The career ladder is a thing of the past – success redefined

The job market in 2026 is undergoing radical change: not only is economic uncertainty influencing the situation, but there is also a shift in the meaning of success in the job market. According to the Randstad Work Barometer 2026, 72% of employers consider the traditional, linear career path to be outdated. Instead, skills and experience are clearly becoming the focus of HR decision-makers, with 87% citing these factors.

This is in line with the wishes of employees: 38% of talented individuals no longer aspire to a linear career path, but consciously seek variety through changes in roles and industries. At the same time, however, 41% of those surveyed continue to aspire to a traditional career path.

A greater degree of independence in shaping one's professional life is also evident in the reasons for changing jobs. Almost a third of employees stated that they had quit a job because they had to pretend to be someone they were not. Among Generation Z, this figure is as high as 34%. When it comes to reasons for changing jobs, salary is by far the most important factor. 81% of talented individuals cite remuneration as the key argument in favor of a new job.

You can read about how further training can have a positive impact on salary development in last week's magazine article on politjobs.

We were also interested in the following topics:

• Career goal Brussels: For the first time in seven years, the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has published a selection procedure for senior administrative officials (AD5) in the EU. The application is open to graduates of all disciplines and no professional experience is required. The application deadline is March 10.

• AI-proof jobs: WirtschaftsWoche looks at the question of which degree programs offer the best prospects for AI-proof jobs (€) and which choices ultimately provide the best starting position.

• Starting a business in Berlin: Anyone considering starting a business in Berlin can now find useful information in one place on a new overview page from the Senate Administration, including contact points, advice on planning and preparation, funding opportunities, and networking events for founders.

This text first appeared as an editorial in the weekly politjobs newsletter. If you would like to receive this newsletter with the latest jobs in politics directly by email every Wednesday, you can subscribe to it here.