Rethinking Your Career Path: Why a Five-Year Plan May Not Be the Answer

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

It’s a common interview question. You might have even asked it while recruiting new staff. Many of us also ponder this when planning our careers. However, I believe it’s the wrong question.

Why a Five-Year Career Plan Doesn’t Make Sense Anymore

Reflect on where you were five years ago. Could you have predicted your current situation? I certainly couldn’t.

Looking back, I never imagined I’d be where I am today. My career has taken unexpected turns. Opportunities appeared that I couldn’t have planned for, and my priorities have evolved in ways I never anticipated.

Now, consider how quickly technology is changing. Artificial intelligence, automation, and digital innovation are transforming our work environment at an unprecedented pace. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, technological advancement is reshaping the future of work.

Five years ago, many tools we rely on today either didn’t exist or weren’t widely adopted. New platforms emerge constantly. Entire industries evolve. New careers are created while others disappear. How can we confidently predict where we’ll be in five years when the world is changing so rapidly?

A Better Question to Ask Yourself

Instead of asking:

“Where do I want to be in five years?”

Try asking:

“How do I want to FEEL about my career and my life one year from now?”

Notice the difference. This question shifts the focus from predicting a job title to creating a career that supports the life you want to live.

The keyword here is feel.

The Question That Changed My Career

In 2016, I was heavily pregnant with my first child. I worked in a highly stressful role. What began as managing one centre quickly turned into managing 13 centres due to organisational restructuring and staff departures, all within my first few months.

I remember driving to work so exhausted that I’d fight to stay awake behind the wheel. It wasn’t sustainable.

During that time, I stopped asking what job I wanted next. Instead, I asked myself something much more important:

“How do I want to feel when I return to work after having my baby?”

I knew exactly what I didn’t want. I didn’t want to feel constantly stressed. I didn’t want to be burnt out. I didn’t want a career that competed with the mother I wanted to be.

Instead, I wanted work that:

• Allowed me to prioritise my family

• Gave me flexibility to work from home

• Enabled me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives

• Supported my wellbeing instead of sacrificing it

  
  

Those feelings became my compass.

Fast Forward Ten Years

Today, I’m still working remotely. I’m building a career centred around flexibility, purpose, and making a meaningful impact, just in a different way than I imagined years ago.

Has everything unfolded exactly as I planned? Not at all. But the way I wanted to feel has remained remarkably consistent. That feeling has guided my decisions.

Don’t Start With the “How”

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is jumping straight to logistics.

“How will I find a flexible job?”

“How will I change careers?”

“How will I earn enough money?”

“How will I make it work?”

The truth is, you don’t need all the answers yet.

Start with the what.

What do you want your career to give you?

What kind of lifestyle are you trying to create?

What values matter most?

What do you want your work to feel like?

Once you’re clear on the destination, you can begin exploring the different pathways that could get you there. The “how” often becomes much clearer once you’ve defined the “what.”

Your Career Doesn’t Need a Five-Year Prediction

Your career needs a clear direction. The future of work is changing faster than ever. Your career will likely evolve in ways you can’t currently imagine.

But your values, priorities, and the way you want your work to support your life can guide you. So instead of asking yourself where you’ll be in five years, ask yourself:

How do I want to feel one year from now?

You might be surprised by the clarity that question brings.

Embracing Change and Uncertainty

Change is a constant in our lives. Embracing it can lead to new opportunities. When we focus on how we want to feel, we open ourselves up to possibilities we may not have considered before.

Life is unpredictable. By focusing on your feelings, you can navigate changes with more confidence. You can adapt your career path as needed, ensuring it aligns with your evolving values and priorities.

Taking Action Towards Your Career Goals

Once you’ve identified how you want to feel, it’s time to take action. Start small. Set achievable goals that align with your desired feelings. Whether it’s seeking a more flexible work environment or pursuing a new passion, every step counts.

Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Each step you take brings you closer to a career that feels fulfilling and aligned with your values.

If you’re feeling uncertain about your next career move, you don’t need to have your entire future mapped out. You simply need clarity on what matters most to you.

Ready to explore what’s next? Book a Career Clarity Session today and start designing a career that feels aligned and sustainable.