The aim of this paper is threefold. First, to provide an overview of commonly used career metaphors used in the context of international career development. The second aim is to propose a new metaphor, which the author feels better represents the actual careers of SEs. The final aim of the paper is to consider the implications of the new metaphor on future career research and practice through the presentation of a framework of career influences/influencers, underlining the need for more holistic career research and theory development.