The New Energy Era

Not sure what career option you should choose?

Most of us will, at some point, face challenging decisions regarding our professional careers. These moments often arise when there’s no obvious choice between two different career paths, each with its own set of rewards and challenges.

Imagine that one career path (option A) offers you financial stability and a less bumpy road in the future. Simply speaking, it gives you job security, but it is mundane and non-stimulating. Let's call it a safe option.

The other one (option B) is less financially secure and quite uncertain in terms of predictability. Still, it is closer to your heart, exciting and allows you to do things you have always been interested in. Let's call it a risky option.

Now consider, that you are presented with these two options today.

Which one would you choose? And how would you choose one over another? How do you arrive at a decision that makes sense and resonates with you? Should you choose one which is financially secure (option A) or one which is intellectually exciting (option B)?

Here is a quick solution for you.

Running out of practical reasons ?

This is when we usually weigh up the measurable outcomes of option A over option B. Most of the reasons we consider when debating a professional choice are “practical reasons”:

• financial incentives,
• job stability,
• job satisfaction
• and career growth prospects.

You can calculate how stimulated you will be in job A, and you can calculate how much money you will get in job B. You create a list of pros and cons for both options. It’s not easy to compare stimulation with money but you tried anyway and in your case, it’s clearly a close call. You don’t know what to do anymore.

As the analysis unfolds, you might find that the practical reasons have run their course. The scale may tip precariously with no definitive answer, leaving you feeling stuck and not knowing which one is a better option for you.

Here’s where the solution shifts from the concrete to the existential. When you find yourself running out of practical reasons to make a choice, it’s time to tap into your deeper motivations and assess these two choices from the future perspective (instead of as of today).

Ask yourself:

• What kind of person do I want to become?
• What are my values, and life goals?
• How do I envision my life in the future?

Envisioning Your Future Self

The first step in this exploration is to create two distinct future versions of yourself—one that represents the path of option A and the other representing option B.

Picture Future You in both scenarios:

• For Option A: Imagine a life where you enjoy financial stability and material comforts. You can afford that beautiful home you’ve always dreamed of, but perhaps your days are predictable, the excitement of your daily tasks has faded, and you find yourself longing for more intellectual stimulation. You still enjoy that comfortable life you created on the weekends and you can't wait for the exotic holidays you planned last month.
• For Option B: Envision becoming a person who wakes up inspired and fulfilled—endlessly engaged in your work, driven by curiosity and excitement of the daily tasks. While the financial rewards may not be as pronounced (you haven't gotten that dream house), you feel a deep sense of purpose and passion guiding your days. Mondays are happy days for you and you don't mind driving to work in your 8-year-old Toyota Corolla.

Has the choice become easier now?

Evaluating Your Future Paths

When you run out of pros and cons for today's career choice ( for today's version of you) you can always perform pros and cons for the future's version of yourself.

That is why when we are torn by a hard career choice, we must commit to a version of ourselves that we want to be in the future.

With these two versions in mind, it’s time to evaluate the pros and cons of each pathway. Consider the following elements for both futures:

1. Personal Fulfillment: How does each option align with your core values and passions?
2. Financial Considerations: What are the long-term financial implications of each choice?
3. Quality of Life: How would each option affect your overall lifestyle, work-life balance, and mental well-being?
4. Social Relationships: Consider how each path might impact your relationships with family, friends, and professional networks.
5. Career Development: Evaluate which option presents better opportunities for growth, learning, and skill development.

By engaging in this reflective process, you transform the decision-making dilemma into a meaningful exploration of who you wish to be in the future. Additionally, rather than being entangled solely in practical considerations, you attain clarity by focusing on the existential aspects of your choice. They are often more important.

The Path to Your Future Self

Ultimately, the key takeaway is that making career decisions involves more than balancing pros and cons; it is about crafting a vision for your future self. As you contemplate this important choice, remember that aligning your decision with your values and aspirations can lead you to a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. By applying both practical and existential frameworks during your decision-making process, you are empowered to choose a path that resonates deeply—one that sets you on a course toward a future you truly desire.

This way you can embrace the journey of self-discovery, and allow it to guide you as you navigate the complexities of your career path today.

Need help? Contact us and we will guide you through the self-discovery and the career path selection process.