Career Change Exploration
A life-transition worksheet for career change covering what the client wants more and less of, strengths, options of interest, small experiments and barriers.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Career counselling · Values
- Approach / concern
- Life Transitions
- Technique
- Career counselling · Values
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Career Change Exploration?
Career change is a major life transition. Life design approaches encourage people to construct their careers through reflection on values and identity and through small, real-world experiments rather than one-off decisions.
Why it works
The life design paradigm emphasizes adaptability and narrative identity in career development (Savickas, 2012). Transition frameworks normalize the uncertainty of the in-between phase (Bridges, 2004).
When to use it
- Career dissatisfaction or burnout
- Job loss or redundancy
- Midlife reappraisal
- Newcomers re-establishing careers
How to use it in session
- Clarify wants and don’ts.
- Map transferable skills and strengths.
- List options of interest.
- Plan small experiments.
- Address fears and barriers.
Clinician tips
- Small experiments reduce risk and build information.
- Consider financial realities and supports.
- Connect with career services where available.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to change careers?
Many people change careers successfully at all ages. Small experiments make it more manageable.
What if I don’t know what I want?
Start by noticing what energizes and drains you, and try small experiments to learn more.
References
Savickas, M. L. (2012). Life design: A paradigm for career intervention in the 21st century. Journal of Counseling & Development, 90(1), 13-19.
Bridges, W. (2004). Transitions: Making sense of life’s changes (2nd ed.). Da Capo Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
