How to Choose the Right Career (And What to Do If You Get It Wrong)
Choosing a career can feel like a high-stakes decision. There’s pressure to get it right, move quickly, and make sure you’re setting yourself up for success. But here’s the thing—very few people land their dream career on the first try.
And that’s okay.
Whether you’re a student figuring out your next step, a professional wondering if you’re on the right path, or someone considering a career change, know this: Careers aren’t about getting it perfect—they’re about getting started, learning, and adjusting as you grow.
Over the years, I’ve come across a simple but powerful exercise that can help you figure out your next move with more clarity and confidence. Let’s walk through it together.
The 3-Column Career Test
Years ago, I heard a story that stuck with me. A well-known historian and archaeologist shared how he changed his major four times in college—something he got a lot of criticism for. People called him indecisive, but in reality, he was exploring, learning, and figuring out where he truly thrived.
And the framework he used to do that? It’s one I’ve shared with many people over the years, because it works.
Step 1: Get It on Paper
Find a quiet moment, grab a sheet of paper, and divide it into three columns.
Step 2: Fill in the Columns
Column 1: What do you enjoy doing? What lights you up? What activities make you lose track of time?
Column 2: What are you good at? Be honest—sometimes we love something but aren’t naturally skilled at it (yet), and sometimes we’re great at something we don’t actually enjoy.
Column 3: What does the world need right now? In other words, what’s in demand in the job market?
Step 3: Look for the Overlap
The sweet spot is finding something that shows up in all three columns. If you enjoy it, you’re good at it, and the world needs it, that’s a strong career direction.
If you don’t see a clear overlap yet, don’t get discouraged. Sometimes, you need to develop a skill or explore more before things align. This exercise isn’t about instant answers—it’s about guiding you toward a path that makes sense for you.
Your Career Will Evolve—And That’s a Good Thing
A lot of people feel like choosing a career means locking into a lifelong commitment. But here’s the truth: You will change, the world will change, and what excites you today might not be what fulfills you a decade from now. That’s not failure—that’s growth.
Take a friend of mine. He was a brilliant scientist, excelling in his studies, diving into fascinating research. But once he started working in the field, he realized something—he didn’t love the day-to-day of research. Running the same experiment over and over just wasn’t for him.
So, he pivoted. He studied for the GMAT, got into a top-tier business school, and now leads major business initiatives. And you know what? He’s thriving.
It’s Okay to Rethink Your Path
If you start down a path and realize it’s not what you thought it would be, that doesn’t mean you made a mistake. It means you learned something valuable.
Of course, give things a real shot before making a major change—every job has its ups and downs. But if you find yourself consistently unfulfilled, go back to the three-column exercise. Your interests, skills, and the job market will shift over time, and adjusting your career path to match those changes isn’t failure—it’s smart.
You don’t have to have everything figured out today. But the more intentional you are about your choices, the more likely you are to find a career that not only pays the bills but also energizes you.
So take the pressure off. Explore. Learn. Adjust when you need to. That’s how meaningful careers are built.