Autoethnography has gained significant traction as a qualitative research method in adult education, allowing scholars to intertwine personal narratives with broader social and cultural analyses. This paper explores the complexities of writing autoethnography with purpose, emphasizing its ethical, methodological, and creative dimensions. We identify five key signposts for researchers embarking on an autoethnographic journey: research design, ethics, analysis and meaning-making, vulnerability, and creative modes of expression. By embracing purposeful complexity, autoethnographers can craft narratives that not only illuminate their own lived experiences but also contribute to deeper, more nuanced understandings of the human condition. This paper ultimately advocates for a deliberate and reflective approach to autoethnographic writing that balances scholarly rigor with the expressive potential of personal storytelling.