"I Don’t Know What I Want to Do Next": How to Figure It Out When You Feel Stuck

Feeling Stuck Doesn’t Mean You’re Lost—It Means You’re Ready for Clarity

If you’re in a job search (or thinking about starting one) and catch yourself saying, “I don’t even know what I want to do next,” you’re not alone.

I hear this all the time from smart, capable professionals—people who’ve built great careers but now feel stuck at a crossroads.

Here’s what I want you to know:
➡️ You don’t need all the answers today. You just need a starting point.

Let’s break down how to figure out what you want next when you’re feeling overwhelmed, unclear, or pulled in too many directions.

1️⃣ Stop Trying to Solve It All in Your Head

When you’re stuck, it’s easy to spin in your own thoughts. But clarity comes from action, not overthinking.

Instead of trying to figure out your next role sitting alone with a blank screen, start by:

• Talking to people in roles you’re curious about.
• Exploring job descriptions that spark any interest—without judgment.
• Taking note of what feels exciting and what feels heavy.

Sometimes you don’t know what you want because you haven’t seen it yet.

2️⃣ Focus on What You Do Know

Even if you don’t know the title or company you want, you probably know:

• What kind of work energizes you.
• What kind of people you want to work with.
• What problems you love solving.

Ask yourself:
➡️ What are the moments in my career when I’ve felt most engaged?
➡️ What types of challenges do I like figuring out?
➡️ When have I felt most valued in a role?

Write these answers down—they are clues to what’s next.

3️⃣ Clarify What You Don’t Want

Sometimes knowing what you don’t want is just as powerful.

➡️ Maybe you don’t want another high-pressure role where you’re working 60-hour weeks.
➡️ Maybe you don’t want a company that’s slow to make decisions.

Write a list of “deal-breakers”—things that you know will drain your energy or keep you from growing.

This list helps you say "no" faster and keeps you focused on roles that align with your goals.

4️⃣ Experiment and Explore

One of the best ways to figure out what you want? Try things out.

Start having conversations with people in roles or industries that seem interesting—no pressure, just curiosity.

Ask:

• What’s a typical day like?
• What do you love about your work?
• What’s the hardest part?

These conversations spark ideas, open doors, and help you get clearer.

5️⃣ Take the Next Tiny Step

When you’re feeling stuck, don’t focus on finding “the perfect job” right away.

Instead, ask:
➡️ What’s one small thing I can do this week to learn more?

• Set up one conversation.
• Apply to one role that feels close, even if it’s not perfect.
• Revisit your LinkedIn profile and see what updates might align with where you want to head.

Small steps lead to momentum—and momentum leads to clarity.

You’re Closer Than You Think

If you’re saying, “I don’t know what I want to do next,” give yourself some grace.

You don’t have to know all the answers. You just need to start exploring, noticing, and having conversations.

Clarity is a process. And it starts today—with one small step.

Want More Support Figuring Out Your Next Step?

Want more guidance on how to get unstuck and move forward? Connect with me on LinkedIn and mention this blog in your invitation to get your free CPG Job Search Resources guide.

Explore more ways to get support:

• One-on-One Coaching: Personalized help to gain clarity and build your strategy.
• Passive Job Search: A plan for moving forward without feeling overwhelmed.
• See what clients say about me