On Career Change and Becoming Yourself

by Herminia Ibarra

Changing paths in life or work is rarely a straight line. We often don’t figure it out by thinking first—we figure it out by doing, by trying things out and seeing how they feel. The truth is, most of us start off chasing things others wanted for us—parents, teachers, society—and only later ask, what do I actually want?

For me, the more meaningful question has become: What am I willing to struggle for? Because anything worth doing will ask something of you in return.

I’ve learned that it’s not about having the perfect plan. It’s about being in motion. Starting somewhere, following the clues, letting go of fixed outcomes. Who you are and what you want will shift along the way—and that’s part of the process.

Sometimes, even when things on the outside seem good—stable job, decent reputation, maybe even a comfortable life—it still doesn’t feel like enough. That’s when deeper questions show up. About purpose. About becoming someone you’re proud of. About work that keeps you learning and alive.

Career transitions are less about getting everything right, and more about becoming more honest with yourself. And that’s the real work—becoming the kind of person who can grow into the life you’re meant to live.