Manifesto

In a world where the average person spends 90,000 hours—one-third of their life—at work, the stakes aren’t just about finding the right job. They’re about building a life that feels purposeful and whole.

Technology is reshaping industries, automation is redefining roles, and new fields are emerging—demanding agility, adaptability, and lifelong learning. The future of work is being rewritten in real-time, and navigating this transformation with clarity and confidence has never been more essential.

According to Gallup, only 13% of people report being thriving in both their work and life.

That’s not a talent problem. That’s a system problem.

At phae, we believe people deserve more than just a career—they deserve a life where work aligns with who they are, what they value, and the future they want to create. That’s why we built phae: to make life and work decisions human-centered, empowering people to adapt, grow, and shape their path with purpose and possibility. Because in this changing world, the goal isn’t just to find a job—it’s to create a life that’s meaningful, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.

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Why phae

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For decades, career advice has been reduced to formulaic tests and abstract assessments, offering little more than generic guesses at best-fit careers. Worse, traditional narratives continue to force young people into narrow paths like college or bust, ignoring the rich diversity of routes to success and fulfillment. Meanwhile, adults facing job changes or layoffs are often left to navigate transitions with little support, leading to stress, financial strain, and loss of identity.

At the same time, rapid technological change and shifting workforce demands make career growth and reinvention lifelong challenges. Ageism, automation, and outdated career models leave many struggling to stay relevant in a world that’s constantly evolving.

This approach is failing us, our children, and our workforce.

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What we believe

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WORK SHOULD FEEL LIKE PURPOSE, NOT A GRIND​​

People can thrive when they pursue and integrate work that aligns with their unique skills, values, and aspirations. Work-related decisions should take into account what motivates you, how you think, and what kind of impact you want to make.

Fulfillment doesn’t come from guesswork or generic advice, and it doesn’t always come from the largest paycheck—it comes from a holistic approach that respects your individuality.

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EVERY PATH IS VALID

College is not the only road to success. With student loan debt surpassing $1.7 trillion and industries increasingly embracing skills-based hiring, we stand by the belief that certifications, apprenticeships, and trades are just as valuable and impactful as a four-year degree.

We reject the stigma around alternatives to college. Becoming an electrician, a welder, or a coder is not just a job—it’s a way to build financial stability, independence, and even entrepreneurship.

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REAL-LIFE DECISIONS REQUIRE REAL-LIFE CONTEXT

The idea of a career as a straight line no longer fits today’s reality. People grow, pivot, and adapt—and work should flex with them. It’s not just about what you’re good at, but how work supports the life you want to build.

From our research and hundreds of interviews, we know that meaningful work starts with life discovery: Do you crave structure or flexibility? Do you light up when helping others, solving puzzles, or building things? How do you define success?

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WE MUST PRIORITIZE MENTAL HEALTH

Adolescents and young adults are buckling under the weight of pressure to “get it right.” The mental health crisis is deeply tied to the stress of educational and career decisions.

Adults face their own challenges, especially when layoffs or career changes create uncertainty and erode self-worth. phae exists to ease these burdens, providing people with confidence, hope, and a clear path forward.

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CAREERS ARE LIFELONG JOURNEYS, NOT ONE-TIME DECISIONS

From high school to retirement, people need support for the ever-evolving nature of work. With the rise of AI and automation, adults are reinventing themselves mid-career, often without guidance.

phae is here as a lifelong partner, helping users pivot, adapt, and thrive at every stage of their journey.

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