Jumping Jobs: 21 Ways to Find More Meaningful Work and Avoid Career Mistakes

By: Dwight Bain, LMHC, NCC, Certified Coach & Critical Incident Recovery Expert

In today's job market, many individuals find themselves underemployed. This means they have the skills, talents, and gifts necessary to excel, but they lack the opportunities to fully utilize them. This underemployment leads to frustration, lack of fulfillment, and ultimately, a high turnover rate as people quit jobs that don’t challenge or fulfill them. 

Why are people quitting jobs in record numbers? Did they find a better opportunity – or are they sick of working in a dead-end job with a 'bully' boss? 3.2% of U.S. workers voluntarily quit their jobs last month, fueling what some are calling the “Great Reshuffle” as millions more workers walk away from their current place of employment. Yet, the Department of Labor data shows for every unemployed worker, there are 1.5 job openings. Some industries are offering much higher wages but still can’t find or retain workers. If you are ready to jump jobs, you are not alone. Research from various sources, including the latest reports from Gallup and LinkedIn, reveals:

• 40% of workers are leaving their current jobs or already preparing to make the move
• 92% of workers said they were thinking of quitting their jobs
• 70% of workers felt greater job opportunities were available to them
• 85% said they'd consider switching industries for something less stressful
• Burnout was the single greatest reason given to quit their jobs

To avoid making a hasty decision that could result in a career mistake, consider these 21 questions to ensure your next move is a strategic one toward meaningful work.

“Changing jobs will not solve all your problems – but may give you different problems”

Understanding Underemployment: Underemployment occurs when individuals are working in jobs that don't utilize their full skill set or provide the challenges necessary for personal and professional growth. This situation is often marked by a feeling of being stuck, unchallenged, and unfulfilled, which is why many people decide to quit their jobs. They are seeking positions where they can make a significant impact, feel valued, and find purpose in their work.

Why Meaningful Work Matters: Meaningful work is not just about having a job; it's about finding fulfillment, purpose, and a sense of contribution. When individuals feel their work matters, they are more engaged, motivated, and satisfied with their careers.

Warning: Jumping Jobs May Not Solve All Your Problems

Before you quit your job, think about this comparison. Most travelers can relate to being on an uncomfortable, crowded, and bumpy flight, but few would jump out midair “D.B Cooper” style. They endure the miserable conditions to safely arrive while considering flying on a different airline in the future. They would never jump out without a parachute or a plan.

Sadly, it seems some are impulsively quitting with the hope things will work out on the way down… gravity and reality teach otherwise. A better approach before you try to jump to a better job is to see if you are ready to make the jump. Consider the philosophy of Stanford professor Dave Evans, who said, “Every worker is working for themselves – whether they know it or not... with full awareness the degree of autonomy different people have in different roles varies tremendously. The line worker in a factory, the Door-Dash delivery person, and the Google senior product manager have very, very different situations. But they also all share something. None of them is powerless.”

Everyone feels pressure, but wisdom teaches to have a plan before you jump to escape the pressure. Make sure you are ready to move on to a better opportunity by asking these coaching questions for greater opportunities after you jump.

1) Why am I thinking of jumping jobs? (Is your motivation money, career advancement, benefits?)

2) How does this job jump fit your long-term career plans?

3) Could you assertively talk with your boss before a jump about making necessary changes for your current work to be less frustrating? (Your next job may have some of the same scheduling or staffing issues, and your courage to have this conversation prevents a ‘jumping from the frying pan into the fire’ feeling of regret. Plus, a few who tried this approach solved their job tension while getting a raise in the process.)

4) Are you more valuable in the marketplace than you were before, and how many organizations know you are more valuable?

21 Questions to Ask Yourself to Find More Meaningful Work

Before making a career move, reflect on these questions to evaluate your current job satisfaction and identify areas for improvement or potential new opportunities.

1. Why am I feeling underemployed?
• Assess if the lack of challenges or opportunities is causing your dissatisfaction.
2. What aspects of my job do I enjoy the most?
• Identify the parts of your job that bring you satisfaction and consider how to incorporate more of them.
3. What skills and talents do I have that are not being utilized?
• Recognize your untapped potential and look for roles that align with your strengths.
4. How can I make my current job more fulfilling?
• Explore ways to take on new projects, responsibilities, or roles within your current job that align with your interests.
5. Am I challenged enough in my current role?
• Evaluate if you need more complex tasks or responsibilities to stay engaged.
6. Do I have opportunities for growth and development?
• Determine if your current job offers paths for professional development and career advancement.
7. Can I have a conversation with my boss about my career goals and aspirations?
• Consider discussing your desire for more meaningful work with your supervisor.
8. How does my current job align with my long-term career goals?
• Reflect on whether your job is a stepping stone toward your ultimate career ambitions.
9. Do I feel valued and recognized at work?
• Assess if you receive adequate recognition and appreciation for your contributions.
10. What kind of work environment do I thrive in?
• Identify the type of workplace culture and environment that suits you best.
11. Am I learning new skills and gaining experience in my current job?
• Evaluate if your job provides opportunities for continuous learning and skill development.
12. Do I have a good work-life balance?
• Consider if your job allows you to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
13. Am I passionate about the industry I am in?
• Reflect on your interest and passion for your current industry and its future prospects.
14. Do I have opportunities to collaborate and network with others?
• Determine if your job allows you to build valuable professional relationships.
15. Is there room for creativity and innovation in my role?
• Assess if you have the freedom to bring new ideas and innovations to your work.
16. Do I feel a sense of purpose and contribution in my job?
• Consider if your work aligns with your values and makes a positive impact.
17. Am I adequately compensated for my skills and efforts?
• Evaluate if your salary and benefits reflect your contributions and market value.
18. Do I have mentors or coaches to guide my career development?
• Identify if you have access to mentors who can provide guidance and support.
19. Am I engaged and motivated in my current role?
• Reflect on your level of engagement and motivation at work.
20. What steps can I take to find more meaningful work?
• Create a plan to seek out opportunities that align with your career goals and values.
21. Should I consider looking for a new job or industry?
• If your current job cannot provide the fulfillment you seek, consider exploring new opportunities.

Taking Action

Finding meaningful work may require taking bold steps. This could involve having difficult conversations with your current employer, seeking additional training or education, or even changing industries. The goal is to ensure that your work aligns with your skills, passions, and long-term career goals.

The 21 questions are active steps you can take to strategically become more valuable because it shifts the perspective from ‘them’ over to ‘me’. Atlantic writer Arthur Brooks describes this as, “I know many people who talk of almost nothing besides their work, who are saying, essentially, “I am my job.” This may feel more humanizing and empowering than saying “I am my boss’s tool,” but that reasoning has a fatal flaw: In theory, you can ditch your boss and get a new job. You can’t ditch you.”

"Take your job seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously." - Alex Trebek

When You Add More Value, the Marketplace Rewards You

By taking active steps to enhance your value and seek out meaningful work, you not only improve your job satisfaction but also make yourself more attractive to potential employers. Focus on your personal brand and the unique contributions you can offer. Remember, it’s about finding work that resonates with you, brings out the best in you, and allows you to make a positive impact.

About the Author:  Dwight Bain guides people through times of crisis or major change. He is a Mental Health Thought Leader, Nationally Certified Counselor Nationally Certified Trauma and Crisis Management Trainer with over 30 years of experience. Dwight has spoken to over 3,000 groups and partners with media, corporations and non-profit organizations to build resilience and rapid recovery. Access more positive resources to solve stressful situations by visiting his blog or on social media @DwightBain He lives in Orlando with his wife Sheila and their rescue pets.