How to Choose a Career: 10 Things to Consider (Free Quiz)

Choosing a career starts with getting to know yourself, your interests, strengths, values, and the life you want to build. Reflect on what excites you, what environments you thrive in, and what skills come naturally. Explore different industries, research job roles, and look into the qualifications or experience required. It’s also important to consider long-term growth, stability, and work-life balance. Don’t be afraid to try things out, talk to people in different fields, and take your time. 

We start thinking about careers earlier than we realize. One minute, you’re running a toy kitchen as a mini chef, and the next, you’re being asked what you want to be when you grow up. By high school, the pressure ramps up: “Pick the right subjects,” “Think about your future,” “Choose wisely.” Sound familiar?

But why are we expected to make huge decisions without any real-world experience? With endless options and changing interests, how do we know what’s “right”? 

The truth is, finding the right career is a process. It’s a decision that evolves with your personality, values, and goals. It’s about exploring, trying things out, learning what works (and doesn’t), and adjusting as you go.

To help you get started, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide that covers:

• The best ways to find a job that fits you. 
• Our career assessment quiz for some much-needed guidance.
• A roundup of the best career paths in the US.

Why Is It So Difficult to Find a Career?

Here’s a fun (and slightly painful) fact: I picked a broad social sciences major in college, hoping that, somewhere along the way, I’d magically figure out my dream career. I didn’t (not right away, anyway). If anything, it’s “generality” that left me even more confused by the time I graduated.

And honestly, that’s not surprising. Most new grads are still figuring themselves out — how are we expected to know what we want to do for the rest of our lives? Even people with decades of experience still wrestle with that question.

So, why is it so hard to choose a career? Let’s break down a few of the reasons:

• There are too many options. We have access to thousands of career paths. While that sounds exciting, it can be seriously overwhelming. With so much to choose from, it’s easy to feel like you have to find “the perfect one” or risk wasting time.
• The job market is competitive. You may find what looks like the perfect job online, only to discover it’s already spoken for, internally filled, or just listed as a formality. On top of that, some roles get hundreds of applicants, making it harder to stand out unless your resume, experience, and networking game are strong.
• Your interests and goals can shift over time. You might love something now and feel totally different about it in a few years. And that’s normal. We grow, we evolve, and so do our goals. The challenge is that career choices often feel permanent, even though they don’t have to be. 
• Lack of exposure. If you haven’t seen or experienced a job firsthand, how can you know if it’s right for you? That’s why internships, job shadowing, or even talking to people in different industries are so valuable in getting real insight. 
• There’s no such thing as a “perfect” career. Every path comes with trade-offs. Whether it’s long hours, limited job security, or having to start at the bottom, no career is flawless. The pressure to find something that’s 100% fulfilling, high-paying, flexible, and stress-free is unrealistic, and honestly, it sets people up for frustration. 
• Your resume might be working against you. An outdated or poorly written resume can sabotage your efforts. It’s not just about listing your work experience, you have to align your resume with current industry standards, show off relevant resume skills, and use the right keywords to get noticed.

Need help getting started? Try our free AI resume builder to create a personalized resume guaranteed to get past ATS scanners. 

How to Choose a Career Path? 

Here’s a quick step-by-step summary of how to choose a career: 

1. Reflect on your interests, passions, and strengths that excite you.
2. Explore a variety of career options and possibilities that match your goals.
3. Investigate industry trends and job requirements to stay informed and prepared.
4. Consider your financial goals and salary expectations to plan your future.
5. Take a career assessment or personality test for valuable insights about yourself.
6. Seek guidance from career advisors or industry experts to gain perspective.
7. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different job roles to find your fit.
8. Be ambitious but grounded in your career aspirations for realistic progress.
9. Set achievable goals and milestones for career success to stay motivated.
10. Keep the bigger picture in mind when making career decisions and choices.

Let’s explore exactly how you can put these steps into action and get closer to landing that elusive career. 

1. Consider your interests, passions, and skills

Let’s start with you. Take a moment to think about what gets you out of bed in the morning, the interests that pull you in, and the skills that come naturally to you. What have you loved doing in school, during hobbies, part-time jobs, or random side projects? 

Write those down and search for patterns. 

Do you love working alone, or do you thrive in collaborative environments? Are you into creativity, tech, solving problems, or building things? These clues can reveal your preferred work culture and lifestyle. Maybe you value freedom and flexibility, or prefer structure and security (everything is valid).

Finding the ideal career means getting clear on who you are and what matters to you. And don’t skip over what you don’t enjoy — sometimes the best guidance comes from knowing what to avoid. 

Not happy with your current job? Find out more: I Hate My Job: What to Do, and When to Quit?

