Intentional Career Choices: Making the Right Move for Yourself

In today’s volatile and dizzying-paced world, the opportunities for career growth seem endless. But with so many choices, it can be easy to rush into a decision without giving enough thought to the long-term consequences. After all, our careers shape not just our financial well-being but also our mental, physical, and emotional health. Having navigated multiple transitions, from corporate to startup environments, I’ve come to learn that being intentional about your career decisions is crucial. Here are five essential considerations to help make the right career choices for yourself.

1. Choosing Between Salaried Work and Gig/Business Ventures: What’s Your Trade-off?

At some point, you’ll likely face a crossroads: do you stay in salaried employment, where the benefits are structured and predictable, or do you venture into the world of entrepreneurship or gig work? Both paths have their merits, but the decision boils down to your personal risk tolerance, financial needs, and lifestyle preferences.

In my own experience, I transitioned from a stable corporate role to leading a high-growth team at Intrepid, where we scaled rapidly and entered new markets. The stability of a salaried role provided security, but the autonomy and fulfillment of entrepreneurial ventures offer flexibility and creative control. Before you leap into any of these paths, evaluate what sacrifices you're willing to make. Are you ready for the uncertainty of fluctuating income in a gig or business venture? Or is the comfort of a structured paycheck more aligned with your current goals?

The key is to make sure that whichever route you choose, it should serve both your short-term needs and your long-term vision.

2. Health Over Wealth: Don’t Let Work Consume You

No matter how ambitious you are, your health should never be compromised in the pursuit of professional success. This might sound like common sense, but the pressures of corporate life or entrepreneurship can cloud your judgment. I’ve seen people work themselves to the point of burnout, sacrificing their physical and mental well-being for the sake of climbing the ladder or meeting targets.

During my time leading HR at the various companies I worked, I prioritized employee well-being, knowing firsthand the risks of burnout. I’ve seen how easily relentless ambition can turn into health challenges. The lesson here is simple: without your health, you won’t be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor, no matter how successful you are. Set clear boundaries between work and life, and don’t be afraid to take a step back when needed.

Yes, you may offend others' sensibilities, but those who don't care enough about you and your boundaries are probably not worth investing your time and effort for.

Trust me: I have been there, done that. Dealing with toxic behaviours and unrealistic expectations, and being guilt-tripped into trading off your life for others' convenience at work. It certainly does not help that there are still those who behave like this in this day and age. You need to know where to draw the line, and walk away when the limit is breached.

3. Be Judicious in Choosing Your Manager: Leadership Ethos Matters

A significant factor in your career growth—and satisfaction—boils down to who you work for. Your boss and leadership team set the tone for your experience at any company. When evaluating new opportunities, don't just focus on the job role or the salary. Take a hard look at the person you will be working under. Do their values and leadership style align with your personal and professional goals? Are they committed to fostering a healthy, inclusive work culture? Do they fundamentally trust you, or expect you to always have to earn your stripes?

During my time in leadership roles at both corporates and startups (especially so startups), I witnessed firsthand how the leadership ethos significantly impacted employee engagement and retention. The right leader can inspire, support, and mentor you, but the wrong one can stifle your growth and, worse, negatively impact your mental health. Be intentional in seeking leaders who will uplift you, not just those who offer impressive titles or compensation, or choose to sweep everything under the rug and expect others to deal with it when uncovered.

After all, you are a function of the company you keep. Wrong leadership choices can lead you to a path of doom and destruction. Such leaders often buy time and loyalty from others, but do not seek to earn them. When confronted with questionable asks, you need to work up the courage to say no, and if needed, walk away.

P.S It is not an easy one, but it is sometimes necessary to do so to stay true to your moral and ethical compass; in one of my leadership roles, I made the difficult decision to end things for this very reason. For those of you facing similar issues, feel free to reach out.

4. Keep a Grip on Your Career Timeline: Role Longevity and Career Pathing

It’s important to take control of your career timeline. How long should you stay in a role? When is the right time to move on? These are critical questions for your long-term career path. Staying in a role too long may cause stagnation, but leaving too soon can prevent you from developing the skills and network needed for the next step.

In my role as a HR leader, one of my priorities was helping my company and immediate team members design clear career paths. By fostering open conversations about growth, timelines, and future planning, employees were able to make more informed decisions about when to step up or move on. Keep your future in mind while balancing learning opportunities in your current role. If you're not growing, it’s time to reconsider your timeline. If you'd like to grow but are not given the opportunity to (e.g as a CHRO, you aspire to be the next CEO. Have an honest conversation about succession planning, and if you know the answer is no), it may also be time to reconsider your options.

5. Team Fit and Working Environment: It’s Not Just About the Role

Team dynamics play a massive part in your daily work experience. No matter how great a role sounds on paper, if you don’t mesh well with your team or find the work environment toxic, you’ll eventually become disengaged. Make sure to assess the culture and team fit during the interview process. Does the company support collaboration? Are people genuinely happy and supportive, or is it a high-pressure, competitive environment?

While in my various HR stints, building the People (and Culture) team was one of my most rewarding roles because of the strong sense of camaraderie we fostered. We weren't just working alongside each other; we thrived as a collective. Remember, your team is like your second family—choose wisely.

Conclusion: Intentionality is Everything

Making intentional career choices isn't always easy, but it’s essential for long-term happiness and success. You’re not just trading your time for money; you're investing your energy, passion, and well-being. As you consider your next move, ask yourself: Am I choosing this role for the right reasons? Does it align with my values? Will it make me better, healthier, and happier in the long run?

As the saying goes, "Your career is a marathon, not a sprint." Be mindful, and don’t rush your decisions. Your future self will thank you for being intentional in how you choose to spend your time and build your career.

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By adopting these principles, you can take charge of your professional journey in a way that honors both your personal values and your aspirations. After all, the ultimate goal is not just success, but a meaningful and fulfilling career that aligns with who you are.