The Intriguing Reasons We Choose Our Careers

Picking a career is such a personal journey. There are countless reasons we choose our careers. For some, it’s about following a passion. For others, it’s about providing for their family, building a certain lifestyle, or even honoring a life-changing experience. I’ll never forget one man’s story that really brought this idea home for me.

I once met a sergeant with his daughters’ names tattooed on his shins. Naturally, I asked him about it. He told me that when he was serving in Iraq, those names were what got him out of bed every morning. They gave him the courage to face the day’s dangers. “They’re my why,” he said. When he came back home, they also inspired the kind of career he chose—one where he could spend more time with them and still feel like he was making a difference.

It’s a reminder that our careers are often tied to what we value most or the experiences that shape us. But what really influences these choices? Let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors.

What Drives Us From the Inside

1. Hobbies and Interests: Sometimes, the things we love doing naturally guide us into a career. If you’re into fitness, maybe you become a personal trainer. If you love cooking, you might turn that into a culinary career. This Harvard study shows how hobbies can help you become a better person.
2. A Sense of Purpose: Feeling like your work matters can be a huge motivator. Research shows that people who find meaning in their jobs tend to be happier and more driven. It’s not just about the paycheck—it’s about making an impact.
3. Natural Talents: Many of us lean into what we’re naturally good at. If you’re great with numbers, accounting might be your thing. If you’re a creative thinker, maybe you’ll go into design or marketing.

What Influences Us From the Outside

1. Family and Parenting Goals: A lot of people pick jobs that let them be present for their families. In fact, studies show that balancing work and family is a top priority for more than half of working parents.
2. Cultural Expectations: The environment we grow up in can shape what careers seem “acceptable” or successful. That’s why societal norms can play a big role in our choices.
3. The Job Market: Practical stuff matters too. We’ve all heard the advice to pick a career in a stable industry. Economic trends and job demand can steer us toward certain fields, like tech or healthcare.
4. Life Experiences: Big events in our lives can give us clarity about what we want to do. Veterans, for example, often seek careers where they can keep serving others because of their time in the military.

The Blend of Passion and Practicality

For most of us, career choices aren’t just about what we love or what’s practical—it’s a mix of both. Take someone who dreams of being a painter but chooses graphic design to have a steady income. The key is finding a balance that works for you. And it’s never too late to start a new career path.

What’s Your “Why”?

Have you ever thought about why you chose your career path? Was it because of something you loved as a kid? A need to support your family? A life-changing moment that gave you direction? Taking a moment to reflect on your “why” can help you reconnect with your work—or maybe even inspire a new path.

Our stories matter. Like the man with his tattoos, your story could remind others (and yourself) that careers aren’t just jobs. They’re reflections of who we are, what we value, and the legacies we want to leave behind.

Artemis Consultants?supports the recruiting needs of the B2B Tech & B2B Services communities. We exist for two reasons. To help companies advance and grow by recruiting highly qualified talent. And to provide people career opportunities that positively impact their lives.