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Squiggly Careers
#467 Pressure to Progress? Why Staying Where You Are Is Good For Career Growth
Pressure to move up, take on more, and chase promotions can leave a lot of us feeling like success only comes from climbing the ladder. But what if staying where you are could be just as valuable for your career growth? The truth is, success doesn’t actually mean seniority.
In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore why staying in your current role can help you build a stronger foundation for long-term career success.
They share why staying put can actually be a smart move, how you can continue growing without constantly seeking advancement, and 3 practical actions to increase your impact in your current position.
(00:00) Introduction
(00:47) Why staying where you are is good for your growth
(02:36) Success doesn’t necessarily mean seniority
(04:37) Why you shouldn’t quit your job too soon
(05:55) How to deal with progression pressure
(08:21) Idea for Action #1 - How to increase your impact
(17:03) Idea For Action #2 - Grow yourself by growing others
(21:33) Idea For Action #3 - Practice Your Positioning
(27:00) Summary
For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com
More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:
1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/
2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024
3. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction
4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/)
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#477 Why Your Energy is More Important Than Your Time
34:58||Season 2Ever wondered how Helen and Sarah juggle running a business, hosting a podcast, and everything in between? Spoiler: it’s not about having more hours in the day—it’s about managing energy more effectively than time. In this episode, they share how shifting from a time-focused mindset to an energy-first approach can transform the way you work. From identifying your high-energy moments to understanding how relationships, perspective, and your environment affect your energy levels, this conversation is packed with practical tools to help you work with your energy, not against it.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email: helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/)#476 Ask the Expert: Self-Awareness with Dr. Tasha Eurich
34:44||Season 2In this episode, Helen sits down with organizational psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Tasha Eurich to talk about her new book, Shatterproof: How to Be Resilient When It Matters Most. They explore why self-awareness is a key ingredient of resilience and how we can build habits that help us thrive under pressure. The Shatterproof 5-minute Resilience Ceiling Quiz can help you to understand where your resilience resource is and what can you do about it: https://resilience-quiz.com/For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/)#475 Ask the Expert: How to say no with Dr. Sunita Sah
32:55||Season 2In this episode, Dr. Sunita Sah, expert in defiance and decision-making, shares how to confidently say "no" in challenging situations. Sarah and Sunita dive into the psychology of defiance, discussing how to assess the risks, benefits, and personal costs of speaking up or complying. They explore the power of the "pause" and the importance of third-person self-talk to help make better, more authentic decisions. Whether it's in the workplace or beyond, Sunita provides actionable advice on how to navigate difficult conversations, protect your values, and maintain your well-being.For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/)#474 Squiggly short: How to Increase Your Impact by Understanding Your Boss
08:14||Season 2In this Squiggly Short, Helen and Sarah break down why understanding your boss is key to increasing your impact at work. Learn how to read your manager’s motivations, preferences, and challenges, and use that insight to improve your communication and performance. Whether you're looking to align with their priorities, get better feedback, or develop a more productive relationship, this episode gives you the tools to take charge of your career by understanding your manager better.Full episode: https://shows.acast.com/amazingif/473-why-understanding-your-manager-matters-for-career-growthWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com](mailto:helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com)More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/)#473 Why Understanding Your Manager Matters For Career Growth
26:02||Season 2Figuring out what makes your manager tick can be one of the most powerful tools for career growth. In this episode, Helen and Sarah discuss the significant impact that managers have on your development, job satisfaction, and progression within a company. They also share practical tips on how to profile your manager, allowing you to align your actions with their needs, improve your communication, and position yourself for success—all by gaining a deeper understanding of their mindset.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com](mailto:helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com)More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/)#472 Squiggly short: If You're Navigating A Toxic Workplace, Try This.
06:11||Season 2In this Squiggly Short, Helen and Sarah offer a quick summary of practical tips for staying confident and coping when you’re dealing with a toxic work environment. From minimizing stressors to finding energizers outside of work, they share simple actions you can take to protect your mental health and build resilience—even when things feel tough. Plus, they discuss how to take control of your situation and find support outside of your team to help you navigate the challenges.Full episode: https://shows.acast.com/amazingif/how-to-cope-and-stay-confident-when-work-gets-toxicWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com](mailto:helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com)More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/)#471 How To Cope And Stay Confident When Work Gets Toxic
29:29||Season 21 in 10 people are facing a toxic work environment today, and while it can be tough, you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this episode, Helen and Sarah dive into what makes a team feel toxic and who can contribute to that culture. They also share practical tips for staying confident and in control, even when the environment around you feels challenging. From finding pockets of light-relief to documenting your experience to seeking support outside your team, this episode is filled with actionable strategies to help you protect your well-being and keep moving forward with confidence.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com](mailto:helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com)More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/)#470 Squiggly Short: Why ‘Finding Your Purpose’ Might Be Holding You Back
07:02||Season 2In this short, Helen and Sarah share why searching for your purpose could actually be holding you back in your career development, and how focusing on purposeful work instead could be a more flexible and fulfilling approach. They also offer some useful tools and prompts to help you do understand what meaningful work looks like to you - without the pressure of having it all figured out.Full episode: https://shows.acast.com/amazingif/469-do-you-need-to-have-a-purpose-at-workWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/)#469 Do You Need To Have A Purpose At Work?
21:53||Season 2Finding your purpose can sometimes feel like a ‘should’—something we’re all expected to have figured out. The pressure to find a perfect purpose can leave us feeling stuck or unsure, especially when career paths are more squiggly than straightforward. But does having a purpose really matter? And if so, how do you stay connected to it?In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore the difference between having a purpose and feeling purposeful at work. You’ll learn how to reflect on what truly motivates you, define your squiggly career sweet spot and connect with your core values—even if you’re still figuring things out.(00:00) The problem with 'purpose'(07:00) Why do we care about purposeful work?(08:39) Finding your squiggly career sweet spot(09:36) Defining your core values(11:02) Defining your strengths(13:10) Energy audits(14:14) What do you want to make better?(16:35) What do you care about that's bigger than your job?(18:42) ChatGPT 1 sentence purpose statement(21:05) Summary📚 Resources Mentioned:McKinsey Research Paper: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-search-for-purpose-at-workGrit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth: https://shorturl.at/b6oFvValues Tools Kit: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/16 Personalities: https://www.16personalities.com/Principles you: https://principlesyou.com/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/)