"I don't want my CV to look choppy." A client said this to me last week when we were discussing interim and contract opportunities.

He is worried that taking a shorter-term role might create the perception that he couldn't get or hold down a permanent position.

If I'm honest, I was a little surprised that this stigma still exists for some people. Not because the concern isn't real. But because the world of work has changed so much. There was a time when multiple short-term roles raised questions. Today, interim work, project roles and contract opportunities are a normal part of many careers. And if you're currently between roles, there is another factor worth considering. You can often start immediately. That creates a different power dynamic.

Many interim opportunities exist because an organisation needs someone quickly. They need capability, experience and someone who can hit the ground running.

Availability is not a weakness.

In some markets, it's your competitive advantage.

I've seen people take short term contracts and:

• discover an industry they never expected to love

• build an incredible network of advocates and referrals

• regain confidence after redundancy

• turn that contract into a permanent role

• completely reshape the direction of their career

A career doesn't always need to follow one neat, linear path. Sometimes the role you didn't plan for becomes the one that opens the most doors.

Movement often creates clarity.