A New Wave Podcast
Career Clarity, Miswanting, and the Art of Intentional Change
Mark Franklin is the Practice Leader and President at CareerCycles, Co-founder of OneLifeTools, and longtime career counselor, to explore how people navigate career transitions in today’s uncertain world. Drawing from decades of counseling experience and psychological research, Mark unpacks why many professionals feel stuck, the common trap of “miswanting,” and how structured reflection can lead to better career choices. From mini-retirements and job crafting to balancing doing good with doing well, Mark shares concrete tools for building careers that are both meaningful and sustainable. Whether you're in your first job or your fifth pivot, this episode offers grounded guidance on how to take intentional next steps—without getting overwhelmed by the pressure to have it all figured out.
Season 11 — July 14, 2025
5 Key Takeaways:
- Don’t Assume You Know What You Want
Mark introduces the concept of miswanting — when we desire something we think we’ll enjoy, only to discover it doesn’t actually fit us. Before pursuing a new path, ask: What do I really value? - Use “Field Research” Before Committing
Thinking about becoming a product manager, teacher, or founder? Talk to someone doing that work. Understand the daily highs and lows before you pivot. - Organize Your Reflection
Random journaling won’t cut it. Mark suggests narrative-based reflection—looking at past jobs, education, and volunteer experiences to map your skills, values, and preferences. - Beware of the “Greener Grass” Mindset
That job your friend has might seem perfect, but without proper exploration, you could land in the same dissatisfaction loop. Test your assumptions through informational interviews. - Career Professionals Are a Hidden Resource
We don’t hesitate to hire a dentist, lawyer, or therapist, why not a career pro? Especially when navigating uncertainty, they can help you clarify your next move with structure and insight.
Show Notes:
- [00:00:00] Scott introduces Mark Franklin and shares the theme of the episode: career transitions.
- [00:01:00] Mark defines “miswanting” and how it can lead people to pursue careers they don’t actually enjoy.
- [00:03:00] Mark shares the value of field research and talking to people before making career decisions.
- [00:06:00] Mini-retirements: why taking a break isn’t enough unless it includes structured reflection.
- [00:08:00] Training and certification pathways for career development professionals in Canada.
- [00:10:00] Mark’s personal career shift from engineering to counseling, and the values conflict that sparked it.
- [00:12:00] Working for a gun manufacturer and the realization that he wanted to make a positive impact instead.
- [00:17:00] The rise of Responsible Tech and how job seekers can align their values with their skills.
- [00:21:00] Why people assume “the grass is greener” and how to test that theory with intentional exploration.
- [00:23:00] How to handle uncertainty in career transitions and avoid the myth of a “soulmate career.”
- [00:26:00] Parental expectations, values mismatches, and common red flags in career decision-making
- [00:29:00] Entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, and the value of career checkups.
Highlights
“What happens if you really, really want something badly, like a job as a management consultant or anything, and then you get there and you don't like what you wanted, right? And the technical term for this is called miswanting.” [00:01:00]
“If you have a toothache, there's this professional called a dentist that you take it to. But if you have a career ache... Most people take their career ache to their friends and family. Would you take your toothache to your friends or family?”
[00:07:00]
“One of the things that I observe with people who do a decent job at reflecting is they realize the grass isn't as green over there as they thought. And in many cases, they choose to stay put because the grass right under their feet, while not vibrant green, has a lot going for it.” [00:21:00]