2. Explore career paths and ideas

Once you’ve figured out what drives you, explore those options. And I mean really explore — not just the stuff you’ve already thought about, but also careers you’ve never considered. Be curious. Be nosy. Click on the random job title you’ve never heard of and see what it’s about.

And don’t just keep everything floating around in your head (or buried in a hundred open tabs). Start jotting things down. Make a simple list or spreadsheet where you rate different jobs based on what matters to you, like salary, flexibility, work-life balance, or long-term growth.

You could also get some real-world perspective. Can you shadow someone for a day, do an internship, or even have an informal chat with someone in the field? Experience often offers way more insight than going down the Reddit rabbit hole.

3. Research the job market and requirements 

Passion alone won’t land you a job or pay your bills. Something that’s rarely emphasized growing up is matching what we love with our qualifications and what’s available in the job market. 

Ask yourself some real-world questions:

• What kind of lifestyle do I want?
• Do I want to start working sooner, or am I willing to spend more time in school or training?
• Am I open to traveling for work, or do I need something remote and stable?
• What industries are growing right now, and which ones might be tougher to break into?

Once you’ve narrowed it down, dig into the requirements:

• What qualifications do I need? 
• Is a degree non-negotiable, or could I get started through a certification or apprenticeship? 
• Are there entry-level roles that let me learn and grow on the job?

The more you understand how to enter a career and what it takes to succeed, the better you can map out a path that works for you. You can’t just pick a job at random and hope for the best; it’s about knowing what’s required and making an intentional move.

4. Think about your salary expectations

Let’s be honest, money matters. Yes, you can love a job, but if it doesn’t pay enough to support your basic needs, that passion can quickly feel like a burden. Going after a high-paying career that drains your soul can also backfire. The paycheck might seem worth it initially, but the stress and lack of fulfillment can catch up to you.

The goal is to find a career that offers balance, where your interests and potential income overlap. What kind of career can realistically support your lifestyle while aligning with who you are and what you enjoy? 

Some people chase the money now to give themselves freedom later. That can work — but only if you’re aware of the tradeoffs. Others choose a lower-paying path because they value work-life balance or meaningful work. There’s no one right answer; just be honest about what matters most to you.

5. Take a career or personality test 

Personality and career tests like 16 Personalities have been criticized for being nothing more than pseudoscience. So yes, while many personality tests aren’t scientifically backed, they can still help to offer a little outside perspective to point you in the right direction. 

Here are some popular career and personality tests worth checking out (and scroll down to try our free career quiz): 

• The Princeton Career Quiz: This easy-to-follow quiz helps you figure out your personality type by diving into your likes, dislikes, and how you naturally approach situations. Once you finish, you’ll be matched with career paths that align with your traits. 
• Career Explorer Assessment: This free, AI-powered career test looks at your goals, interests, background, personality, and work style to find careers that genuinely fit you. It’s an interactive experience that ranks jobs by how well they match your profile. 
• Job Test Career Test: Using a unique personality model called CAPBOI, this test helps you explore jobs that truly match who you are. It digs deep into six core personality traits to offer personalized career recommendations. 
• Holland Code Career Quiz: This well-known quiz matches you to careers based on your interests and strengths. It scores you across six broad work styles (like artistic, investigative, or realistic) to suggest jobs that suit your natural talents.
• 16 Personalities Personality Test: Based on the popular Myers-Briggs model, this test sorts you into one of 16 personality types using traits like introversion, intuition, and decision-making style. Your results also include tailored suggestions on career paths and work habits that fit your type (and trust me, it’s surprisingly accurate). 

Find out more about your Myers-Briggs workplace personality: MBTI at Work

6. Talk with a career counselor or industry professionals

Good news: you don’t have to figure all of this out on your own. Talking to people who’ve already walked the path you’re considering can be incredibly helpful. 

Your guidance counselor is a great first step if you’re still in school. They can help you explore industries that match your personality, show you potential pathways, and connect you with tools like aptitude tests or financial resources for training.

There’s also no harm in reaching out to strangers — people are often surprisingly willing to help. Send a message to professionals on LinkedIn, attend industry events, or webinars. You never know, these ‘strangers’ could turn into valuable connections. 

And don’t underestimate your own network. Friends, parents, mentors, teachers — everyone has a story and a perspective. Just make sure the final decision is yours (not your parents’ dream job). 

Find out more about building your professional network: How to Make a Good LinkedIn Profile

7. Be realistic yet ambitious 

You’ve got dreams — and you should chase them. But you also need a plan to get there. That doesn’t mean playing it safe or lowering your expectations. It means being practical and taking steps that move you closer, even if they’re small.

Don’t count yourself out because you think you’re starting too late, or because it’s not what people expect of you. There’s no timeline for success. People change careers in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. Be brave enough to pursue what actually lights you up — just make a strong action plan to get there.

