The Question I Hear Most in Career Coaching: What Do I Do Next?”

If I had a dollar for every time a client asked, “What do I do next?” I’d probably have enough to quit my job, too.

But here’s the truth — that question isn’t just about work. It’s about identity. It’s what we ask when we’ve outgrown something, but aren’t sure what fits now.

People come to career coaching thinking they need a new résumé, a clearer LinkedIn headline, or a better job title. What they actually need is clarity about who they are now — after the promotions, the burnout, the life changes, and the “I thought this would feel better than it does.”

“What do I do next?” usually shows up as:

• “I’m successful, but I’m not happy.”

• “I’m good at my job, but I don’t love it.”

• “I don’t even know what I want anymore.”

Sound familiar?

If so, you’re not lost — you’re evolving.

The hard part isn’t finding your next move. It’s slowing down long enough to listen to yourself before you make it. Because the world will tell you to move faster, network harder, and keep climbing — even when you don’t want to be on that ladder anymore.

Career coaching, at its best, isn’t about giving you a checklist or telling you what to do. It’s about helping you reconnect with the parts of yourself you left behind while trying to “get ahead.”

So if you’re asking, “What do I do next?”

Start here:

• Notice what you’re drawn to, even if it doesn’t make sense yet.

• Pay attention to what you avoid — it’s telling you something.

• Give yourself permission to pause without feeling like you’re falling behind.

Your next chapter doesn’t need to look impressive. It just needs to feel honest.

And if you’re ready to figure that out — that’s where I come in. Inquire about coaching here!