Here's how you can avoid common mistakes when applying critical thinking to your early career decisions.

Rash Decision-Making: Take your time to thoroughly analyze your options before making a decision. Rushing into a choice without considering all factors can lead to regrets later on. Ignoring Alternatives: Consider a range of options rather than fixating on the first opportunity that comes your way. Explore alternative paths and evaluate their potential benefits and drawbacks. Neglecting Research: Conduct thorough research on industries, companies, roles, and career paths of interest. Gather information from multiple sources to make well-informed decisions. Discounting Feedback: Value feedback from mentors, peers, and professionals in your network.

Market data is available form many sources. Take a look at the growth data, salary trends and satisfaction not just from data but some hard truths can be found on LI and Reddit as to the true state of the industries. The data gathering phase is critical to the success really of any decision, and one making a decision on career moves early on is no exception. Don't skimp here and feel out companies you would consider working for or where you may feel a need to build in your own.

Consulting others could be argued to be higher in priority given its possible impact on the future of your endeavors. In one's early career decision making, insight from those currently in the field or recently retired hold a wealth of insight that could sway your life decisions one way or another. Collect a variety as many are eager to share and weigh their advice and knowledge prior to making major choices. Without this critical knowledge, you may be walking into something thinking it's sunshine and roses when in reality its a warzone (take pharmacists, for example)

The external pressure is a deep rooted concern found in many professionals these days in practice. Reflect on your own desires, and rationale as to your 20 year and 40 year plans, what objectives you have and professional growth that may or may not be available on the route you're choosing. How narrow or wide is the opportunities? How is the job market or need currently? Are the current values of those in the industry in alignment to your core values? Find a way to pair your deep rooted passion with an area and problem the world needs solved. Solve their problem! This will ensure you never work a day in your life!

?Consider a wide range of opportunities and paths before making a decision. Don’t limit yourself to the first option that comes your way. ?Assess how well a potential job aligns with your values, interests, and long-term career goals. Ensure it’s not just a good opportunity, but the right one for you. ?Consult with mentors, peers, and professionals in the field. Their insights can help you avoid common pitfalls and provide a broader perspective. ?Resist the urge to make hasty decisions based on short-term factors. Consider the long-term implications of your choices. Understand the market demand, growth potential, and required skills. Gather as much information as possible about the industry, company, and role.