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And seriously, don’t let fear of judgment hold you back. People will have opinions no matter what path you take. But they’re not the ones who have to live with your choices. 

8. Create realistic goals and targets

Once you have a general idea of where you want to go, break it down into small, manageable steps. Dream big — but don’t forget to plan smart.

Use the SMART goal method to stay on track. That means making goals that are:

• Specific (clear and well-defined)
• Measurable (track progress)
• Achievable (realistic based on where you are now)
• Relevant (align with your bigger vision)
• Time-bound (deadlines to stay motivated)

For example, instead of saying “I want to be a graphic designer,” say, “I’ll complete an online graphic design course by the end of the summer and apply for internships by September.” Small steps like that keep you moving forward without getting overwhelmed.

9. Don’t be afraid to try different jobs

Your first career choice probably won’t be your forever one — and that’s totally fine. A lot of people end up switching paths multiple times throughout their lives. 

And that can actually work in your favor. Every job you try teaches you something new about what you like, what you don’t, and what you want more of. 

Trust the process and don’t put so much pressure on “getting it right” the first time. Try something. See how it feels. If it’s not for you, pivot. Maybe that means learning a new skill, returning to school, or just trying a different industry. You’re never “too late” to make a shift; any detour is just one chapter in a much longer career story.

10. Look at the bigger picture 

Zoom out for a second. It’s not just about the job — it’s about the life you want to build. Do you want a flexible schedule, a family, financial freedom, time to travel, or a high-impact role? Think about the lifestyle that’s important to you and how your career fits into that vision.

Also, consider where the world is heading. What skills or industries are likely to be in demand in ten years? Tech, healthcare, renewable energy, and remote work — these areas are evolving fast. You don’t have to abandon your interests; just be strategic about how you use your strengths.

And finally, let yourself grow. What you want now may change, and that’s okay. The best career decisions aren’t always perfect from day one — they’re the ones that adapt with you over time. 

Free Career Quiz for Adults

Choosing the right job can feel overwhelming, so let’s make it easier (and more fun). We’ve created this free career path test to help you get some clarity by asking a few simple questions about your interests, preferences, and goals.

And no, it’s not some magical career-matching machine. But you can use it to reflect on what truly matters to you and explore career paths that fit your personality and lifestyle.

Ready to find some direction? Go ahead. 

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What Are the Best Careers?

Let’s start by saying that choosing an indefinite list of the ‘best’ careers is impossible. One person could find total happiness coding all day — I am not one of those people. That said, certain careers tend to score higher regarding overall satisfaction, work-life balance, and yes, the size of your paycheck.

Curious about the paths that consistently come out on top? Here’s a well-rounded look at ten standout careers, factoring in everything from fulfillment to financial reward.

Best overall careers 

Choosing the best job isn’t as simple as picking the fanciest title — it’s about weighing the factors that matter most for your career and life. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. News looked at the following factors to rank the best jobs: 

• Future prospects (30%)
• Wage potential (25%) 
• Employment (20%) 
• Job safety and stability (15%) 
• Work-life balance (10%)

Now, let’s take a look at the top five careers that earned the highest marks across the board:

Nurse practitioner

Mean annual wage: $128,490

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who diagnose illnesses, order tests, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans. They are the patient’s go-to for ongoing care and support, combining clinical skill with a personal touch.

IT manager

Mean annual wage: $180,720

IT managers are the tech-savvy minds who keep a company’s digital world running. They set the vision for how businesses use technology, balancing big-picture goals with day-to-day troubleshooting. 

Physician assistant

Mean annual wage: $130,490

Physician assistants are key players in healthcare, working alongside doctors to examine, diagnose, and treat patients. They’re highly trained, versatile, and often the first point of contact in clinics and hospitals. 

Financial manager

Mean annual wage: $174,820

Financial managers are the people behind the numbers, making sure companies stay profitable and financially sound. They are responsible for tracking spending, creating reports, forecasting trends, and helping guide big decisions. 

Software developer

Mean annual wage: $138,110 

Software developers are creative problem-solvers who build the apps, websites, and systems we use every day. Their work involves writing code, testing ideas, and bringing digital ideas to life.

Careers with the highest salary

Want a high-paying job? You’re not alone. It’s a smart and practical thing to consider when choosing a career. While money isn’t everything, understanding which fields offer top earning potential can give you some guidance, especially if financial freedom, long-term stability, or supporting a family are part of your goals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the top-earning careers in the country, ranked by average annual income. 

Pediatric surgeons

Mean annual wage: $449,320

These surgeons focus on treating infants and children, performing routine procedures and life-saving operations. Pediatric surgeons work closely with families and specialize in child-specific medical challenges, from birth defects to emergency surgeries.

