Stop Asking “What’s Next?” Ask This Instead...

One of the unexpected gifts of my career transition has been time, time to rest, reflect, and recalibrate. After a stressful 2025, I needed space to decompress and take stock. I spent time reflecting on the past year but also recentering myself for what’s next. I didn’t just want to jump into the next opportunity, I wanted to be intentional.

One exercise in particular helped me reframe how I think about job opportunities. It was shared with me a few years ago by a career coach during a webinar. It changed my approach. Instead of asking, “What job should I apply for?,” she asked us to grab a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle.

On the left side, she said to write:

• Things I’m known for professionally

• Skills people consistently come to me for

• Strengths I’ve demonstrated across roles

On the right side:

• Things I want to do more of

• Work that energizes me

• Skills or areas I’m inspired to grow into in my next role

The goal wasn’t just reflection, it was alignment. Once both columns were filled, the next step was to start looking for job descriptions and ask the question, “Does this role allow me to use what I’m already great at while moving closer to the work I want to be doing more of?” Or the question could be, “Does this role allow me to be doing more of what I want to that energize me?” Just because you're good at something or you’re known for something doesn't necessarily mean it aligns with what you want to do in your next career move.

This exercise helped me shift my mindset and it might help shift yours, so try it for yourself.

Try This Exercise Yourself

1.    Write Your “Known for” List

Think about what colleagues consistently rely on you for. These are the skills and strengths that have already built your reputation.

2.    Write Your “Want to do more of” List

• This is where you focus on growth and energy. Ask yourself:

• What work excites me?

• What do I wish I had more time to do?

• What type of impact do I want my next role to have?

3.    Compare the Two Columns

Look for patterns and overlap. This might be where your next career move lives.

4.    Evaluate Job Descriptions Differently

When you read a job posting, don’t just ask “Can I do this job?”

Instead ask:

Does this role leverage what I’m already known for?

Does it create space for the work I want to do more of?

Sometimes stepping back, even for a simple exercise on a piece of paper, can reveal patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. The right next role often isn’t about reinventing yourself. It’s about finding opportunities that build on who you already are while moving you toward who you want to become. Well, at least that’s my perspective. What say you?

Shawn