Should you have a career plan?

Forget your career plan, focus on meaningful work

The further I go in my career, the clearer it becomes: you don't need a career plan. What you need is presence. Inspiration. People who challenge you. Environments that make you grow.

This post is for the young —in age or in spirit. For the techies. For the analytical minds. For those who overthink and feel stuck because they don’t know where they’re headed. And yes, in a professional world filled with roadmaps, specialized courses and SMART goals, saying you don’t need a plan might sound bold. But what if the best path is to not draw one?

Having a plan can help. Of course. But it’s not mandatory. It doesn’t define your growth. What truly matters is putting yourself in places where you can learn from the best, connect with people who inspire you, and build relationships that transform you. In other words: the only compass you need is the people around you. Don’t look for the next level. Look for the people who challenge, inspire, and teach you. That’s more valuable than any master’s degree or workshop.

And although it may seem contradictory, let go of goals, plans, and expectations. Ask yourself instead: what if the secret to my growth is something as simple as doing my current job really well? What if it’s about letting myself be drawn by what inspires, attracts, and motivates me?

Because what truly sets a great professional apart isn’t checking off boxes. It’s contributing. It’s asking yourself: How can I help others more with my talents, my skills, my passions? How can I make a meaningful contribution to a team, a business, a project? Because when you focus on giving, learning, and being present... success comes without plans, goals, or roadmaps. It falls into place naturally.