11 Mandatory Journal Prompts for Career Clarity When You're Ready to Leave a Current Job

It’s no secret. The workforce is changing. Rapidly. Millennials and Gen Z are demanding more from themselves, their managers, their employers.

Buh-bye Old Paradigm! And thankfully, job hoppers aren’t penalized for career pivots as much as Baby Boomers like to warn about. Don’t let anyone tell you differently!

You aren’t going to stay at your current job forever. No one will. And that’s OK. Before you rush your empowered self into your manager’s office to quit, take a beat. Or maybe you've recently suffered job loss and are looking for a fresh start.

Yes, I’m giving you permission to make big moves when your career is no longer serving you.

But, I want you to keep moving up in the world. Not repeating the same mistakes over & over again (like I did for years before learning better ~cough~)

Before you make any decisions, take some time for some reflection and self-awareness. Then, make decisions from this space of alignment.

Here are my 9 mandatory career journal prompts that I go through before I make any transition:

1. What are my long-term career goals (5-10 years)? Why are these my goals? What is driving these goals? How does this fit into my vision for my ideal life?

Defining your long-term career goals is essential for creating a roadmap to success. Take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve in the next 5-10 years. Consider your core values and how they align with your career aspirations; understanding these can help you find balance between your professional and personal life. Think about your strengths and weaknesses—how can you use them to reach your goals? Identify key milestones and the steps needed to get there, while reflecting on how your current career path aligns with these objectives and what changes may be needed.

Knowing your destination is crucial; if you don’t know where you’re headed, you’ll never arrive. Equally important is understanding what drives these goals. This self-awareness is especially vital when considering a career change, as it helps you reflect on what truly fulfills you. For example, I once realized that my ambition to be a "director at xx marketing agency" was mostly driven by ego, prompting a swift shift in my career direction. By answering these questions, you’ll gain clarity on your long-term career goals and build a solid foundation for making informed decisions about your future.

2. What do I like most about my current job? What do I like least? Why?

#SuperNerd alert - I keep a running list of likes and dislikes from every job I've had. This catalog not only helps me reflect on my experiences but also serves as a valuable tool for my professional growth. I revisit it regularly, especially when I sense a transition is near or feel the urge for a career change.

Why do I do this? It’s simple: Every transition should bring you closer to your ideal career and life. By analyzing my preferences, I can understand what environments and roles inspire me and which aspects I find less fulfilling or frustrating. This list serves as a scorecard for future opportunities, helping me make informed decisions that align with my values and long-term goals. Whether it’s the nature of the work, company culture, or team dynamics, clarity on these elements empowers me to pursue roles that truly resonate with me.

3. How does/doesn’t my current job serve my long-term career goals?

Evaluating your current job’s alignment with your long-term career goals is crucial for determining whether it’s time for a change. Consider the skills and experiences you're gaining—how do they contribute to your goals? Are there opportunities for growth, or are you plateauing? Reflect on how your job’s culture and environment affect your well-being and satisfaction. Identify any gaps that need addressing to remain competitive in your industry, and compare your role to your ideal career path to see how you can bridge those gaps. Using a journal prompt can facilitate deeper self-discovery and help assess your job satisfaction. Think of it like the board game Chutes & Ladders—find those secret ladders in your current situation to keep moving upward. Identify what serves as a launching point toward your goals, and dive into what has been holding you back.

4. What are the key differences between my current job and my ideal career path?

Identifying the gaps between your current job and your ideal career path is essential for creating a plan to bridge those gaps. Start by outlining the core responsibilities and tasks in your ideal career—how do they differ from your current role? What skills and knowledge do you need to acquire to transition into your ideal career path? Reflect on how your ideal career aligns with your values, interests, and strengths. Consider the work environment and culture you desire and how it differs from your current job. Identify key milestones and achievements you want to accomplish in your ideal career and create a roadmap to get there. By pinpointing these differences, you’ll be able to create a plan to transition into a career that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

5. What am I hoping to get out of a new job/career that I don't have now?

Defining your goals for a new job or career is essential for making informed decisions about your path. Start by identifying your non-negotiables—what must a new role offer to align with your long-term goals? Consider the work environment and culture that will affect your well-being and job satisfaction. Reflect on the skills and experiences you want to gain and how they contribute to your overall aspirations.

