Part 2: 6 Squiggly Careers Trends in 2026 – Redundancy, Accountability & Why Learning Matters More Than Promotions

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F

In this episode, Helen and Sarah share part two of their career trends and themes for 2026, focusing on what’s most likely to shape how you work, grow, and stay resilient in the year ahead. This conversation tackles some of the tougher (but very real) topics at work — from restructures and redundancies, to the tension between autonomy and accountability, and why learning needs to be recognised as real career progression.

This episode is all about practical, proactive actions you can take now — so you feel more prepared, more confident, and more in control of your career, whatever 2026 brings. Whether you’re an individual contributor, a manager, or a leader, Helen and Sarah share questions, tools, and real examples to help you future-proof your career and your team.

Episode 522

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⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Why career uncertainty is rising in 2026

05:16 Trend #4: Restructures and redundancies

08:10 What to do now so your future self thanks you

11:14 Staying resilient when things feel out of your control

13:01 Trend #5: Autonomy vs accountability at work

15:36 Why clarity matters more than control

16:34 A practical tool to improve accountability in teams

19:49 How to assess autonomy and accountability in your role

21:41 Trend #6: Learning that gets recognised and rewarded

23:05 Why learning should count as progression

26:14 Learning loudly and leading by example

28:30 Making learning visible in 2026

🎯 What You’ll Learn

- How to prepare for restructures and redundancies without panicking

- Why autonomy and accountability don’t have to be in conflict

- How clarity creates better performance in teams

- Why learning should be recognised as progression — not just promotion

📚 Resources Mentioned

Free Redundancy Reset Toolkit: https://www.amazingif.com/redundancy-reset-2/

For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com

More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:

📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/

🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz

📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction

📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/

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