What to do when you don’t know what to do

“What do you want to do with your career?” For some people, that question brings clarity. For many others, it brings more anxiety than answers.

Maybe you’ve never really known what you want to do. Maybe you’ve tried different jobs, but none of them have felt quite right. Or maybe you’re at a crossroads, feeling like you should make a change, but you’re stuck on the question: “What’s next?”

If this is where you are, you’re not alone. Not knowing what you want is more common than you think. The good news? You don’t need to have it all figured out. What you need is a way to start.

Why it’s okay not to know

Careers rarely follow a neat, straight path. In fact, most Australians will go through 5 to 7 complete career changes and switch jobs around 13 to 16 times in their lifetime. That means change and uncertainty aren’t unusual — they’re the norm.

So, if you don’t know what you want right now, you’re not behind. You’re simply in the same space that most people will find themselves in at some point. Not knowing isn’t a failure. It’s an invitation to explore, to learn more about yourself, and to open the door to new possibilities.

Practical steps when you don’t know what to do

1. Rule out what’s not for you

Sometimes it’s easier to get clear by crossing things off the list. Write down the jobs, industries, or work styles that you know won’t fit you. This “no list” narrows the field and helps you focus your energy where it matters.

2. Look at the clues in your past

Go back through old jobs, study projects, or even hobbies. Ask yourself: When have I felt most satisfied? What skills was I using? Who was I working with? How was I working? What didn't I enjoy? These small clues often point to bigger patterns.

3. Map your skills, not just roles

Instead of asking, “What job do I want?” start with, “What skills do I already have?” Write down your top transferable skills, like communication, problem-solving, or organisation. Then brainstorm different roles or industries where those skills could be valuable. You might uncover options you hadn’t even considered.

4. Try the “future you” exercise

Picture yourself 5 years from now. Don’t focus on job titles. Instead, imagine your lifestyle. What does your workday look like? Where are you working — in an office, outdoors, from home? Who are you surrounded by? This exercise can give hints about the type of career environment that will suit you.

5. Take one tiny action

You don’t need a full career plan to get moving. Commit to 1 small step this week:

• Choose an activity from above.

• Sign up for a webinar or short course.

• Arrange a casual chat with someone in a field you’re curious about.

• Browse job boards and save roles that sound interesting, even if you don’t feel qualified yet.

Each small action helps you gather more information. Over time, these steps add up to clarity.

Moving forward

Not knowing what you want to do doesn’t mean you’re lost forever. It simply means you’re in a season of discovery. By ruling out what doesn’t fit, looking at clues from your past, mapping your skills, imagining your future, and taking small steps, you’re already moving toward clarity.

The truth is that most people don’t wake up one day with the perfect career path mapped out. Clarity usually comes piece by piece, as you explore and take action. Every small step you take is progress.

So, give yourself permission to begin. Trust that with curiosity, reflection, and small actions, the path ahead will become clearer. You don’t need to have the whole picture today — just enough light to take the next step.