The document discusses how to plan for career changes by having flexible plans that account for different scenarios. It recommends crafting a primary Plan A, an alternative Plan B, and a fallback Plan Z. Plan A is one's best strategy given current knowledge, Plan B is an alternative if goals or methods need to change, and Plan Z is a reliable backup plan to regroup if things go seriously wrong. The document provides examples of what Plans A, B and Z may look like for different career stages such as launching a new career, moving up in an existing career, or shifting to a new career field. It concludes that having Plans A, B and Z will help one adapt to changing circumstances no matter where they are in their career

1. PLANNING FOR CHANGE
Adapted with permission from
The Start-Up of You by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha

2. Career planning is
about being
flexibly persistent
Be persistent in driving
towards your goals, but
always be ready to adapt.
GOALS

3. Shape your career
plans around key
variables
Career plans should
leverage your assets,
move you towards your
aspirations, and account
for market realities.
ASSETS
ASPIRATIONS
MARKET
REALITIES

4. Build flexibility into
your career plan
Craft a primary Plan A, an
alternative Plan B, and a
fallback Plan Z.
PLAN A
nB
Pla
Plan Z

5. Plan A:
Your primary plan
PLAN A
• Identify your best strategy given what you
know now
• Focus your energy on your current path
• Make minor adjustments as you go along

6. Plan B:
Your alternative plan
nB
Pla
• Pivot to Plan B if you need to change your goal
or methods
• Plan for major contingencies
• Don’t worry about details right now

7. Plan Z:
Your fallback plan
Plan Z
• Reliable, stable—your “lifeboat”
• Mitigate risks with this backup plan
• Regroup if something goes seriously wrong

8. Launching your career?
Here’s what Plans A, B & Z
might look like:
• Plan A (primary): Seek
internship in creative field
• Plan B (alternative): Get
specialized training at
community college
• Plan Z (fallback): Temporary
clerical work

9. Moving up in your current career?
Here’s what Plans A, B & Z
might look like:
• Plan A (primary): Go back
to school
• Plan B (alternative): Seek
new responsibilities
• Plan Z (fallback): Stay in
my current position

10. Shifting to a new career?
Here’s what Plans A, B & Z
might look like:
• Plan A (primary): Start a
business in a new field
• Plan B (alternative): Start
a business that leverages
my experience
• Plan Z (fallback): Stay at
my current job

11. Plan for change, and be ready to
change your plans
No matter where you are in your career, having
Plans A, B & Z will help you adapt to changing
circumstances.