Work Out What Your Next Job Looks Like

Most of us have dreams that feel bigger than our current circumstances — goals we tuck away because life happens, bills pile up, people rely on us, and opportunities don’t always show up at the right time. But every so often, a moment arrives when you finally can choose your next step. And when you have that space, even briefly, you want to make sure you use it well.

So how do you work out what your next job should actually be? How do you decide what fits your life, your strengths, and your future — not just your immediate needs?

This guide gives you a practical, realistic way to uncover what you truly want next in your career.

Why It’s Hard to Choose Your Next Role

Many people have less control over their next job than they’d like. Redundancy, relocation, family responsibilities, financial pressure — sometimes you take the role that’s available, not the one that’s ideal.

But when you do get the chance to choose, even a little, that’s when strategy matters. The clearer you are about what you want, the faster you’ll recognise the right opportunities when they appear.

The Journaling Method: A Simple Way to Reveal What You Really Want

This exercise bypasses logic and taps directly into your subconscious. It’s simple, surprisingly effective, and perfect for anyone feeling stuck or unsure of their next move.

Step 1: Start a Journal — And Don’t Overthink It

Grab a notebook, journal, or even scrap paper. For the next month (or longer), write without judgement. Add anything that resonates with you:

• Things you love
• Things you avoid or dislike
• Dreams and thoughts you wake up with
• Film quotes, song lyrics, random ideas
• Clippings or images that speak to you
• Scenes of your ideal life five years from now

Fill the pages with whatever feels right. Don’t filter. Don’t justify. Don’t question why. Your unconscious mind is doing the heavy lifting.

Step 2: Review the Journal With Fresh Eyes

After one to twelve months, flip through the journal slowly. You’ll start to notice patterns — themes that repeat themselves, ideas you keep returning to, images that spark something in you.

Write down the three strongest themes you see running through your journal. These themes are clues to what your next job should support or include.

Often these patterns reveal what your logical brain keeps ignoring. They highlight strengths, desires, and values you haven’t consciously prioritised — but deeply want.

Step 3: Build a Picture of Your Ideal Job

The themes you uncover will point you towards roles, industries, work styles, or environments that genuinely fit you. This is where clarity turns into action.

Real Examples: How This Method Works

Jim — The Marketer Who Was Missing Something

Jim worked in marketing, but he felt frustrated, exhausted, and disconnected from what mattered. When he reviewed his journal, he found themes around children, teaching, community work, family time, and creativity.

Suddenly, options appeared:

• Becoming an in-house trainer
• Completing a teaching qualification
• Coaching, mentoring, or volunteering
• Pursuing a career in education or youth support

His next move was no longer a mystery — the journal had already shown him.

Josephine — The IT Architect Wanting More Growth

Josephine loved her role but felt limited in career progression. Her journal revealed three themes: travel, real estate, and independence.

Those patterns guided her toward contracting, investing in property, and building a career that gave her both flexibility and financial control — things she hadn’t allowed herself to consider before.

Designing Your Next Job

Your next job doesn’t have to be a dramatic leap. It might be:

• A small shift that gives you more balance
• A sideways move that opens new doors
• A bold career change that aligns with your long-term vision

You can’t control every circumstance — but you can shape your direction when you understand what truly motivates you. A journal helps you bypass fear, doubt, and overthinking so you can finally hear what your future self is trying to tell you.

Need Help Working Out Your Next Step?

If your CV or career direction feels unclear, we can help you define your goals and position yourself for roles that align with your strengths and ambitions.

Get a free CV review at CV Writers Australia and take the first step toward your next role — one that fits who you are and who you’re becoming.