This article critically examines the effects of chance, turning points and periods of routine on the careers of ten male returners to further education. Chance is an under-theorised influence on career development and there is also a dearth of qualitative data on this phenomenon. The qualitative data I present demonstrate that chance events can act as powerful turning points on individual careers. I address why my cohort responded pragmatically to chance offers of employment and also present a model that conceptualises the effects of turning points on career development. I conclude by examining the implications for both careers education and guidance practice. (Contains 1 table.)