How can you decide between two career paths?

1 Assess your priorities

Before you compare the pros and cons of each career path, you need to clarify what matters most to you in your work and life. What are your core values, passions, and strengths? What are your long-term and short-term goals? What are your non-negotiables and deal-breakers? How do you define success and happiness? By answering these questions, you can create a list of criteria that reflect your personal and professional priorities, and use them as a guide for your decision.

4 Test your assumptions

Before you make a final decision, you may want to test your assumptions and expectations about each career path by trying them out in some way. You can look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience, such as internships, volunteer work, freelance projects, or online simulations. You can also create a personal project or a portfolio that showcases your skills and interests in the field. By doing so, you can discover how you feel and perform in each career path, and identify any gaps or challenges that you need to address.

5 Weigh the trade-offs

Finally, you need to weigh the trade-offs and consequences of choosing one career path over the other. No career path is perfect or risk-free, and every decision involves some sacrifices and compromises. You need to consider how each career path will affect your work-life balance, your financial situation, your personal growth, and your overall satisfaction. You also need to think about how flexible or reversible your decision is, and what alternatives or backup plans you have in case things don't work out as expected. By doing so, you can assess the costs and benefits of each career path, and choose the one that offers the best value and fit for you.