Rethinking Your 'Why': A Follow-Up on Career Decisions

In my previous article, I explored the importance of asking, "What do you want your life to look like?" when making career decisions. It’s a powerful question—one that pushes us to think beyond the expectations placed on us by others, and instead, center our own desires and aspirations. But as I reflect further, I realize there’s an equally important question that often goes hand-in-hand with "What do you want your life to look like?": Why do you want it?

It's easy to get caught up in goals that sound impressive—titles, promotions, the next big thing that fits neatly on a resume. But without understanding the "why" behind our choices, we can find ourselves in positions that look good on the outside but feel empty on the inside. The "why" is what gives meaning to our actions, and it’s the compass that can guide us through the inevitable challenges and uncertainties we face.

When I think about the times I’ve felt most fulfilled in my career, it wasn’t necessarily when I was chasing the biggest opportunities or achieving the most visible successes. It was when I was doing work that felt meaningful to me—work that aligned with my values and the impact I wanted to have. And that meaning came from being clear about my "why."

Rethinking your "why" isn’t a one-time exercise. It’s something that evolves as you grow, as your priorities shift, and as you gain new experiences. What mattered to you five years ago might not matter as much today, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s a sign of growth. We change, and our reasons for doing what we do should change too.

I encourage you to take some time to revisit your "why." Ask yourself: Why do you want the things you’re striving for? Why are you in the role you’re in today? Why does this work matter to you? If the answers don’t resonate anymore, that’s a sign it might be time to recalibrate, to rethink the direction you’re heading.

The truth is, career decisions are rarely straightforward. They’re filled with complexity, uncertainty, and often more questions than answers. But when you’re clear about your "why," you have something to hold onto in those uncertain moments. You have a foundation that keeps you grounded, that helps you navigate the twists and turns, and that reminds you what it’s all for.

So, if you're in a place where you're questioning your next move, start with "What do you want your life to look like?"—but don't stop there. Dig deeper. Ask yourself why you want it, and let that guide your decisions. Because when you’re driven by a clear purpose, the journey becomes a lot more meaningful, and the destination, wherever it may be, feels like the right place for you.