Why Your Big WHY Matters
With 50% of Australian workers unhappy in their jobs, it’s clear that many people are stuck in careers that don’t fulfill them. In a country known for opportunity, why do so many professionals remain in roles they dislike?
Common reasons include financial commitments, fear of change, lack of confidence, and not knowing what else to do. However, one of the biggest barriers is not knowing their Big WHY—their core purpose and motivation for work. Without clarity on your WHY, making a career change or achieving greater satisfaction in your role can feel impossible.
The Golden Circle: Start With Why
Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle model provides a powerful framework for identifying your career purpose. The model starts from the inside out:
🎯 WHY – Your purpose and passion. Why do you do what you do?
⚙️ HOW – The methods you use to achieve success. How do you work best?
🚀 WHAT – The results you deliver. What do you do in your job?
Most people skip the WHY and focus on the HOW and WHAT—jumping straight into job searching or career transitions without understanding their deeper motivation. This often leads to repeating the same patterns and feeling unfulfilled in a new role.
The Power of Asking Why – Digging Deeper
To truly uncover your Big WHY, use the “Three Whys” method:
1️⃣ Why do I want to change careers?
E.g., I feel unchallenged and unmotivated. I know I have more to offer.
2️⃣ Why do I feel unchallenged or unmotivated?
E.g., I’ve never truly enjoyed my engineering role. My parents encouraged me to study it, but I’ve never woken up excited for work.
3️⃣ Why did I follow this career path?
E.g., As a child, I loved hands-on, trial-and-error building, not just designing. My job is purely office-based, and I miss working with my hands.
This process helps reveal your true motivators and what type of work would bring you meaning.
Applying Your WHY to Your Career Growth
✅ Clarifying Your WHY
- What type of work gives you meaning and fulfillment?
- How do your values align with your career choices?
- What work environment allows you to thrive?
✅ HOW: Planning Your Transition
- Research new industries and roles that align with your WHY.
- Explore study options or skill development.
- Define your career vision and goals.
- Work on your personal brand (CV, LinkedIn, networking).
✅ WHAT: Taking Action
- Apply for roles and attend networking events.
- Build industry connections and gain new experiences.
- Interview with confidence and negotiate offers.
The Risk of Skipping Your WHY
Jumping into job applications without defining your WHY often leads to:
❌ Ending up in another unfulfilling role
❌ Feeling lost or unmotivated
❌ Wasting time and energy on the wrong career path
By starting with WHY, you gain clarity, direction, and confidence—leading to a career that truly aligns with your strengths, values, and aspirations.
💡 Ready to uncover your BIG WHY and take control of your career? Start your career reflection today and take the first step towards meaningful, purpose-driven work.
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