Your career isn’t just a job title or a LinkedIn summary—it’s a constantly evolving story. And like any good story, it’s worth checking in from time to time to ask: where is this going, and is it still working for me?
Whether you're navigating a transition, feeling stuck, or just curious about what’s next, here are 7 important questions to reflect on.
1. What Drives You?
Understanding what motivates you at a core level is a powerful starting point. Are you fueled by solving complex problems, making a tangible impact, collaborating with others, or building something from scratch? Recognizing these internal drivers can help you align your daily work with what gives you energy.
When your job reflects what lights you up inside, it tends to feel more meaningful. On the flip side, if your current role leaves you feeling drained or uninspired, it could be because you're not engaging with your true motivations. Reconnecting with your “why” can make your work feel less like a grind and more like a calling.
2. Are You Growing?
Career satisfaction often comes from the sense that you’re making progress—not just in terms of promotions or pay, but in skills, confidence, and self-awareness. Growth might look like taking on new responsibilities, learning something outside your comfort zone, or even failing and learning from it.
If you’ve been in the same role or doing the same tasks for a while, ask yourself: what have I learned recently? If the answer is “not much,” it may be time to seek out new challenges, projects, or even environments where you can continue to stretch and evolve.
3. Does Your Work Fit Your Life?
A job might look great on paper but still not be the right fit for your life. Maybe it demands too much time, limits your flexibility, or doesn’t allow space for the things you care about outside of work. As your personal priorities shift—whether it’s starting a family, pursuing creative interests, or protecting your mental health—it’s worth re-evaluating how your career supports or clashes with your lifestyle.
Think beyond salary and title. Do you have enough time for rest, relationships, and recreation? Does your work location, schedule, or pace feel sustainable? A fulfilling career should support a fulfilling life—not replace it.
4. What’s Your “Why” Right Now?
Your goals and values evolve over time, and so should your career. Early in your journey, your “why” might be gaining experience or exploring different paths. Later, it might be about stability, impact, leadership, or autonomy. The key is to periodically revisit what matters most to you—right now.
If your current work doesn’t match your current “why,” that mismatch can show up as frustration, boredom, or disengagement. Realigning your career with your current values can reignite your sense of purpose and help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.
5. How Do You Feel on Sunday Nights?
This might sound simple, but it’s one of the most telling career indicators. How do you feel as the weekend winds down and the new workweek begins? Do you feel anxious, restless, or heavy? Or are you calm, maybe even a little excited?
No one loves every Monday, but persistent dread is often a red flag that something deeper isn’t working. It could be the nature of your role, the culture of your workplace, or a lack of direction. Whatever it is, it’s worth exploring—not ignoring. Those Sunday-night feelings are trying to tell you something.
6. What Are People You Admire Doing?
Looking at the careers of people you respect can give you valuable insights—not so you can copy them, but so you can learn what’s possible. What qualities or choices do you admire in their paths? What kinds of roles, industries, or side projects spark your curiosity?
You might discover a path you hadn’t considered, or a reminder that unconventional routes can still lead to meaningful outcomes. Use their stories as inspiration, then filter them through your own values and strengths. Sometimes, a little outside perspective can unlock your next step.
7. Have You Talked to a Career Coach?
Sometimes, the best way to gain clarity is to talk it out—with someone who knows how to ask the right questions. A career coach helps you reflect more deeply, challenge assumptions, and consider options you might not have thought of on your own. They’re not there to tell you what to do, but to help you discover it for yourself.
Whether you're actively planning a change or just feeling uncertain, a coaching session can provide valuable perspective—and a sense of momentum. On Vixly, you can find experienced career coaches and book a 1:1 video consultation to talk through your situation. Think of it as a sounding board, support system, and strategy session, all in one.
Final Thought
You don’t need to have all the answers—but asking the right questions is a great place to start. Reflection helps you move from autopilot to intention. Wherever you are in your career, make time to pause, assess, and realign. Your future self will thank you.