‘Being Able to Leverage Strengths’ Ranks First at 39.9% in Career Priorities—‘Income Improvement’ Trails in Third at 22.3%

Axxis Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yudai Suwanaga), which operates career and job transition support services centered on cultivating 'independent talent,' has conducted an online survey targeting applicants for free consultations through its career coaching service, 'Majicari,' on the question of 'the most important factor in one’s career.'

(Valid responses: over 3,800; Survey period: January 2024 – January 2025)

Key Findings of the Survey

While 'salary and income improvement' is widely regarded as the top reason for job transitions in the general job market (e.g., ranked first for five consecutive years in doda’s survey), in this survey conducted at the time of applying for free consultations with the career coaching service 'Majicari'—prior to the start of coaching support—only 22.3% of respondents ranked 'income improvement' as their top priority, placing it third.

Among applicants—most of whom come seeking advice due to stalled job searches and uncertainty about their desired career path—the most common response was 'being able to do work that leverages my strengths' (39.9%).

The results clearly reveal the authentic voice of modern professionals and a shift in career values: even in situations where confidence is waning, individuals deeply desire to express their 'authentic selves (strengths)' more than short-term conditions like income.

Detailed Survey Results

Axxis conducted a single-choice questionnaire asking applicants for 'Majicari' free career consultations: 'What is the most important factor in your overall career?'

To clarify priority ranking, one vote per person was allowed, resulting in the following outcomes:

【Top 5 Career Priorities】

1st: Being able to do work that leverages my strengths (39.9% / over 1,500 responses)

2nd: Avoiding mental stress (31.1% / over 1,100 responses)

3rd: Improvement in income or financial situation (22.3% / over 800 responses)

4th: Achieving social status (4.6% / over 100 responses)

5th: Being recognized by supervisors or colleagues (2.1% / 80 responses)

Comparison with General Public Perception (Salary Focus)

In typical job-hunting scenarios, 'salary and income' are conventionally considered the top concern. This trend is confirmed by the following external survey data:

doda 'Job Change Reason Ranking' (Pasona Career Co., Ltd.)

A survey of individuals who changed jobs between July 2024 and June 2025 (multiple responses allowed) found that 'low salary or lack of expected raises' ranked first across all age groups, marking its fifth consecutive year at the top (36.6%).

(Data retrieved: July 7, 2026)

Mynavi 'Job Transition Trends Survey 2025' (Mynavi Corporation)

A survey of 1,500 individuals aged 20–50 who changed jobs in 2024 reported that 'salary' was the most influential factor in both their decision to leave and their choice of new employer.

(Data retrieved: July 7, 2026)

The above external surveys include multiple-response questions on 'reasons for leaving or choosing a job,' whereas Axxis’s survey posed a single-choice question: 'What is the most important factor in your overall career?'

Although the premise and target populations differ, even accounting for these differences, the fact that 'income improvement' did not rank first or second in Axxis’s survey clearly indicates a shift in individual preferences.

Company Perspective

This survey does not argue that 'one should not aim for higher income.'

What we emphasize is the fact that among individuals who struggle with their careers and seek coaching services, 'whether they can leverage their strengths' and 'whether they can avoid mental stress' are prioritized over income level.

In today’s world, where lifetime employment has collapsed and workers must take responsibility for their own careers, values toward work have significantly changed. We believe there is a clear segment of professionals who sincerely wish to 'work sustainably in an environment suited to their personal traits, without overexertion,' rather than simply increasing short-term income.

At Axxis, our core business principle is to 'avoid corporate bias and thoroughly focus on the individual.' When choosing a career, relying solely on superficial factors such as income or social status may lead to post-hire mismatches.

We believe it is most important to objectively understand one’s strengths and aptitudes and make decisions with a clear vision of whether one can successfully settle in and thrive after joining.

This data validates, through numbers, the 'authentic personal voices' we hear directly during our daily consultations.

Future Outlook

Based on the findings of this survey, Axxis Inc. will continue to develop its career coaching business, focusing on individual characteristics and sustainability.

Through career counseling not contingent on job transitions, we will continue to support individuals in solving fundamental challenges, aiming to realize a society where everyone can work with fulfillment by leveraging their unique strengths.