Episode 4: Zigging when you're told to zag: A new career strategy

Little Moves, Big Careers

In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caroline Esterson gets gloriously real about the messy truth of career paths, emphasising that success is not linear, no matter what the old-school career ladder crowd wants you to believe. Instead, we’re talking zigzag moves, surprise sliding doors moments, and the wild power of zigging when you're told to zag.

Caroline takes aim at the myth of the straight line and hands you a better map, one where detours, pivots, and “Wait, how did I end up here?” moments are actually rocket fuel for personal and professional growth. If you've ever felt like you took the long way round, good news: you’re not lost, you’re levelling up.

You’ll walk away with practical advice, a dash of cheek, and full permission to define success on your own (gloriously unpredictable) terms.

Key takeaways

• Careers are not straight lines; they are weather systems.
• Success is often found in unexpected pivots.
• Recognising sliding doors moments can change your career trajectory.
• The traditional career ladder is becoming obsolete.
• Zigzagging through your career can lead to valuable experiences.
• Chase experiences rather than titles or positions.
• Curiosity and awareness are key to spotting opportunities.
• It's important to trust patterns over rigid plans.
• Don't let conventional wisdom limit your potential.
• Progress is not always perfect, but it is still progress.

Sound Bites
"Progress doesn't always look like sunshine."
"Chase experiences, not jobs."
"Start trusting pattern over plan."

Quick Fire Career Moves You’ll Learn

• Stop asking “Is this the right move?”, start asking “What will I learn?”
• Trust the pattern over the plan. Your instincts are wiser than your CV.
• Ask people how they really got where they are. Note to self: it’s never the five-year plan.

Listen if You’re:

• Second-guessing a job change that doesn’t look neat
• Tired of chasing titles and ready to chase truth
• Trying to explain your zigzag to your Dad, your boss, or your inner critic
• Ready to make the brave, weird move… and own it

Resources + Extras

Download the Bold Moves Brief for this episode

Download The Career Story Prompt Pack

Run the Big Conversation session with your team

Want to bring this energy into your organisation? Let’s talk. [email protected]

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Because success doesn’t come from staying put, it comes from knowing when to zag.

Ready to make your next bold move? Grab the free Bold Move Audit at www.inspireyourgenius.com/podcast and join the insider crew.

Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at [email protected] - I read them all.

Chapters

1. Navigating Career Chaos (00:00:00)

2. Embracing Ziggy Victories (00:03:00)

3. Recognising Sliding Doors Moments (00:05:55)

4. The Broken Career Ladder (00:08:37)

5. Zigzagging Your Way to Success (00:11:48)

6. Jonna's Story (00:12:19)

7. Practical Career Moves (00:14:37)

8. Redefining Career Quotes (00:17:44)