These expressions describe different aspects of building, changing, and succeeding in one’s career.
Career Expressions
- Change of pace
Meaning: A change from one’s usual work.
Example: Taking up photography was a refreshing change of pace. - Go up the ranks
Meaning: Advance in one’s career or profession.
Example: He went up the ranks to become CEO. - Switch gears
Meaning: Change the approach or focus of work.
Example: After a decade in marketing, she switched gears to consulting. - Hit a glass ceiling
Meaning: Reach a career limit due to discrimination.
Example: Women often hit a glass ceiling in male-dominated industries. - Make one’s mark
Meaning: Achieve recognition in one’s career.
Example: She made her mark in the tech industry. - Get ahead
Meaning: Make progress or advance in one’s career.
Example: To get ahead, he earned an MBA. - Follow in someone’s footsteps
Meaning: Pursue the same career as another.
Example: He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a doctor. - Climb the corporate ladder
Meaning: Advance within a corporate hierarchy.
Example: She climbed the corporate ladder to become a director. - Strike out on one’s own
Meaning: Start an independent career or business.
Example: After a decade in finance, she struck out on her own. - Take a sabbatical
Meaning: Take a long break from work.
Example: He took a sabbatical to travel and write. - Branch out
Meaning: Expand into new areas professionally.
Example: She branched out into writing after years in teaching. - Carve out a niche
Meaning: Create a unique position or role.
Example: The company carved out a niche in eco-friendly products. - Hold down a job
Meaning: Maintain a steady employment.
Example: Despite the challenges, she managed to hold down a job. - Hit the ground running
Meaning: Start a new role effectively from the beginning.
Example: He hit the ground running in his new marketing role. - Go the distance
Meaning: Complete a long or challenging task.
Example: She was determined to go the distance in her new career. - Move up in the world
Meaning: Improve one’s social or professional position.
Example: By starting his own company, he moved up in the world. - Feather one’s nest
Meaning: Accumulate wealth for personal benefit.
Example: He spent years feathering his nest before retirement. - Take the plunge
Meaning: Commit to a risky career move.
Example: She took the plunge and opened her bakery. - Test the waters
Meaning: Try something out before committing fully.
Example: He tested the waters by freelancing before quitting his job. - Get one’s foot in the door
Meaning: Start at a basic level to gain access.
Example: An internship helped her get her foot in the door at the agency.
