Career paths today look more like winding trails than straight ladders. Twists, pauses, and recalibrations are now the norm, not the exception and simply reflect the ebb and flow of modern life.

Though career detours have always existed, the pandemic shone a spotlight on them, normalising what was once considered unconventional.

For decades, gaps in a CV were treated like red flags, a cause for concern rather than conversation. But that mindset is out of step with today’s realities.

Many of those so-called gaps are, in fact, proof of life unfolding: people caring for others, reflecting on their direction, investing in personal growth, or responding to circumstances beyond their control. And yet, even as the world changes, some hiring practices remain stuck in the past.

It’s time for a reset.

The myth of the seamless CV

The traditional career ideal is that of climbing a single corporate ladder, rung by rung, without faltering. But it has long since lost its lustre.

Today’s professionals are choosing purpose over predictability, opting for careers that align with their values, offer flexibility, and accommodate the full spectrum of their lives.

Dubbed “The Great Renegotiation,” this shift has seen people switch sectors, launch businesses, take sabbaticals, or step back to care for family or themselves. According to McKinsey, 78% of employees are unsure whether they can navigate traditional career structures, while 86% of employers doubt these frameworks still serve their evolving needs.

The linear career model is cracking. In its place, professionals are sketching out more dynamic, personal maps.

A continuous work history may suggest steadiness, but it doesn’t guarantee substance. Many of the most insightful, resilient employees are those who have taken the scenic route; those who have faced life head-on, made tough choices, and come back with broader perspectives.

Such time away – whether for caregiving, personal health, study, or travel – can enrich someone far beyond what any job title can do. It’s not a sign of failure, but often of courage and clarity. Ignoring this context does candidates and companies a disservice.

Post-COVID clarity: Why context matters

The pandemic flipped the world on its head. Roles vanished, industries stumbled, and millions had to hit pause, often involuntarily. To look at gaps from this era and judge them through a pre-COVID lens is to ignore one of the most profound global resets in living memory.

These pauses are not blemishes. They are footprints from a time when the world changed course. How someone responded to that moment – whether they used the time to upskill, reflect, or support others – often tells a richer story than any uninterrupted employment record could.

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