Part 1: 6 Squiggly Career Trends in 2026 - AI Agents, Disconnection & Employee Influencers

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In this episode, Helen and Sarah kick off a two-part series exploring six Squiggly Career trends for 2026 — not as distant predictions, but as realistic changes that are already shaping how we work and build our careers.

Rather than watching trends happen to you, this conversation is about anticipating what’s coming and choosing how to respond. Helen and Sarah explore three themes that are likely to affect everyone, whatever your role or industry: the rise of AI agents at work, the tension between connection and disconnection, and the growing influence of employees as visible advocates for their organisations.

As always, you'll hear honest reflections (including mixed feelings about AI), and simple actions you can experiment with now — so you feel more intentional, confident, and in control as 2026 approaches.

Episode 521

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⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Why we’re talking about career trends for 2026

01:11 How to respond to trends with intention (not fear)

03:31 Theme #1: AI agents at work

05:11 Practical examples of AI agents you could use

08:32 Different reactions to AI — and why that’s okay

10:06 How AI can accelerate career development

11:26 Theme #2: Connection and disconnection at work

12:48 Why being back in the office isn’t the answer

14:28 Practical ways to create meaningful connection

18:13 Theme #3: The rise of the employee influencer

20:30 Risks, inclusion, and finding your own voice

24:41 What’s coming in Part 2

🎯 What You’ll Learn

- What AI agents are — and how they could support your work

- How to experiment with AI without feeling overwhelmed

- Why loneliness at work is rising (and what actually helps)

- Simple ways to build connection in hybrid working

- What “employee influence” means for careers and organisations

📚 Resources Mentioned

Microsoft Copilot and AI agent tool: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/copilot-101/copilot-ai-agents

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/

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

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