Choosing the wrong career could cost you 10 years. Let’s not do that. It is a big decision. And if you’re here, it means you are feeling the pressure and wondering how to choose a career that pays well.

But, no pressure, right?

After all, it’s not just about choosing a job; it’s about choosing how you’ll spend thousands of hours of your life. And if you choose wrong? You could end up burned out, underpaid, and wondering where the last decade went.

This is a difficult decision for everyone, which is why we’ve put this guide together to help you in deciding how to choose a career that both pays well and feels right. Don’t worry, it is 100% possible. It just takes a mix of self-awareness, research, and a bit of reality-checking.

 Let’s go ahead and break it down!

1.   Rule out what doesn’t interest you.

The first thing you need to do is find out what you absolutely don’t want as a career.

Crossing out job types or careers that aren’t for you narrows your focus. So, if a specific career goes against your nature, belief system or is simply not interesting to you, cross that idea off your list.

This way, you’ll have a list of potential careers that align more closely with your values and interests. It will help you concentrate and make it easier to pick the right job for you.

You will feel better about how to choose a career for yourself if you already know what you don’t want to do.

2.   Figure out who you are and what you want.

You have to start by looking at yourself and not the job. Before you look at salaries or job titles, start with a brutally honest look at yourself.

The question of how to choose a career begins with you. So before making any kind of decisions, try to figure out what your strengths are, interests, and non-negotiables are (like location, flexibility, or work environment).

Another important factor is your values; what do you value the most? Helping others, making money, being creative, and solving problems?

You don’t need to have your “passion” figured out. Chasing passion alone can lead you astray if it’s not sustainable. Instead, aim to find work that uses your strengths and aligns with your values. That’s where satisfaction and success usually meet.

3.   Research thoroughly

After taking the time to narrow down your potential options, you’ll have to understand your strengths and goals. Once you’ve figured that out, start matching them with real careers.

Explore job boards, career quizzes, and sites like Glassdoor to see

1. What the job actually involves day-to-day

• How much does it pay (and what experience is required)

• Whether the industry is growing or shrinking

• The lifestyle the job supports (think: hours, stress, travel, etc.)

Don’t go for a fancy title; take the time to review the requirements, think about the short-term and long-term goals, and consider the work-life balance.

Here’s a tip: don’t just read job descriptions; talk to people who do the job. You’ll get a much more honest, human picture of what it’s really like.

If you need more help in doing your research, and what to study to reach the career of your dreams, contact Enrollmate, today.

4.   Prioritize your wants and needs.

Some people may think this is not important, but your wants and needs represent your professional and personal ideals for your work and life.

Your career will give you more than just compensation and benefits; it’s going to take a big portion of your time.

Here’s what you need to do. Make a list of things like salary, benefits, personal contentment, the ability to effect change, and the opportunity for internal or professional growth.

Look at that list and write down what you need in terms of each item and what your ideal is for each.

This list will help you realize what the right option is for you when you compare it with the research that you conducted for the potential options. 

5.   Think 10 Years Ahead (But Stay Flexible)

The best careers aren’t just fun today; they grow with you. You need to choose a career that not only feels right but also pays well and continues to be relevant in the future. To make sure you choose the right option, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does it promise growth opportunities?
• Will this field still exist in 10 years?
• Does it offer long-term satisfaction, not just a quick paycheck?

With that being said, try not to get stuck trying to find “the one.” There is no one “right” option. In fact, most people change careers several times. It’s better to start with an option that’s good enough and adjust as you go than to stay in place trying to make the “perfect” choice.

6.   Ask an adviser or mentor.

You don’t have to know how to choose a career all by yourself. You can ask for help. Your academic or professional advisor is likely to know a lot about you and your history and can help you choose the right option for you.

Take time to explain your goals to an advisor or a mentor. Speaking with a trusted individual about your feelings can help you organize your ideas and be clearer about what you want.

7.   Test it out

Don’t just jump right into it. Test it out! You wouldn’t buy a car without test-driving it. Would you?

So don’t commit years (and thousands of dollars in education) without testing the career first. Here’s how you can find out if a career is right for you.

1. Shadow someone in the field
2. Do volunteer work in the field
3. Intern, even if just for a short while
4. Talk to professionals on LinkedIn

Conclusion

Choosing a career can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. All it needs is intention.

You want something that pays your bills, uses your strengths, and feels like a decent way to spend your time. So take your time and explore all the options. Ask questions and look for answers.

We hope we’ve helped you understand how to choose a career. Remember, choose wisely! 

Your future self will thank you.