You Don’t Need to Know Your Next Job — You Need Career Direction
One of the most common things I hear from people who feel stuck at work is this:
“I don’t know what I want to do next.”
They often say it with frustration, embarrassment, or a sense that they’re behind somehow — especially if they’re experienced, capable, and have been successful on paper.
But not knowing your next job isn’t the problem.
The real difficulty is not knowing your direction.
Why focusing on job titles keeps people stuck
When you’re unhappy at work, it’s natural to look for answers in job titles.
People scan roles online, revisit old ideas, or ask themselves:
Should I change sector?
Should I step up or step back?
Should I do something completely different?
But without clarity about what actually matters to you now, those options quickly become overwhelming.
Many people end up cycling between the same types of roles — not because they lack imagination, but because they’re choosing without a clear internal compass.
Direction comes before decisions
Career direction isn’t about knowing exactly what you’ll do next.
It’s about understanding:
what energises you now (not ten years ago)
what drains you, even if you’re good at it
what kind of environment helps you do your best work
what you want more — and less — of at this stage of your life
When those things are clearer, decisions become calmer and more confident.
Without them, every option feels equally risky.
Why clarity often feels harder than action
Action can feel reassuring.
Updating your CV, applying for roles, or making a plan creates a sense of movement.
But clarity requires something different:
honesty
reflection
space to think without pressure
That can feel uncomfortable — especially for high-functioning professionals who are used to solving problems quickly.
Yet this is the work that prevents repeated dissatisfaction later.
A calmer way to find your direction
If you don’t know what your next job is — but you know your current work no longer fits — that’s not a failure.
It’s often a sign that you’ve outgrown an old version of your career.
On 13 January, I’m running a free Career Clarity Webinar for professionals who feel stuck or quietly dissatisfied at work and want help identifying direction before making decisions.
It’s not about finding the “perfect role”.
It’s about understanding yourself well enough to choose what’s next with confidence.
If you’re tired of guessing — and want a clearer sense of direction — you’re very welcome to join.
About Diana
I’m Diana Dawson, Founder of Working Career. For more than 20 years, I’ve worked with professionals who want to navigate change, develop resilience, and create meaningful careers. My Career Change, Career Development, and Interview Coaching programmes blend human insight with modern tools (including AI) to give you clarity, confidence, and momentum.