The Purpose Pivot: 66% of talent ready to quit for more meaningful work
Report from Tomorrow University highlights the role of education in bridging the gap between career success and life fulfilment
28 March 2025
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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.”
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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
- 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
About the research:
- The research was conducted in partnership with Prolific, surveying 522 professionals across various industries, career stages, employment statuses, and education levels in Europe.
- Methodology: participants were recruited through a combination of professional networks and Prolific’s global community, ensuring a diverse and engaged respondent pool.
About Tomorrow University:
Founded by Christian Rebernik and Dr. Thomas Funke in 2021, Tomorrow University – the Global University for Impactful Careers – offers degrees and short courses in sustainability, technology, leadership, and innovation. Ranked as the number one university in Germany for Innovation in Leadership education and 25th globally in the WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation), the university's curriculum is designed for self-discovery and skill development, equipping learners to tackle real-world challenges and lead businesses toward a sustainable future. Fully remote, Tomorrow University utilizes next-gen technology and a world-class mentoring network to enable social learning across borders, with in-person events and city hubs worldwide facilitating meaningful connections among peers, faculty, and industry partners.For more information, please visit Tomorrow University.
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