Cardiologists

Mean annual wage: $423,250

Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart-related issues like high blood pressure, heart attacks, and rhythm disorders. They also dive deeper into subspecialties like congenital heart defects or electrophysiology.

Orthopedic surgeons

Mean annual wage: $378,250

Orthopedic surgeons handle the body’s framework, such as joint replacements. These professionals help patients recover their mobility, whether through surgery or non-invasive treatments, especially after injuries or because of chronic conditions like arthritis.

Radiologists

Mean annual wage: $353,960

Radiologists use imaging like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to spot everything from broken bones to serious diseases. They also perform minimally invasive, image-guided treatments.

Surgeons 

Mean annual wage: $348,890

Surgeons perform operations that treat conditions like appendicitis and cancer. Their work involves operating room teams, making high-stakes decisions, and specializing further in areas like trauma, vascular, or general abdominal surgery.

Get the full lowdown of the best-paying jobs: Highest Paying Jobs in the US

Summary

Here’s an overview of everything to keep in mind when choosing a career: 

• Reflect on what excites you, what you’re naturally good at, and the life you want to live. Think about past experiences and identify patterns that made you feel energized or fulfilled.
• Get clear on your values and lifestyle goals. Do you value helping others, financial security, flexibility, or career growth? Knowing this helps you filter career options.
• Don’t limit yourself to obvious choices. Look into industries and roles you’ve never considered. Use spreadsheets or career databases to compare factors like flexibility, interest level, growth potential, and requirements.
• Beyond passion, make sure there’s a need for the role you’re interested in. Look into future demand, job stability, entry requirements, and potential career paths. 
• Once you have a few ideas, dig into what it takes to get started — whether it’s a degree, certification, internship, or just a willingness to start at the bottom and work your way up.
• Get hands-on experience whenever possible — shadow someone, intern, volunteer, or have casual chats with people in the field.
• Personality and career assessments (like 16personalities.com) can offer new insights and help you see where your natural traits line up with potential career paths.
• Reach out to career counselors, professionals on LinkedIn, or even friends and family. Conversations often reveal details you won’t find in job descriptions — plus, they help build your network.
• Most people don’t get it right on the first try — and that’s fine. Trying different paths helps you get closer to what fits. Your first job doesn’t have to define your entire career.
• Set SMART goals — small, realistic steps toward where you want to be. Don’t get overwhelmed by the big picture; just keep moving forward with curiosity, intention, and flexibility.

 FAQ

How to know what career is right for you?

The right career usually sits at the intersection of your interests, strengths, values, and lifestyle preferences. It’s not about picking the “perfect” job — it’s choosing something that feels aligned with who you are and how you want to live.

What makes you tick? What keeps you curious? Think back to the moments when you felt genuinely proud, focused, or confident — whether in school, during hobbies, or past jobs. 

What is the key to satisfaction and success when choosing a career?

When your work matches your values, plays to your strengths, and supports your lifestyle goals, satisfaction tends to follow. A fulfilling career means you’re doing something that feels meaningful, manageable, and motivating in the long run.

Another underrated factor? Adaptability. Don’t get stuck on the idea that you have to choose one path forever. Many people pivot, grow, or change industries entirely. Success often comes from staying open, learning constantly, and taking calculated risks.

How to find a career you love?

Finding a career you love involves trial and error. Instead of trying to “figure it all out” in your head, go out and explore. Talk to people in roles you’re curious about. Shadow them if you can. Do an internship, take a class, volunteer — whatever helps you get a feel for the work. 

Also, pay attention to the work environment and day-to-day lifestyle. You might love the idea of being a vet, but hate the emotional toll. Or love tech, but not the long hours at a startup. Loving a career isn’t just about liking the field, it’s about how it fits into your overall lifestyle and preferences. 

What jobs make the most money?

Many of the highest-paying careers tend to be in medicine and surgery. For example, pediatric surgeons lead the list with an average annual salary of $449,320, followed closely by cardiologists who make around $423,250. 

Orthopedic surgeons, known for treating bones and joints, earn about $378,250 per year, while radiologists, who interpret medical images, come in at $353,960. 

While these jobs demand a serious commitment in terms of time, education, and responsibility, they’re also some of the most financially rewarding careers. 

Which career is best for the future?

The best careers for the future are those rooted in growth industries — fields expected to expand as technology evolves and society changes. Here are a few strong bets:

• Healthcare: From physician assistants to medical and health services managers, healthcare isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
• Tech: Software developers, cybersecurity experts, and data scientists are in high demand and will be for years.
• Green energy: Renewable energy technicians and sustainability consultants are growing fast as the world goes greener.
• AI and machine learning: If you’re tech-savvy and enjoy problem-solving, this is a future-proof field.