Six Questions That Will Change Your Work Life (and Maybe Everything Else)

Change is inevitable, but confusion doesn’t have to be. When you hit a workquake—a layoff, a promotion, a move, or just a nagging sense that something needs to shift—the six-question framework offers a simple yet profound way to navigate uncertainty. Used by coaches, therapists, and leaders worldwide, these questions are: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

Start with 'Who?'—Who are your people, your mentors, your community? Then 'What?'—What do you love doing, what drains you, what lights you up? 'When?'—When are you at your best, and when is the right time for change? 'Where?'—Where do you feel at home, inspired, or safe? 'Why?'—Why does this matter to you? And 'How?'—How will you take your next steps?

Each question opens a new door. For example, someone facing a layoff might realize, through these questions, that their real passion lies in teaching, not management. Or a new parent may discover that working from home, at least part-time, is essential for their well-being.

There’s no single right order—sometimes starting with 'Why?' leads to breakthroughs, while other times 'How?' brings clarity. The key is to keep asking, keep listening, and trust that your answers will reveal the next step on your journey.