Identifying the gaps between your current job and your ideal career path is crucial for creating a plan to bridge those gaps. While you may never know exactly what lies ahead, understanding your hopes and expectations is vital. Think about the milestones you want to achieve and how they support your long-term life and career goals. Using prompts can inspire thoughts and guide your writing as you contemplate your career change or development. By defining your aspirations, you can create a roadmap to success.

6. Why do I want to leave this job? Why have I left previous jobs? Am I repeating patterns in my career?

If only I would have figured this out for myself YEARS ago, I would have saved myself a lot of misery. I repeated the same cycle for about 4-5 jobs before I realized what was happening. The details of which are a longer story for another post.

Instead of up-leveling my career, I created my own Bill Murray in Groundhog’s Day scenario. Using career journal prompts can help break these repeating patterns by providing a structured approach to self-reflection and career planning.

7. By leaving, am I avoiding any lessons that I actually need to learn & internalize? What are those lessons and Why do I need to learn them now?

In my Groundhog’s Day experience, I realized I didn’t learn the lessons the Universe intended. So I continued to get tested.

Most recently for me, it was creating boundaries. Learning these lessons can prepare you for a successful career change. Once I realized this, I put all my effort into practicing them as much as I could. That’s when things started to shift quickly.

8. Where am I currently missing important learning/growth opportunities in my role? How can I change my current situation so I can start taking advantage of them?

Squeeze every drop of relevant experience out of your current situation, as it can serve as a valuable foundation for your future endeavors. Take note of the skills and insights you've gained and carry them with you to your next adventure. Master your current role by setting achievable goals and seeking feedback to continually improve your performance. Once you feel confident in your responsibilities, don’t hesitate to step outside of your daily routine to explore new challenges and learn something new. Engage with colleagues from different departments, attend workshops, or read books that expand your knowledge. Think outside the box and absorb all you can, as every bit of learning contributes to your personal and professional growth..

9. What skills or knowledge do I need to acquire to move forward in my career?

Identifying the skills and knowledge you need to acquire to move forward in your career is essential for creating a plan to upskill and reskill. Start by listing the key skills and knowledge required for your ideal career path—how do you currently measure up? Identify gaps in your current skillset and consider how you can address them through training, education, or experience. Stay ahead of the curve by keeping an eye on emerging trends and technologies in your industry. Think about how you can leverage your current skills and experience to transition into a new career path. Identify any certifications, licenses, or credentials required for your ideal career and create a plan to obtain them. By pinpointing the skills and knowledge you need, you’ll be able to create a plan to upskill and reskill, moving forward in your career with confidence.

10. Are there any steps I need to take before I decide to leave my job? Are there any events coming up that might affect my transition timeline?

It’s possible you’re bored AF at work. But also have 1,295 other things happening in your personal life that need your attention.

It’s ok to desire stability in your career while other things sort themselves out. Starting with a blank page can be daunting when planning these steps, especially during times of confusion or stress. Press pause on your plan for world domination if your life demands it. Don’t let your ego get in the way.

11. What would it take for me to transition to a new career/job? Money, title, schedule, responsibilities, location? Why?

You’ve done all the reflection you can and still are on the fence. Factors such as personal fulfillment, financial stability, and long-term goals often influence a career change decision. That’s ok. You don’t have to make any decisions now. But, it’s good to know what situation would tip the scales in a different direction for you

One time, I was perfectly happy at my job but had a great job offer fall into my lap that was also a 30% pay raise. I made the jump without thinking because I had already decided that a pay increase like that was worth the risk for a lateral move.

Consider using journal prompts to reflect on your current job satisfaction and opportunities for growth within your career. Tell me in the comments!