After years in the workforce, you might find yourself asking, “Can I continue working like this?” This isn't due to incompetence or a major setback, but rather a moment when you realize that the initial excitement has faded. What you long for may not be a glamorous career change, but a choice that aligns more with your core values and life balance.
Sometimes, a sudden task creates stress, or late at night, while watching your child sleep, you quietly browse job websites. The thought of changing jobs arises from anxiety but also prompts you to reflect: What do I truly want from life?
This article, based on the core structure of the online course "Comprehensive Career Thinking" from *Manager Magazine*, outlines 10 sets of career questions and insightful thoughts to help clarify: "Why do you want to change jobs?" and “Do you want to change your job, or the focus of your life?”
Clarifying Your Motivation for Change: Why Do I Want to Leave?
1. Should I really quit my job?
Many people don’t genuinely want to change jobs; they just desire to escape their current situation. The urge to switch careers often comes not from hatred of the work itself but from the exhaustion of the environment or relationships. Try listing the reasons that cause you stress: Is it the tasks, communication styles, or the cultural atmosphere? Understanding what you dislike helps you find what you do like.
2. How can I tell if this is impulsive or a sincere desire to change?
If it’s just an escape, a job change might lead to another form of unhappiness. Reflect on whether you often consider quitting or if this thought has been persistent for months, even affecting your emotional state. There’s only a step between avoidance and change; the key is clarifying the underlying value conflicts.
3. Why do I look at many job openings but don’t want to apply for any?
Genuine career choices stem from your values, not just a list of skills. Even if you’re qualified for many positions, if you feel unmotivated when reading job descriptions, it might indicate that some of your inner values are unmet. The jobs you desire depend not only on what you can do but also on the kind of life you want to lead.
4. Should I give up my dreams for a stable job?
Don’t use others’ standards to determine your path. Stability isn’t wrong, and pursuing dreams isn’t a luxury; it’s about prioritizing at different life stages. If something still tugs at your heart, it indicates its importance. Compromising reality is acceptable, but you shouldn’t forsake yourself for others.
Exploring Directions and Self-Value: Where Can I Go?
5. What am I truly suited for? How do I find out?
Talent isn’t a sudden epiphany but something that repeatedly appears in daily life. Think back to what others frequently ask you for help with; they might relate to writing, organizing, analyzing, etc. These skills may not be part of your education but could be your undiscovered talents.
6. I don’t know which direction is better; how should I choose?
Not having a clear direction means you’re at the beginning of exploration, not at the edge of failure. Feeling confused often arises from your willingness to face your situation honestly. Allow yourself to experiment; even imperfect starts can lead to unexpectedly clear paths.
7. Why am I putting in effort but not getting noticed?
The market won’t automatically position you; you must first understand yourself so the market knows how to choose you. Some people write extensive resumes without attracting attention, while others with fewer words captivate. The real difference lies in whether you clearly communicate the problems you can solve and the value you can create.
Taking Action and Building Experience: What Should I Do Next?
8. Am I not being promoted due to a lack of ability?
You don’t need to change jobs to showcase your talents; you can create value from your current position. Staying in one role too long often leads not to incompetence but to burnout. If you’re willing to take an extra step—whether optimizing processes, designing templates, or observing customer behavior—it can be a starting point for others to see you in a new light.
9. Does changing jobs require significant changes to count?
Changing jobs doesn’t necessarily mean switching companies; sometimes it just means transferring your strengths to new tasks. Internal changes, such as cross-department collaboration, functional shifts, or short-term rotations, can also be effective. These changes don’t have to be dramatic, but each step can bring you closer to your ideal job.
10. When is the best time to change jobs?
There’s no such thing as the “perfect time”; it’s about whether you’re willing to act amid uncertainty. Every attempt to update your resume, enroll in a self-improvement course, or discuss ideas with friends is evidence that you’re paving the way for your future.
The journey of changing jobs is not just about finding new employment but also an opportunity for deep self-exploration. Throughout this process, asking yourself these questions can help you better understand your needs and values. Each step of reflection is a small move forward; regardless of the outcome, these insights will bring you closer to the life and work you desire. Remember, change is not always easy, but each brave choice is an important step toward shaping your future. Are you ready to begin this journey?
