When I was younger, I dreamed of having a well-paid office job in a big company and a stable lifestyle. I didn’t really think about the daily tasks or the pressure. Today, my ambitions are more specific. I’d like to work in a role where I can use my skills, learn continuously, and see clear results. I hope to feel satisfied with my work, not just busy or stressed.

Yes, I have a long-term goal that will probably take many years. I’d like to become very skilled in my job and feel confident in what I do every day. I hope to build a stable career step by step, even if progress is slow. I know I’ll make mistakes, but I see them as part of learning. For me, real success comes from patience and regular effort.

I think having ambitions is important, but being too rigid can be risky. Life often changes in ways we don’t expect, and sometimes new opportunities appear by accident. I prefer to have a general direction rather than a fixed plan. This way, I still know what I’m aiming for, but I’m also open to adjusting my goals when my situation, priorities, or values change.

Use this language to talk about what you want in the future.
We use want when the desire is strong and direct. Would like sounds more polite and realistic, especially in conversation. Would love is used for big dreams or ambitions, often long-term and not guaranteed. These forms are common when people talk about personal goals, career plans, and life dreams.

Form

• want + to + verb

• would like + to + verb

• would love + to + verb

Use

• want → strong, direct desire

• would like → polite, realistic aim

• would love → strong dream, often long-term

Examples (general)

• I want to change my career.

• I’d like to work abroad one day.

• I’d love to start my own business.

Examples (business)

• I want to develop my leadership skills.

• I’d like to take part in an international project.

• I’d love to manage a team in the future.

Use this form to talk about plans you have already decided on.
When you say I’m going to…, it means the decision is made in your head. It is more concrete than a dream or a wish. We often use this form when we talk about near or medium-term plans, especially when we have already taken the first steps.

Form

• be + going to + verb

Use

• The decision is made. It’s more than a dream.

Examples (general)

• I’m going to move to a bigger city next year.

• She’s going to start a new course in September.

Examples (business)

• We’re going to launch a new service soon.

• I’m going to apply for a promotion this year.

Use this form for plans that are already arranged.
We usually mention a time or place, or another person. This form shows that the plan is fixed and organised, not just an idea. It is very common when talking about meetings, trips, and appointments.

Use

• The plan is fixed, often with time and place.

Examples (general)

• I’m meeting a friend tonight.

• We’re travelling next weekend.

Examples (business)

• I’m meeting the client on Friday.

• We’re discussing the budget tomorrow.

Use hope to talk about things you want to happen but cannot fully control.
Hope is often about the future, results, or other people’s decisions. We can hope for something positive, but we are not sure it will happen. This verb is often used when talking about work results, exams, health, or life changes.

Forms

• hope + to + verb

• hope (that) + present / will

❌ NOT: hope + going to

Examples (general)

• I hope to find a better work-life balance.

• I hope everything works out.

Examples (business)

• We hope to increase sales next year.

• I hope the project will be successful.

Use this expression to show positive feelings about the future.
It focuses more on emotions than plans. We use it when something is already planned or expected and we feel happy or excited about it. Remember that the verb after to is always in the -ing form.

Form

• look forward to + noun / verb-ing

Examples (general)

• I’m looking forward to travelling again.

• She’s looking forward to starting her new job.

Examples (business)

• I’m looking forward to working with the new team.

• We’re looking forward to meeting you in person.

Use can and can’t to talk about what is possible at the moment.
They help explain why a plan can happen or why it must wait. This language is useful when people talk about limits, responsibilities, money, time, or personal situation.

Use

• Explains why plans are possible or not.

Examples

• I can change jobs next year.

• I can’t move abroad right now.

• We can’t expand yet because of the budget.

Use like and enjoy to talk about general preferences and activities you find pleasant.
We usually use these verbs to describe things we do regularly or things we feel positive about in general, not specific future plans. After like and enjoy, we use the -ing form. This structure helps show the difference between habits and one-time plans.

Helpful contrast

• I like working with people. (general preference)

• I’d like to work with you on this project. (specific plan or wish)

General context

• I like learning new languages in my free time.

• She likes reading before going to bed.

• He enjoys travelling, even if it’s sometimes tiring.

Work / business context

• I like working in a structured environment.

• She enjoys solving problems and finding solutions.

• We like collaborating with international teams.