How to decide on a career

by Michael Cheary

Not sure where to go in your career?

Whether you’re fresh out of university, returning to the workforce, or simply feel like you’ve hit a wall in your current role, deciding on a career path is rarely straightforward. The good news is that you don’t need a crystal ball to find a job you love. You just need a bit of strategy, some honest introspection, and a willingness to explore.

If you’re ready to ditch the Sunday dread and find a career that actually gets you excited for Monday mornings, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide on how to decide on a career:

Start with the big questions

Before you start scrolling through job boards or updating your CV, you need to take a step back. The most effective way to narrow down your options is to ask yourself what you actually want.

Job vs. career?

First things first, let’s define the goal. Are you looking for a stop-gap to pay the bills, or are you building a long-term legacy?

• The stop-gap: Maybe you need cash for travel, or you’re saving for a house deposit. If so, you might prioritise salary or flexibility over passion right now.
• The pivot: Do you like your current role but hate the company culture? Sometimes a change of environment is all you need, not a total career overhaul.
• The ladder: Have you maxed out your potential in your current role? If you’re seeking promotion or a new challenge, you need a role with clear progression.

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What do you enjoy doing?

Work is a lot more bearable when you’re doing something you’re actually good at (and enjoy).

Take a moment to list your hard and soft skills. What do people ask you for help with? What tasks make the time fly? Even if your hobbies seem unrelated to the corporate world, they can hold clues. If you love gaming, you might have excellent problem-solving skills. If you’re the organiser of your friend group’s holidays, you might make a fantastic Project Manager.

If you’re struggling to pinpoint your strengths, try doing a personal SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). It’s a bit corporate, but it works.

What job would suit me?

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What are your salary expectations?

When you’re planning your next career move, try and work out what salary you should be looking for.

Be prepared to look for jobs paying slightly below and slightly above the rate you’d be happy to earn, but be realistic without selling yourself short. If you’re offered a job, you’ll usually have the opportunity to negotiate your salary to some extent.

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Explore your working options

Let’s be honest, the traditional nine-to-five isn’t the only option. The way we work is changing fast, and how you want to work can be just as important as what you want to do. 

Here’s a rundown of the different ways of working, to help you match your working style to your lifestyle:

The different ways to work

Think about what suits your stage of life, your goals, and even your weekend plans. There’s a working arrangement to fit just about every personality and schedule:

• Permanent roles: Looking for stability, paid holidays, and the chance to become part of a team? Permanent roles offer job security, company perks (think pension schemes, discounted gym memberships, and, if you’re lucky, free biscuits), and plenty of room for progression. 
• Temping: Perfect if you want to dip your toes into different industries, or you’re returning to work after a break. Temping lets you try before you buy, without a lifelong commitment - often to cover someone’s parental leave or help out during busy periods. 
• Contracting: Prefer a project-based approach? Contractors often work on specific tasks for a fixed time, usually with a defined end date. It’s fast-paced, flexible, and often comes with higher pay rates. You can sharpen niche skills, build a fast-growing network, and choose when or where to work next. 
• Internships: Internships are your chance to go behind the scenes, usually for eight to twelve weeks. Whether you’re shadowing a pro, managing a mini-project, or enjoying endless coffee runs (joking, kind of), you’ll develop practical experience that’s hard to get in the classroom. Plus, they often lead to a full-time offer if you impress. 
• Apprenticeships: Want to earn while you learn? Apprenticeships combine hands-on training and study - perfect for skill-based careers like engineering, plumbing, or pharmacy technician. You’ll work alongside experienced staff, get paid, and come out with recognised qualifications. 
• Graduate schemes: These structured training programmes involve rotations through different departments, plenty of mentoring, and rapid progression - making them perfect for graduates looking for an organised route into work.
• Volunteering: Not all rewards are measured by payslips. Volunteering is a fantastic way to build your CV and learn new skills, while doing some good in the world. Employers love to see you taking initiative, and it’s incredibly rewarding.

Pro tip: Don’t feel like you have to pick just one. Mixing and matching (like combining volunteering with temporary employee work or lining up an internship after graduation) can help you explore your options, expand your network, and find what truly fits.

Each type of role comes with its own rhythm, perks, and quirks - so take a little time to figure out what works for you now and what will still make sense as your life changes.

Consider the logistics

A dream job can quickly become a nightmare if the logistics don’t stack up.

