I’ve often wished there were clearer directions for how to navigate my career—something that could tell me what move to make next or reassure me I’m on the right track. The truth is, I’ve spent plenty of time feeling uncertain about where I’m headed, and I’m not alone. Nearly half of young people (46 percent) say they feel unsure of their career options. And with the cost-of-living crisis and a constantly changing job market, it’s easy to see why so many of us feel like we’re figuring things out as we go.
Thankfully, the team of career experts at TargetJobs says there’s a way to find direction, and for once, it doesn’t ignite burnout or rely on luck. It’s called the GPS Method. Whether you’re just entering the workforce or you’re considering a career change, this method helps you decide exactly where you want to go and how to get there in a meaningful and achievable way. So if you’re looking for a little guidance (pun absolutely intended), here’s everything the team of career experts at TargetJobs taught us about the GPS method.
What is the GPS Method?
The GPS Method is a 3-part structure designed to help people who feel stuck or lost in their careers move from uncertainty to clarity. From self-reflection to planning and executing, the GPS method enables you to identify where you want to be and then set goals and checkpoints for yourself to get there. The best part? There aren’t rigid timelines, and far-in-the-future planning isn’t required.
When should you use the GPS Method?
You can use the GPS Method at any point in your career—whether you’re just starting in the professional world, feeling stuck in a current role, or you’ve decided to make a huge career change. In any of these cases, you can use the GPS method to chart a new path for yourself without feeling overwhelmed. And you can use it more than once! Use it again anytime you want to make a career change, whether that’s to a new company, a new role, or a whole new industry.
How to use the GPS Method
G – Ground yourself
Before you start actively searching for what’s next for you, the first step in the GPS method is to do some self-reflection. What are your interests, strengths, and values, and how do they fit into your work? Maybe you value community and want to work toward something that directly impacts your neighbors. Or, maybe you are inspired by outside-the-box creativity and hate being tied down to a desk. This isn’t about looking for your passion or discovering what your dream job is. This is about recognizing what drains you, what excites you, and what impact you want to have. This way, you’re able to decide on a path that aligns with those things.
P – Plot your path
Instead of being consumed by finding the perfect job, this step encourages you to put feelers out there in the way of experiences, not commitments. For example, maybe you decide to take on a small project, go to an event in a new industry, or network with people in roles that interest you. These small, yet meaningful experiences can help you decide if the direction you think you want to go in is actually something you’d enjoy. From there, you can decide whether you want to continue to pursue it or try something else entirely. Your path does not have to be linear.
S – Steer and Stay the course
The last step in the GPS method is all about trusting the process. The “steer” element consists of setting short-term goals and frequently reflecting on what’s working and what’s not. For example, maybe you land a job that actually drains your energy even after all that planning, but you really love the management style. From there, you can steer away from similar job titles or steer toward companies with similar leadership values. Then, “stay the course.” This means have patience. It’s not likely that you’ll find the perfect role right from the jump, but the more you learn about yourself, your skills, and your industry, the better off you’ll be in the future. Use every experience you take to guide your next steps, and don’t let bumps in the road derail your confidence.
“Instead of treating your career like a single, all-important decision, the GPS Method turns it into a small series of smart and manageable moves.”
How the GPS Method works in practice
Ask any current job seekers, and they will all say the same thing: the job hunt is overwhelming. One day, you’re applying for role after role, the next you’re certain you should start a business or start freelancing. It can become messy, chaotic, and easy to lose confidence before you have even begun. The GPS Method contains chaos and makes a huge difference in what you actually achieve. Instead of treating your career like a single, all-important decision, the GPS Method turns it into a small series of smart and manageable moves.
In practice, when you’re feeling stuck, it might look like taking some time to pause and reflect on what’s worked for you before—times where you have felt most creative, focused, and proud of your work. That reflection will become the first pin on the map. The process then prods you to test a few directions, maybe reach out to someone whose job you admire, take on a small project, or start a course that leads to a long-term interest. The focus is turned to momentum rather than instant results. Even the smallest steps create a growing sense of belief and clarity—and over time, what once felt like a slow start now feels like progress.
Why the GPS Method works
It gives you a plan without pressure
Many career frameworks call for a rigid checklist and strategy (like the 5-year plan), which can feel incredibly intimidating. The GPS Method takes the opposite approach: it provides a structure that guides you without tying you down. It helps you choose a general direction but lets you take detours, slow down, or explore new routes when needed. This flexibility removes the anxiety of having to “get it right” the first time. You can make progress without fear of failure, knowing that you can always re-route when life or opportunities change.
It builds self-assurance through action
The GPS Method emphasizes small, consistent steps instead of waiting for your “lightbulb moment” or the perfect opportunity. Each small win builds momentum, turning uncertainty into self-confidence. This approach helps people break free from the cycle of overthinking, replacing it with steady growth and new possibilities.
It mirrors how real GPS works
Just like a real navigation system, the GPS Method starts with your current position (Ground Yourself), where you reflect on who you are, your strengths, and your current circumstances. Next, you Plot Your Path by exploring different directions and opportunities that align with your skills and interests. Finally, you Steer and Stay the Course, adjusting as you learn more about yourself and the professional industry. You don’t need to know every turn in advance; the GPS Method allows you to adapt to new information and experiences while staying on track toward your goals.
It’s backed by psychology
If you needed any more convincing, the GPS Method is even grounded in research. It aligns closely with the psychological concept of career adaptability, which refers to a person’s ability to stay positive, flexible, and proactive when facing career changes or uncertainty. Studies show that adaptable individuals are more satisfied in their careers because they see challenges as opportunities for growth. The GPS Method naturally develops these adaptable and resilient qualities by encouraging self-reflection, experimentation, and smart decision-making.
It leads to better outcomes
When you approach your career with a plan and short-term goals, you’re far more likely to end up in a role that genuinely fulfills you and better fits your personality, values, and long-term goals. Over time, this leads to stronger job satisfaction, faster growth, and a career that evolves intentionally instead of by accident. So don’t just pick the first available job out of panic or fear—make intentional decisions that align with your career aspirations and lifestyle, and you’ll thank yourself down the road.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.
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