How to Build a Career Plan When You Don’t Know Your Next Step

It’s easy to feel lost in your career when you’re not sure what comes next. You might be in a role that feels comfortable but no longer stretches you, or you might know you’re ready for more responsibility without quite knowing what that looks like. Standing still for too long can leave you frustrated, especially when you’re ambitious and capable. The good news is that you can create a plan for your career even when the destination isn’t yet clear.

Start by reflecting rather than rushing towards direction. Before you think about job titles or salary goals, take time to look at what you genuinely enjoy about your current role. When do you feel most energised and proud of your work? Which tasks feel repetitive or draining? Those answers reveal important patterns. Perhaps you thrive on problem-solving or find fulfilment in supporting a senior leader strategically. The aim is to uncover what gives you energy rather than simply chasing what sounds impressive.

Next, define what success actually looks like for you. For some, it’s progression and recognition. For others, it’s balance, stability or flexibility. Visualise what a great working week would look like. Think about the environment, the people, the pace and the kind of impact you want to make. This becomes your compass, helping you recognise opportunities that genuinely align with you. If you’re unsure about your next step, treat this period as exploration rather than indecision. Speak with other assistants, mentors or recruiters you trust about what roles might exist beyond your current one. If possible, sit in on meetings outside your usual remit, shadow a colleague or ask your executive to involve you in new projects. The more you explore, the more clarity you’ll gain.

Whatever direction you decide to move in, focus on building transferable skills. Every role offers a chance to strengthen your toolkit. Communication, emotional intelligence and adaptability are invaluable in every senior assistant position. Concentrate on developing skills that will serve you in any direction, such as managing stakeholders, coordinating projects or influencing at senior level. Once you start gaining clarity, set yourself small and realistic goals. You could decide to attend a professional development event this quarter, update your CV and LinkedIn profile, or take on a stretch project internally. Each step builds momentum, and that momentum builds confidence.

Finally, remember that a career plan isn’t something you write once and leave on a shelf. Revisit it regularly. Reflect on what’s changed and what still feels right. Consider what you’ve learned about yourself since you started. A good plan evolves with you, guiding your growth rather than fixing you to one path.

If you’re navigating this stage and need guidance or accountability, our Lily Shippen and eavolve Mentoring Programme is designed to help assistants through exactly this period. Whether you’re seeking clarity, direction or renewed confidence in your next move, our mentors provide tailored support to help you move forward with purpose.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you take action. Clarity often comes through doing rather than thinking. Keep moving forward, stay curious and keep learning. The next step will become clear in time, and when it does, you’ll be ready for it.