Two thirds of people would like to quit jobs for a more meaningful career

A new report from Tomorrow University claims that two-thirds of professionals say they would quit their jobs for work that better aligns with their sense of purpose, highlighting a growing disconnect between career success and life fulfilment. The research, published in The Purpose Playbook: Bridging the Gap Between Career Success and Life Fulfilment, explores how lifelong learning and personal growth can help individuals find a more meaningful career.

The findings indicate that 70 percent of professionals consider purpose to be a crucial factor in their career choices, with 66 percent willing to leave their current roles in pursuit of work that provides a greater sense of meaning. Over half of those surveyed (52 percent) said their career priorities had shifted in the past five years, placing a stronger emphasis on purpose and impact. However, despite this growing demand for fulfilment, only 35 percent of respondents reported that their job positively affects their mental health, and 65 percent admitted to feeling “stuck” in their careers, according to data from Glassdoor.

Dr Thomas Funke, co-founder and CEO of Tomorrow University, emphasised that purpose should be viewed as an ongoing journey rather than a fixed goal. “Our research shows that people want more from their careers, but it’s important to remember that purpose is a journey. Almost 60 percent of people surveyed define ‘purpose’ as continuous learning and personal growth. It’s about commitment to personal growth and inner work,” he said.

The report also claims to shed light on the evolving nature of work and the necessity of adaptability. With an estimated 40 percent of job skills expected to change in the coming years, Dr Funke stressed the role of education in equipping professionals with both technological literacy and human skills. “The way we learn should equip professionals to grow continuously, build a fulfilling career and, most importantly, make a positive impact on the world. It’s why individuals, government bodies, business leaders and educators alike must champion a future-focused education model that places purpose at the centre,” he added.

The study suggests that work-life balance was the most significant factor in improving job performance (41.8 percent), followed by a sense of purpose (21.8 percent). Employees are increasingly looking for employers to support their pursuit of meaningful work, with 61.3 percent calling for more professional development opportunities in impactful fields. Additionally, 51.1 percent want financial support for further education, while 43.3 percent seek greater autonomy and 40.6 percent desire more flexibility to engage in socially impactful projects.

Mental health remains a key concern, with 89.9 percent of respondents agreeing that having a sense of purpose at work positively influences their mental well-being. However, only 23.2 percent reported that their employer is “mostly supportive” of their mental health needs, while 21.7 percent said they receive no support at all.