Career & progression: what actually matters

A lot of what we’ve been posting about lately comes back to the same question: what does a “good” career decision actually look like?

Take tenure. We keep seeing candidates judged on the number of years in a role rather than what they did with them. Three years where someone delivered a major project, navigated regulatory change, built a team and took on real responsibility is a different story to three years of standing still. Tenure still matters. It just isn’t the whole picture. We’d rather hear what someone achieved than automatically favour whoever stayed longest.

That same thinking applies to promotions. We’ve spoken with plenty of capable HSEQ professionals who could easily step up but choose not to, because a bigger title often means more travel, longer hours and more time away from the work they actually enjoy. That’s not a lack of ambition. Knowing what kind of career you want, and being honest about it, is one of the better decisions you can make.

It’s also why we keep coming back to the 10-year test when we’re talking to people about a new role.

Don’t just ask what the salary or title is. Ask whether this move puts you on the right trajectory for where you want to be a decade from now. Sometimes the best move isn’t the one that pays the most today.

A couple of you weighed in on this too.

When we asked which career path appealed most, over half of you said a mix of people leadership and specialist expertise, rather than picking one lane.

And when we asked what would actually get you talking to a recruiter, pay was the single biggest driver, but better career prospects wasn’t far behind. Worth remembering next time you’re wondering whether people move for money alone. Usually it’s not that simple.

And if you’re one of the many people who just had a bonus land: the interesting part was never really the number. It’s what it makes you reflect on. More responsibility, a development conversation, a pay conversation, or simply deciding there’s still plenty left to achieve where you are. Would a bonus landing tomorrow make you more likely to stay, or just make the timing of your next move easier?

From the Sundstrom team

A few things worth sharing from our side:

We’re a finalist. Sundstrom has been named a finalist in the TAGAPSCo Australia Awards for Excellence 2026, for Specialist Firm of the Year. It’s good recognition for a team that’s stayed focused on doing one thing properly, HSEQ, rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Congratulations to the other finalists too. We’re looking forward to the awards night.