Navigating career transitions has never been more complex—or more critical. The job market, shaped by rapid technological advancements, the rise of AI, remote work shifts, and economic uncertainty, has left many professionals grappling with how to advance meaningfully in their careers. Recent studies reveal that while a majority of job changers regret their moves within months, the common mistake lies in prioritizing what they’re leaving behind rather than what they want to achieve next.
Job Moves: Nine Steps for Making Progress in Your Career, a new book from the minds (and disciplined research) of https://michaelbhorn.com/https://michaelbhorn.com/, Bob Moesta, and Ethan Bernstein, tackles this challenge head-on, offering a research-backed guide for professionals seeking clarity and momentum in their career paths. So, how do you identify what truly matters in a job, and how can you strategically navigate the complex terrain of a modern career?
This exclusive MarketScale interview dives deep into these questions with Horn, an adjunct lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education, co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, host of MarketScale's Future of Education podcast, and co-author of Job Moves. Hosted by Daniel Litwin, the Voice of B2B, this conversation unpacks the actionable tools and insights from Horn’s book, offering listeners a clear roadmap to making career decisions that resonate.
The Conversation: Unpacking “Job Moves”
Horn’s latest work is rooted in extensive research: over a decade studying 1,000 individuals across industries and roles. The insights from this study underpin his “nine steps” framework, which emphasizes understanding what progress means on a deeply personal level.
“The biggest argument of the book,” Horn said, “is that you also get to hire your next employer. This is not just a process of being chosen—you’re making a choice, too.”
Shifting this mindset, he says, is key to breaking free from a reactive approach to career advancement.
Horn dives into why this topic is especially pressing now. He points to the so-called Great Resignation, which saw unprecedented numbers of professionals leaving roles, only to feel dissatisfied in their new positions.
“During the Great Resignation, 50 million people switched jobs each year for two years straight,” Horn said. “Huge numbers regretted their decisions within months because they didn’t have a proactive sense of what they wanted from the next role.”
To counter this, Job Moves focuses on helping professionals define and measure progress in their careers beyond traditional metrics like promotions or salary bumps.
“Progress isn’t just about climbing the ladder anymore,” he said. “It’s about regaining control, alignment, and energy—knowing what energizes you and what drains you.”
One of the book’s cornerstone ideas is the use of a “career balance sheet.” This exercise involves evaluating the assets (skills and experiences) and liabilities (resources like time and energy) that professionals bring to the job market.
“We want people to take a really sober look at their capabilities and ask, ‘What’s the useful life of my skills, and how much do I need to invest to keep them relevant?’”
Horn also shared an anecdote to illustrate the practical application of his strategies. One professional, whom he refers to as “Alex,” faced a dilemma when his company announced a mandatory relocation. By using the book’s framework, Alex clarified his priorities and crafted a story around his desired role.
“When he explained what he wanted—aligning with his energy drivers—it turned out his company was willing to create a new role for him,” Horn said. “It wasn’t about jumping ship; it was about alignment within his current organization.”
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
Proactive Career Moves: Michael Horn emphasizes the importance of shifting from a reactive mindset—where job decisions are driven by dissatisfaction—to a proactive one focused on meaningful progress.
The Four Career Quests: Horn identifies four paths professionals typically take: building or resetting their energy drivers and capabilities. Understanding which path you’re on can clarify your next move.
Career Balance Sheet: A practical tool introduced in the book, the career balance sheet helps professionals evaluate their skills, their relevance, and the trade-offs required for growth.
The Social Side of Job Moves: “Career progress is a social process,” Horn stresses. Networking and mentorship play critical roles in identifying opportunities and making informed decisions.
About the Guest:
Michael B. Horn is a celebrated educator, author, and innovator in workforce and educational strategies. As a co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, Horn’s work has reshaped how organizations approach career development. He also hosts MarketScale’s Future of Education podcast, where he shares insights on transforming traditional education systems and workplace paradigms. Horn holds degrees from Yale and Harvard and has spent his career bridging the gap between education and the future of work.
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