Life Audit Checklist 2025: What Are the Best Self Reflection Questions for a Successful Career Change?
- Natalya Permyakova
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
To make a successful career change, start by conducting a life audit — a structured self reflection that helps you clarify what you truly want next.
This reveals what’s aligned, what’s missing, and where to focus your energy as you pivot to a more fulfilling career path.
What Is a Life Audit Checklist for Career Change?
A life audit checklist is a set of reflective questions that help you evaluate key areas of your life and career.
Before changing industries, starting a business, or pursuing a new passion, it’s essential to assess where you stand today.
Think of it as cleaning your internal compass so your next move is intentional — not reactive.
"A life audit isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity — so your next career move aligns with who you are becoming."
When Should You Do a Life Audit?
When you feel stuck, bored, or burned out in your current job
When considering a career pivot but feeling unsure
After a major life change (new city, breakup, kids growing up, health scare)
At natural transition points (end of year, birthday, after a sabbatical)
How to Use This Life Audit Checklist
Set aside quiet, uninterrupted time (about 1–2 hours)
Write your answers in a journal or use the printable PDF
Be radically honest — this audit is for you alone
Don’t rush; let insights emerge naturally
Revisit your answers after a few days for deeper reflection
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Print it, take it to your favorite coffee shop, or sit with it during a Sunday morning reflection.
Life Audit Checklist: 30 Self Reflection Questions for a Successful Career Change
1. Questions About Current Career Satisfaction
What aspects of my current work energize me?
What drains my energy at work?
When do I feel most fulfilled in my job?
What do I dread each Monday morning?
What is one thing I would change about my current career if I could?
2. Questions About Values, Purpose, and Passions
What are my top 5 personal values?
Am I currently living in alignment with those values?
What causes or topics deeply inspire me?
What activities make me lose track of time?
If money weren’t an issue, what kind of work would I do every day?
3. Questions About Skills, Strengths, and Growth
What are my core strengths?
What are 3 skills I want to develop next?
How have I grown professionally in the last 3 years?
What unique experiences or perspectives do I bring to my work?
What feedback do others consistently give me about my strengths?
4. Questions About Ideal Lifestyle and Work
How many hours per week do I ideally want to work?
What kind of work environment helps me thrive?
How important is flexibility or remote work to me?
How much income do I need to support my desired lifestyle?
What kind of impact do I want my work to have on others?
5. Questions About Fears, Risks, and Mindset Shifts
What fears are holding me back from changing careers?
What limiting beliefs do I need to release?
What’s the worst that could happen if I made a career pivot?
What is the best that could happen if I pursued my ideal career?
How have I successfully navigated change in the past?
What small risks can I take now to build momentum?
Who in my life can support me through this transition?
What does “success” look like to me in this next chapter?
What will I regret not trying 5 years from now?
What is one step I can take this week toward my new career vision?
What to Do After Your Life Audit
How to Interpret Your Answers
Look for patterns and recurring themes
Highlight answers that spark strong emotions
Notice where your current reality clashes with your desired future
Identify values and needs that must be honored in your next career move
Small Next Steps to Take
Brainstorm 3–5 possible career paths aligned with your audit insights
Start informational interviews with people in those fields
Take one course, workshop, or small freelance project to test new paths
Update your resume and LinkedIn with your new direction in mind
Set a 90-day goal for your career change process
How to Stay Accountable and Move Forward
Share your reflections with a trusted friend or mentor
Revisit your audit every few months to track progress
Celebrate small wins along the way — career change is a journey
How My Life Quest Can Support Your Career Change Journey
Doing a life audit is a courageous first step.But navigating an entire career change requires ongoing clarity and aligned action.
That’s where My Life Quest can help.
It’s a guided digital experience that helps you:
Clarify what truly matters
Identify misalignments in your current career
Define your next career chapter with confidence
Build courage to make bold changes
Design a more meaningful, fulfilling life
If you’re ready to go beyond this checklist and create lasting change:
Your next chapter is waiting — let’s help you step into it.
Author
Natalya Permyakova is an entrepreneur, life design coach, founder of Life Startup, and creator of My Life Quest, a guided self-discovery tool to help you create a life you love.
FAQ
What is a life audit checklist?
A life audit checklist is a series of questions that help you reflect on your life, values, and career to guide intentional change.
When should I do a life audit for a career change?
You should do a life audit when you feel stuck, burned out, after life changes, or at natural transition points like year-end or a milestone birthday.
How do I use a life audit checklist effectively?
Set aside quiet time, write your answers honestly, and revisit them for deeper insights. Then use those insights to guide your career decisions.
What should I do after completing a life audit?
Look for patterns in your responses, brainstorm aligned career paths, take small exploratory actions, and set short-term goals for progress.
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