EPISODE 4: ZIG ZAGS & U-TURNS

How Career Pivots Can Still Lead To Success.

Careers don’t follow a straight line: they swerve, dip, meander, and occasionally do doughnuts in a car park at midnight. In this episode, Caroline explores why so-called ‘weird moves’ are often the smartest, bravest, most strategic ones you can make. If you've ever worried that you're not climbing the ladder the ‘right’ way, this one’s your permission slip to blow up the the traditional route up and build your own path, chaos, curiosity, and all.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Why zig-zagging isn’t a backwards move, it’s a move for strength

• The science behind non-linear career growth

• Real-life “Sliding Doors” moments and how to spot your own

• Listener dilemma: Should you take a sideways move with less money?

• A fun round of Would You Rather: Career Curveball Edition 

• The quote we’re putting in the bin this week: “Stay in your lane.” (No thanks, we’re building the motorway.)

 YOU'LL LEARN

• How to recognise real opportunities—even when they’re not dressed like one

• Why traditional career ladders are broken (and what to do instead)

• The difference between career plans and career patterns

• How to make bold career moves—even if they look messy or sideways to others

• Practical mindset shifts to help you move with purpose, not panic

BOLD MOVES

• Reframe sideways or ‘lower’ moves as strategic skills-building

• Get curious about other people’s journeys, ask how they really got there

• Stop asking “Is this the right move?” and start asking, “What will I learn?”

• Play your own game, not the one LinkedIn’s trying to sell you

TOOLS MENTIONED

• Your Bolds Moves Brief

• Big Conversations Guide

• Your Career Story Prompt Pack

If your career map looks more like a toddler’s crayon drawing than a tidy LinkedIn timeline, GOOD. That means you’re thinking for yourself. Keep zigging, keep zagging, and trust that the best paths aren’t straight.