No career aspirations

[FreshStart2025]

Had my appraisal today, boss sprung on me what are my career aspirations and where do I want to be. It really stumped me and I feel like I messed up. In honestly, I don’t really have many…. I just want a job that I enjoy doing, is interesting / varied, to learn new things and a good work/home life balance.

Will they think poorly of me for not coming up with something more inspirational!

I don’t think they’ll think badly of you. They won’t be considering you for promotion any time soon but that doesn’t sound like it would be a problem?

No, I’m not looking to be promoted. I’m happy doing what I’m doing but do want to learn new things too if the opportunity arises. I worry with promotion comes stress!

I’d just be honest about that then. Say that you’re interested in development opportunities but that you’re happy at your current level. If you have an idea of what you’d like to learn, be specific!

To be honest a lot of people are constantly pushing for promotion (and in some cases they’re really not ready / suitable) so from your manager’s perspective it’s probably quite refreshing and helpful just to have someone who’s happy to stay in their role but try new things.

I guess it all depends on where you work. If it's a culture of being cut throat over promotions and commission etc, it might go against you to stay in one place.

I work in the public sector and there is essentially no progression within my role unless someone above leaves. My manager asks me this question and I just admit that I'm not interested.