Rethinking Your Career? Here’s How to Figure Out Your Next Move
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When I was younger, my career goals were, well, all over the place. At one point, I dreamed of becoming a dancer. Then I thought I’d be an actress (even though I was painfully shy), and eventually, I landed on wanting to be a plastic surgeon because my parents are doctors. By the end of high school, I was sure I’d work in fashion as a stylist or a publicist. Here's a plot twist: Currently, I am doing NONE of those things.
I didn’t consider things like the day-to-day realities of these careers or how much money I’d make working in them. Like many people, I picked them out of passion and because they sounded cool. But over time, my career goals have changed, and the idea of “passion” isn’t my main focus anymore. Instead, I’m more interested in work that’s challenging and rewarding. It’s taken a while, but I’ve finally found a balance that works for me.
So whether you’re on the same page or still searching for that perfect job you’re obsessed with, know that it’s okay for your career goals to evolve. In fact, it’s pretty natural. Here’s how you can rethink your career, make sense of what you truly want, and figure out your next steps.
Step 1: Give Yourself Permission to Evolve
As much as you might want to be certain about your career early on, it’s hard to know what will make you happy until you’re actually in it. Our interests and priorities change over time, so why can’t our careers? The job you think you want at 20 may look different at 25 or even 35, and that’s fine.
When I worked in fashion, I was doing what I’d dreamed about for years. But after almost a decade in luxury fashion PR, I felt unfulfilled. I was bored, annoyed by small tasks, and frustrated by my pay compared to friends in other fields. It took me a long time to realize I needed a change, but looking back, I’m so glad I did.
Step 2: Resist the Urge to Quit ASAP
If you’re in a job that’s making you miserable, it’s tempting to think, “I just can’t do this anymore. I’m out!” But here’s the thing: most of us can’t afford to just quit without having a backup plan. Before making any big moves, try asking yourself a few questions:
Are you sure you need to quit, or are you just having a rough moment?
Is there anything you can change about your current role to make it more tolerable?
Is this a temporary issue (like a difficult project) or something more serious?
If there’s a way to make your current job a bit more manageable, consider bringing those ideas to your boss. It’s easier to job hunt if you’re not completely burnt out or broke. But if you’re really at a breaking point and it’s affecting your mental health, it’s okay to leave—make sure you’ve thought it through and understand the consequences.
Step 3: Keep Your Venting Off the Clock
It’s completely normal to want to vent about a job that’s dragging you down. Just make sure to keep it out of the workplace. No Slack rants, no lunchroom complaints, and no venting to coworkers, no matter how tempting. Why? If the wrong person overhears, it could backfire. Word gets around, and the last thing you want is for your frustration to reach the wrong ears.
Instead, lean on friends, family, or a therapist outside of work. They’ll allow you to let it all out without risking your boss or teammates finding out.
Step 4: Define Your “Why” (and Your “What”)
Before you can make a career change, knowing what’s not working and what you’re actually looking for is helpful. Start by listing out everything that bothers you about your current job. Is it the company culture, the tasks, or even the whole industry? Defining these frustrations will help you avoid a similar situation in your next role.
Next, think about your why: What’s motivating you to make a change? This is crucial not just for clarity but also because it’s one of the first questions you’ll get in interviews. Try asking yourself:
What does my ideal life look like in ten years?
What kind of work-life balance do I want?
What are my values and priorities?
What’s important to me in a workplace, and what makes me happy?
How important is salary, and what’s my minimum requirement?
Be honest with yourself and get specific about what matters most to you. Then, think about what kind of job could support that vision.
Step 5: Design Your Ideal Role (No Job Titles Needed)
Now that you know what you want to avoid and what matters to you, it’s time to draft your dream job description. Don’t worry about titles—write out the key responsibilities, tasks, and qualities that make up your ideal role. Imagine how this role supports your goals and aligns with the life you want to live. What skills or experience would you need to make it happen?
It’s easier to figure out your next steps and the skills you need to start building when you see it all laid out.
Step 6: Boost Your Confidence for the Change
One of the biggest challenges in changing careers is often confidence. It can feel daunting to leave a field you know for something new. To boost your confidence:
Set mini-goals to build momentum.
Celebrate small wins, like completing a certification or networking with someone in your target field.
Lean on your support network—friends, family, mentors, and colleagues who believe in you.
Remember that growth happens outside of your comfort zone.
Step 7: Get Curious and Research Like a Boss
Researching can open your eyes to new possibilities and give you insights into fields you might not have considered. Here’s how:
Network Thoughtfully: Reach out to friends, mentors, or people in roles you admire. Ask questions and share what you’re interested in—they might have tips or insights you hadn’t thought of.
Read Job Descriptions: Look up roles that sound interesting and take notes on the skills, experience, and personality traits they look for. This can give you ideas for building your own qualifications.
Stay Open-Minded: You don’t need to rush to apply. Take the time to learn what’s out there and see how your skills could align with different opportunities.
Step 8: Plan Your Next Move
Once you’re clear on what you want and feel ready to make a change, start working toward it step-by-step. Use your research to figure out:
Any certifications or courses that could boost your skills.
Projects or roles that might help you gain experience.
People to reach out to who might connect you to opportunities.
This approach is all about strategy. You’re building your career one step at a time, so it’s okay if it takes some time to get there.
Step 9: Stay Positive in Interviews
When it’s time to start interviewing, remember to keep things professional when talking about your current or past jobs. Even if you’re leaving a role that made you miserable, avoid badmouthing your last employer. Instead, focus on what you’re excited to learn and accomplish in your new role. Employers are looking for people who want to build, not burn, bridges.
The Bottom Line: You Have the Power to Shape Your Career
Your career doesn’t have to be static, and it’s okay for your goals to change as you grow. By taking the time to understand your why, plan your next steps, and keep a positive attitude, you can move toward work that aligns with your life and values. So, go ahead—dare to design a career that works for you.