Should You Return to Your Old Job or Make a Career Pivot? Take This Quiz to Find Out

Taking a break from work — whether for caregiving, health reasons, a career pause, or simply to catch your breath — can offer much-needed space to recharge. But now that you’re ready to return, one big question tends to arise:

Should you go back to your old job or start fresh in something new?

It’s tempting to return to the familiar. After all, your previous role may have offered comfort, routine, or even confidence. But before jumping back in, it’s worth asking:

• Is your old job still the right fit for you today?
• Is the industry you were in still growing, or slowly phasing out?
• More importantly, are you the same person now as when you first started that career?

The working world has changed. You’ve likely changed, too. And that’s not a bad thing — in fact, it might be the perfect chance to explore what else is out there.

This light-hearted quiz will help you reflect on where you’re at emotionally, practically, and professionally. So, are you ready to pick up where you left off or itching for a career pivot? 

Take this quiz to discover it for yourself!

We designed this light-hearted quiz to help you assess your career situation. Please note that it is designed to be a fun way to guide your career assessment process and is not intended as a professional diagnostic tool. 

Take the quiz: Should you return to your old job or make a career pivot?

How it works:

You’ll be answering 10 questions designed to help you gain insights into your career journey. Each question has four options to choose from — simply select the answer that resonates most with your current situation. Once you’ve completed all 10 questions, we’ll generate your result with tailored insights and advice.

Good luck, and remember to have fun!

1. When you think about your old job, your first thought is…

Like an ex I’ve made peace with… but don’t need to call.

Nostalgic, like school canteen food — fun, but not sure I’d go back.

Familiar, like an old pair of jeans. Comfy, but maybe a bit tight now.

I miss it — it was my groove, my jam, my well-worn office chair.

2. What draws you to going back to your previous role?

Honestly, I’m not drawn to it. It’s more of a “just in case” backup plan.

Mostly the pay and familiarity — not gonna lie

I left on OK terms — no drama, just vibes.

I knew what I was doing, and people even asked me for help!

3. If someone offered you your old job tomorrow, you’d…

Politely decline, then binge-watch career switch stories on YouTube.

Smile, stall, then check the MyCareersFuture jobs portal “just to see.”

Ask if the boss has changed first.

Accept before they change their mind — where do I sign?

4. Your top priority in your next job is…

Work that makes me feel proud when I explain it at family gatherings.

Something that stretches me — in a good way, not a burnout way.

A safe space to rebuild my confidence and maybe learn new tricks.

Stability, structure, and no drama, please.

5. What kind of role excites you right now?

A role with meaning, future relevance, and better coffee.

Something new — I want butterflies and LinkedIn-worthy skills.

One that lets me grow a little without tossing me into the deep end.

One that feels like home — no learning curve, just flow.

6. You hear that your old sector is now a sunset industry. You feel…

Like it’s officially time to stop clinging to the past.

Validated — I knew my gut was telling me something.

Time to Google “emerging industries + Singapore”.

A bit panicky, but also… “I have transferable skills, right?”

7. How do your skills match up with what employers want today?

I’ve got soft skills, people! And I’m ready to learn the rest.

I’ve got the basics, but there’s room for improvement.

Might need a light polish, like upgrading from Word 2007.

Still solid — I could jump in and not miss a beat.

8. When it comes to learning new things, you’re…

Already eyeing a diploma, a bootcamp, and maybe a whole new degree.

Browsing SkillsFuture like it’s Netflix for careers.

Okay with short, digestible learning — think tapas, not buffet.

Open-minded… as long as there’s no group project involved.

9. What’s your gut telling you about your old industry or role?

I need something with long-term value… and less existential dread.

It's not where the future’s heading — I’m starting to see that.

It’s okay, but I’m not sure I’d buy property there again.

It’s still got potential — like a good HDB flat with strong bones.

10. At the end of a good workday, you want to feel…

Fulfilled, energised, and like you have made a real impact.

Proud that you stretched your skills and grew a little.

Like you got practical work done — and learned a new acronym

Productive, steady, and still awake enough to microwave dinner.

Submit

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A fresh start might be just what you need

Let’s be honest — your old job doesn’t fit anymore. You’ve grown, your interests have shifted, and you’re ready to turn the page. Whether it’s a new industry or a fresh role in a growing field, your instincts are pointing forward.

What to do next: Look into growth sectors, build new skills through SkillsFuture, or get tailored guidance from a career coach. You don’t need to start from scratch — just from where you are now, with everything you’ve learned.

Considering a Mid-Career Switch? Register for a complimentary session with WSG's Career Matching Services for some helpful guidance today.

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You’re in between — explore before you decide

You’re caught between what you know and what could be. A part of you is drawn to the familiarity of your old job, while another part is curious about something different. This is a valuable place to reflect, not rush.

What to do next: Use this in-between space to explore freely. Try a bit of learning, chat with people in other industries, or let CareersFinder suggest roles you hadn’t thought of. There’s no need to choose right away — just don’t stop exploring.

Planning a career move? Use CareersFinder, a personalised jobs and skills recommender on MyCareersFuture, to plan out your next steps. Unlock your potential today!

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It feels like a fit — but is it just familiar?

You’re leaning strongly towards returning to your old career, and that makes sense. It’s something you know, and there’s comfort in that. But take a pause and ask yourself: Is this truly where you thrive now, or is it simply where you feel safest?

What to do next: Before jumping back in, try exploring other options too — even just a little. Consider roles in adjacent fields or get more career resources on Careers GRIT. You may discover you’re more ready for something new than you think.

Attend walk-in interviews, virtual career fairs, workshops and more! Explore Career GRIT and find events and other resources best suited to your career journey. Check it out now.