Multiple outlets report on a piece of career advice arguing that people should not expect their work lives to follow a straight, “linear” progression. The article emphasizes that careers often develop in varied ways—through changes in roles, industries, or responsibilities—rather than steadily moving upward in a single track. It presents the idea that taking unconventional or non-traditional steps can improve both wellbeing and financial outcomes, though it does not frame these results as guaranteed. The overall message is that career planning should allow for flexibility and adaptation, reflecting how real-life circumstances and opportunities can shape professional trajectories. By challenging the assumption that careers must always progress in one direction, the article encourages readers to consider alternative moves when evaluating career satisfaction and long-term prospects. Across the sources, the same theme and framing are used: people’s career journeys are portrayed as complex and individual, and a “counterintuitive” approach is suggested as a way to pursue greater happiness and potential wealth.