Nearly 80% of professionals across Europe say they feel unprepared to find a job in 2026. At the same time, almost half are planning to look for a new role this year.

In this short, standalone episode of Favourite Positions, Alex Young is joined by LinkedIn Career Expert Charlotte Davies to unpack what’s driving that uncertainty – and what people can do about it.

Charlotte shares insights from LinkedIn’s latest research, alongside practical advice on how professionals can build confidence, develop relevant skills and use their networks more intentionally in an increasingly AI-driven and competitive job market.

This is a quick, grounding listen for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to focus their energy right now.

What we cover

• Why so many people feel unprepared for the job market in 2026
• The two most common mistakes people make when things feel uncertain
• How to build confidence with AI without feeling overwhelmed
• Why squiggly, non-linear careers are becoming the norm
• What Gen Z is doing differently when it comes to skills and values
• Simple ways to use LinkedIn more intentionally and effectively
• One mindset shift that helps people feel more resilient about their careers

Helpful links mentioned in the episode

• LinkedIn Job Search Guide
• Job Match – understand how your skills align with roles
• AI-powered job search – search for jobs in your own words
• Resume Feedback (Premium) – tailored feedback for specific roles
• Cover Letter Feature (Premium) – draft personalised cover letters

If this episode resonated, stay tuned – more short, practical conversations are coming soon.

Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 Summary

In this special solo episode of Work in Progress, Alex takes a step back to reflect on the biggest lessons learned so far from the series. Instead of interviewing a guest, this episode brings together the key themes that have emerged from conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs and career shapers about how work is changing and what it takes to thrive today.

From the rise of AI and shifting career paths to the importance of personal brand and self-care, Alex shares insights, stories and practical advice to help you future-proof your career.

💡 Takeaways

• Work is changing faster than ever – AI isn’t replacing jobs, it’s reshaping them
• Dream jobs aren’t found, they’re built through curiosity, experimentation and values
• Personal brand is career insurance – even one thoughtful post a month builds credibility
• Sharing your learning journey makes you memorable and trusted, not just your wins
• CVs, cover letters and interviews still matter, but they need to work harder than ever
• Thriving at work comes down to clarity, connection and visibility once you’re in the role
• Success without self-care doesn’t last – boundaries, routines and rest are strategic
• The most future-proof skills remain human: creativity, empathy, adaptability

🕒 Chapters

• Why this episode is different and what it covers
• The biggest shifts in work: remote, balance, and AI
• Discovering and pursuing your dream job in a non-linear world
• Building a personal brand that works for you (including Grace’s example)
• How to strengthen your CV, cover letter and interview performance
• Thriving once you’ve landed the role: clarity, connection and visibility
• Balancing work with self-care to prevent burnout
• Closing reflections on the series and what’s coming next

Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 Summary

In this episode of Work in Progress, we speak to Olly Haddock – solicitor, innovation specialist at Weightmans and founder of The Careers Edit – about redefining success, building careers that feel authentic and why networking desperately needs a rebrand.

Alongside his legal practice, Olly helps lead innovation projects at Weightmans, creating tech-driven solutions to make law more efficient and client-focused. Through The Careers Edit, he’s built a global community of over 50,000 professionals, known for its fresh approach to events that swap stuffy boardrooms for spaces that encourage real conversations and meaningful connections.

We explore why pressure can sometimes be a positive driver, how to pivot when a career path isn’t what you expected, and what the happiest professionals Olly meets have in common. Plus, we dig into the myths of networking, the skills we’ll all need in an AI-driven future, and how younger generations are reshaping the world of work.

💡 Takeaways

• Pressure isn’t always negative – it can push you to achieve your best work
• Networking is really just relationship building – and needs a total rebrand
• The happiest professionals see work as more than tasks; it’s about experiences and relationships
• Employers who empower their people to network externally show real confidence and trust
• Being honest with yourself about what you actually want is key to defining success
• Employee personal branding is becoming as powerful as company branding
• AI will reshape roles – curiosity and self-motivated upskilling will be non-negotiable

🕒 Chapters

00:00 – Who is Olly Haddock and how does he introduce himself?

01:23 – The story behind starting The Careers Edit

03:51 – Early career plans and the importance of flexibility

06:54 – Questioning the traditional checklist of success

09:23 – Pressure as a motivator and driver of achievement

11:16 – Why some professionals feel unfulfilled despite appearances

12:15 – Backing instincts: moving into innovation in law

16:34 – What the happiest professionals have in common

18:32 – Co-working, connection, and the value of community

19:41 – Why networking needs a rebrand

22:39 – How careers really progress: word of mouth and relationships

24:42 – Unconventional connections that shaped Olly’s career

26:00 – First steps if your job is draining your energy

28:45 – The rise of portfolio careers, purpose, and flexibility

33:39 – The skills we’ll all need in an AI-driven future

35:27 – How the right people around you shape your career

36:50 – What excites Olly about Gen Z in the workplace

39:02 – Personal branding, hustle culture, and side hustles

40:30 – The widening gap between what people want and what companies offer

43:18 – How employers can support people without massive budgets

45:10 – Rethinking education and career guidance from school onwards

47:28 – Imagining the workplace of the future

48:59 – Olly’s one piece of advice for finding or transforming your dream role

🔗 Follow Olly

The Careers Edit: https://www.thecareersedit.com/

The Careers Edit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareersedit/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-haddock-2b316a106/

Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.