Tomorrow University, the Global University for Impactful Careers, has released its new report The Purpose Playbook: Bridging the Gap Between Career Success and Life Fulfilment. Research reveals that purpose plays a defining role in career choices, with 70% ranking it as very or extremely important. 66% said they would leave their job for an opportunity that better aligns with their sense of purpose. The report analyses how life-long education and taking radical responsibility can foster this.
There is a clear disconnect between professionals’ careers, personal values, and feelings of happiness and fulfilment. Findings show that over half (52)% of professionals’ career priorities have shifted in the last five years to focus on finding purpose and impact. While 55% of individuals agree that their job does align with their sense of purpose, just 35% say their present job has a positive impact on their mental health. This comes as 65% of individuals report they feel “stuck”, according to Glassdoor.
Dr Thomas Funke, Co-founder and CEO at Tomorrow University, comments: “Our research shows that people want more from their careers, but it's important to remember, purpose is a journey. Almost 60% of people surveyed define “purpose” as continuous learning and personal growth. It’s about commitment to personal growth and inner work.
Nobody knows exactly what the future of work will look like but with 40% of job skills expected to change, one thing is clear: adaptability is essential to future-proof careers. Education is powerful in this transition. The way we learn should equip professionals with the technological literacy and human skills 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 center.”
More key findings:
- Pursuit for purpose:
- 70.5% say purpose is very or extremely important in defining career choices
- 58.4% define purpose as continuous learning and personal growth
- 57.3% say working in a field that aligns with their values and passions is key
- 40.8% believe purpose is about helping others or making a difference in people’s lives
- Driving job performance:
- Work-life balance is the top factor improving job performance (41.8%)
- Sense of purpose is the second most important factor (21.8%)
- Employees want companies to help them align their purpose and careers through: Opportunities for professional development in impactful fields (61.3%); Financial support for further education and certifications (51.1%); Greater autonomy (43.3%); Flexibility to work on socially impactful projects (40.6%)
- The mental health disconnect:
- 89.9% agree that working with a sense of purpose positively impacts their mental health
- Just 23.2% report their employer is ‘mostly supportive’ of their mental health needs, while 21.7% say their employer offers no support at all
The Purpose Playbook offers professionals a roadmap to align their careers with their values. It includes strategies on:
- Leveraging education to develop new skills and future-proof careers
- Prioritizing well-being for sustained career success
- Turning purpose into action through meaningful work to become a changemaker
The full whitepaper report is available here
