Most Professionals Don’t Feel in Control of Their Careers—Here’s What That Means

What the Survey Found

Workers across industries report feeling like they’re not in the driver’s seat when it comes to where their careers are going. Many want more influence over promotions, training, and next moves—but don’t see clear paths forward. For some, rapid tech changes, lack of feedback, or simply being stuck in roles with little autonomy make it hard to believe they can chart their own course.

Here are some of the biggest themes people mentioned:

• Uncertainty about skill relevance—what they’ve learned might not match what’s needed next.
• Limited access to growth opportunities or mentorship.
• Fear that external forces (automation, leadership decisions, market shifts) are shaping their path more than their own actions.

Why This Hits Home

Feeling in control of your career isn’t just about confidence—it’s about action. When people believe they have agency, they show up differently. They learn more, take bigger swings, and build careers that feel more like their own, rather than someone else’s script.