Why “up” isn’t always the right direction
From Dalbir’s Desk
Hello from a very overheated me
I hope you’ve survived this week’s heatwave better than I did. Honestly, I’ve been moving from room to room like it’s a tactical sport. And as the temperatures rose, I kept hearing a very specific conversation (with my then builders) in my head…
“Are you sure you don’t want to install air con?”
Me: “Nope, nope, I’ll be fine.”
Reader, I was not fine.
By Tuesday, I was standing next to my 6ft fan like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, replaying that moment where she walks back into the shop and says:
"Big mistake. Big. Huge."
And as ridiculous as it sounds, it got me thinking.
We make these little decisions every day that seem small, “I’ll just stay in this role,” “I’ll take the promotion even though I’m not sure,” “I’ll keep saying yes.” But over time, they steer the big picture. And suddenly you wake up in a job, or a version of your life, that doesn’t quite feel like it’s yours anymore.
Which brings me to something I’m so excited about...
Last week I had the joy of writing for Harper’s Bazaar on a topic very close to my heart: career sidestepping.
But really, what I was talking about is something deeper:
It’s about redefining what success really means.
We've been taught to move upwards. Bigger jobs, more responsibility, longer titles… but often, that path takes us further away from the parts of work we actually love.
So what if…
Success isn’t always about going up?
What if success is going sideways?
What if staying where you are, and doing it better, deeper and with more joy, is growth?
What if moving sideways into something more aligned with your strengths is actually more powerful than chasing a title you don’t want?
As I shared in the article:
“A side-step isn’t slowing down your career. Done right, it might just be the boldest and most progressive move you ever make.”
Bonus: Self-check quiz
Not sure if your career is still the right fit for you?
Ask yourself:
What part of your job do I love?
What do I tolerate?
What do I quietly resent?
Am I moving toward more of what I love, or away from it?
If someone offered me a clean slate, what would I keep?
If more of your time is being taken up by what drains you… maybe it’s time to rethink what direction you’re actually headed in.
The next Santalan Retreat is coming!
We’re finalising the dates for our next transformational retreat — and if you’ve been craving space to step away, reflect, and reconnect with what really matters, this is for you.
Think coaching, connection, calm, and clarity — all in a setting designed to support your growth, not your grind.
If you want first access when bookings open, join the waitlist below.