The Purpose Pivot: Majority Of Professionals Would Quit Their Jobs For More Meaningful Work, Report Finds by: Marc Ethier on March 26, 2025 | 239 Views March 26, 2025 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Tomorrow University’s new report, The Purpose Playbook: Bridging the Gap Between Career Success and Life Fulfillment, reveals that nearly three-quarters of survey respondents rank purpose as very or extremely important when evaluating career choices A new report from Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences paints a compelling portrait of a workforce in transition: professionals today are not only rethinking what success means — they’re increasingly willing to walk away from jobs that don’t align with their personal values. The report, The Purpose Playbook: Bridging the Gap Between Career Success and Life Fulfillment, finds that 66% of professionals would leave their current roles for an opportunity that better reflects their sense of purpose. That motivation is not just theoretical; it’s becoming a defining force in how people make career decisions. According to the report, 71% of respondents rank purpose as very or extremely important when evaluating career choices. For many, purpose is synonymous with growth: nearly 60% define it as continuous learning and personal development, rather than a static job title or singular mission. ONLY 23% SAYS EMPLOYERS SUPPORT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS “People want more from their careers,” says Dr. Thomas Funke, co-founder and co-CEO of Tomorrow University, a fully remote global university based in Berlin with city hubs and industry partnerships across the world. “But it’s important to understand that purpose isn’t a fixed destination. It’s an ongoing journey — one rooted in learning, reflection, and adaptability.” The findings underscore a growing disconnect between personal fulfillment and the workplace. While 55% of respondents believe their current jobs align with their sense of purpose, only 35% say their work positively impacts their mental health. Meanwhile, almost 90% agree that a sense of purpose improves mental well-being — yet just 23% feel their employer is mostly supportive of their mental health needs, and more than 1 in 5 report receiving no support at all. Employees are also calling for greater investment in their future. A full 61% of respondents said they want access to professional development in meaningful fields, while 51% want financial support for further education and certifications. When asked what most improves their job performance, 41% cited work-life balance, followed by a sense of purpose (22%) — highlighting the increasing importance of intrinsic motivation over traditional performance metrics. ‘THE FUTURE OF WORK IS UNCERTAIN, BUT ADAPTABILITY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE’ This shift in mindset comes as the global economy undergoes massive transformation. With an estimated 40% of job skills expected to change in the coming years, Funke sees education as the linchpin in helping individuals stay resilient, relevant, and fulfilled. “The future of work is uncertain, but what’s clear is that adaptability is non-negotiable,” he says. “We need education systems that help people build not only skills, but resilience. That means embedding purpose, sustainability, and personal growth into the heart of learning.” The Purpose Playbook offers both a diagnosis and a roadmap. It urges individuals to take radical responsibility for their own growth while challenging employers, educators, and policymakers to champion future-focused education models — ones that prioritize lifelong learning, well-being, and real-world impact. DON’T MISS TOMORROW U FOUNDER: WHAT B-SCHOOLS NEED TO DO NOW TO HELP THEIR GRADS FIND JOBS