot of hats before you find the right fit.

Though none of this will make the weary career-traveler feel any better, I’m hoping the following advice will be of some help:

• Make the connections
  Unless your career shifts are completely random (and even then, it’s not the end of the world), there usually is a connecting thread in all the jobs you’ve held. Each new career will give you interesting insight into another.
• Seek advice
  Build a support network and seek the advice of those in your desired field. In addition, having conversations with working professionals can give you the inside track on how to get where you want to go and the low down about some of the hardships you may face along the way.
• Be strong and believe in yourself
  While it’s not easy to remain confident with each career change, always remember to look back at your career and know you’ve done it before. Your past experiences give you a depth of knowledge that many don’t have. Use this to your advantage.
  

So keep those chins up, and ears to the ground. Your calling is out there, it’s just that you might have to wait for it to make itself heard.