Abstract cityscape with a winding path symbolizing diverse and unexpected career journeys.

The Great Job Shuffle: How 'Composite Sorting' is Changing Careers

Nico Varela in Business & Economy August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how new economic models reveal why your next job might be in an entirely different field than you expect, and what it means for your career."

The world of work is undergoing a seismic shift. Traditional career paths, once predictable and linear, are becoming increasingly complex and uncertain. The idea of steadily climbing the corporate ladder within a single field is fading, replaced by a new reality where workers may find themselves jumping between seemingly unrelated occupations.

This transformation is driven by a phenomenon called "composite sorting," a concept emerging from cutting-edge economic research. Unlike the classic models where skills neatly align with specific jobs, composite sorting suggests a more fluid and dynamic labor market where workers' skills and job requirements interact in unexpected ways. This can lead to diverse career paths and earnings outcomes.

This article delves into the groundbreaking research on composite sorting, explaining its key principles, potential implications, and how it might affect your career. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the future of work, understanding composite sorting can provide valuable insights into navigating the evolving job market.

What is Composite Sorting and Why Does It Matter?

Abstract cityscape with a winding path symbolizing diverse and unexpected career journeys.

At its core, composite sorting challenges the traditional economic assumption that workers with similar skills will gravitate towards similar jobs. Traditional models assume that when the work output is either supermodular (more skills always lead to better outcomes) or submodular (too many skills can be detrimental), identical worker types are supposed to end up working in the same occupation. The researchers behind the study

The most interesting thing about composite sorting is how workers with the same skills can end up in very different jobs, with varying levels of success. Also, a single worker can be at two places at once, when measuring the same skill set. This means that your skills can be both working for you and against you.

Distinct worker types in the same occupation: You might find individuals with vastly different backgrounds and training working side-by-side in the same field.
Simultaneous positive and negative sorting: A worker's skills might be a perfect fit for one aspect of their job but a hindrance in another, leading to a mix of positive and negative sorting within a single role.

Composite sorting arises from the way companies deal with skills gaps. Companies often invest in things like training to mitigate the effects of a skills gap, and this can create a job role where there are both skills gaps, and a level of skill. The result is that the relationship between a worker's skills, and their job performance will change.

Embracing the Uncertainty: A New Mindset for Career Success

The rise of composite sorting might feel unsettling, as it disrupts traditional notions of career progression. But it also presents exciting opportunities. By embracing a mindset of continuous learning, adaptability, and willingness to explore unconventional paths, you can thrive in this evolving landscape. The future of work isn't about finding the 'perfect' job, but about creatively combining your skills and passions to carve out a unique and fulfilling career journey.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2303.06701,

Title: Composite Sorting

Subject: econ.gn q-fin.ec

Authors: Job Boerma, Aleh Tsyvinski, Ruodu Wang, Zhenyuan Zhang

Published: 12-03-2023

Everything You Need To Know

What is composite sorting in the context of the job market?

In the realm of the job market, "composite sorting" represents a shift from traditional models. Unlike older models where skills ideally matched specific jobs, "composite sorting" suggests a dynamic interaction between workers' skills and job requirements. This can result in diverse career paths and earnings. It acknowledges that workers with identical skill sets may find themselves in different jobs and that a single worker's skills can have both positive and negative effects within a single role. This contrasts with conventional views where similar skills were expected to lead to similar jobs and outcomes.

How does "composite sorting" challenge traditional economic assumptions about jobs and skills?

"Composite sorting" challenges the traditional economic assumption that workers with similar skills will gravitate towards similar jobs. Traditional models assume that when the work output is either supermodular (more skills always lead to better outcomes) or submodular (too many skills can be detrimental), identical worker types are supposed to end up working in the same occupation. Instead, "composite sorting" highlights how workers with the same skills can end up in very different jobs, with varying levels of success. It also addresses that a single worker can experience both positive and negative sorting, meaning their skills can both help and hinder their performance within the same role.

What are the potential implications of "composite sorting" on career paths and job markets?

"Composite sorting" is reshaping career paths and job markets. It implies that traditional linear career progressions may become less common. Instead, individuals might experience unexpected turns and transitions between seemingly unrelated occupations. The rise of "composite sorting" affects job markets because it challenges the idea that workers with similar skills will always work in similar jobs. This shift can create a labor market where diverse career paths and earnings outcomes become more prevalent.

How do companies contribute to the effects of "composite sorting"?

Companies contribute to the effects of "composite sorting" by addressing skills gaps through investments like training. This response to skills gaps can lead to job roles that require a mix of skills and some skills gaps, creating a situation where the relationship between a worker's skills and their job performance changes. This results in diverse backgrounds and levels of training working side-by-side within the same fields.

How can individuals thrive in a job market shaped by "composite sorting"?

To thrive in a job market shaped by "composite sorting", individuals should embrace a mindset of continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to explore unconventional career paths. The key isn't about finding a 'perfect' job, but rather creatively combining skills and passions to forge a unique and fulfilling career journey. Understanding that the future of work is uncertain allows individuals to navigate the evolving landscape with greater success.