Location and lifestyle

We all want a job that fits our life, not the other way around. Before you get too far into your job search, take some time to think about where and how you want to work. These days, you've got options:

• Work from home (WFH): Perfect for people who like the peace of their own space, want to save on commuting time (and train snacks), or need flexibility for childcare or appointments. Just watch out for the lure of the fridge and those unwashed dishes staring at you from the sink.
• Hybrid: A mix of remote and in-office work. This setup is great if you want the best of both worlds—you can bat away distractions at home and still join the team for brainstorms, birthday cake, or awkward icebreakers.
• On-site: For some roles, being there in person is non-negotiable. Maybe you’re working with equipment, customers, or a team that needs face-to-face interaction. On the plus side, you’ll never have to unmute yourself on Zoom just to say hello.
• Office-based: If you crave routine, social energy, and a clear division between work and home, office life could be your thing. Daily commutes and dress codes aside, being physically present means instant collaboration (and maybe unlimited tea if you’re lucky).

If you’re looking to relocate, make sure you mention this clearly in your CV and cover letter so employers know you’re serious.

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Lifestyle over job title

It’s easy to get reeled in by a fancy job title. But looks aren’t everything.

For example, becoming a Flight Attendant sounds glamorous until you realise you’re spending Christmas Day at 30,000 feet serving tomato juice. And becoming a Lawyer sounds impressive, but are you ready for the long hours and high pressure?

Prioritise the day-to-day reality, and ask yourself: what kind of environment do I thrive in? Do I want a buzzing open-plan office, or the quiet focus of remote work?

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Choosing a company type

The company you keep matters. Think about the size and culture of the organisation.

• Big corporates: often offer structured progression and good benefits due to their economies of scale, but you might feel like a small cog in a big machine.
• SMEs and startups: you’ll likely wear many hats and gain experience quickly, but it can be chaotic.
• Company culture: do they value innovation? Do they have a casual dress code? Do they actually mean it when they say ‘we’re like a family’? (Spoiler: sometimes that just means no boundaries).

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How can I find the best job for me?

Once you have a clearer idea of the ‘what’, it’s time to tackle the ‘how’.

Make a decision

So - you’ve learned about yourself and explored what’s out there, but now you need to narrow it down.

Start by picking your top career option, and have a couple of sturdy backups - just in case that dream job turns out to be more 'nightmare in business casual' than you expected.

Before you leap, ask yourself:

• Will I actually enjoy doing this job every day (or at least most days)?
• Does it tick most of my boxes?
• Are my skills a solid match, or am I aiming to become the world’s first brain surgeon without a steady hand?
• Does the company line up with my values, or is it just a good story for awkward company icebreakers?
• Are there clear routes for moving up the ladder?
• Should I factor in anything about location, money, or missing skills?
• Is the salary in the 'pay my rent and then some' category?
• Does the sector have room to grow, or is it heading the way of fax machines?

And remember, you’re not only suited to one career path. Most people change direction more than once. The world changes, you change, and what matters most is staying adaptable and open to learning new skills along the way.

Set achievable goals

So, you’ve picked a career direction (or two). Now it’s time to map out how you’ll actually get there. Here’s our step by step guide:

1. Break it down into steps: Your career plan should include short, medium, and long-term goals. Examples could include:

• Short-term goals: Update your CV, perfect your cover letter, or sign up for a careers fair.
• Medium-term goals: Land a relevant internship, gain volunteer experience, or complete an extra qualification.

1. Review and adapt: To ensure you stay on track (and can adapt if needed), check and log your progress after each short-term goal. If you’re struggling, adapt your plan, and if you’re succeeding, set new targets.
2. Prepare a backup plan: Life happens, and career journeys are rarely straight lines - making it a good idea to research alternative roles in your field just in case your first choice doesn’t work out.
3. Plan how to upskill if the market shifts. Identify ways to overcome barriers like training requirements or location.

Remember, career planning is a work in progress. The more you review and refine your goals, the more ready you’ll be for whatever comes next.

How to set SMART goals and objectives

Manage your expectations

Finally, a reality check. Your next move might not be perfect. And that’s okay.

If you’re changing careers, you might have to take a step back in seniority to move forward in a new direction. Don’t let pride get in the way of a great opportunity. Leaving a job after six months because it wasn’t right is fine; leaving after a day because the coffee wasn’t artisan is… less fine.

Go in with an open mind. That entry-level role might be the stepping stone to the career you’ve always dreamed of.

Start your search

Once you’ve made a checklist of all the things you want from a role, it’s time to start searching.

To make sure your results match up with your criteria (and to find out what to avoid), take a look at our guide on how to find a job fast, and our list of job search dos and don’ts now.

Ready to love Mondays? View all available jobs now.

Frequently asked questions

I have too many interests; how do I choose just one?

You don’t necessarily have to. Look for 'slashie' careers or roles that combine skills. For example, if you love art and technology, look into UX Design. Alternatively, pick the career that pays the bills and keep the other passions as hobbies. Turning every hobby into a hustle is the quickest way to kill the joy.

Is it too late to change careers?

Absolutely not. People change careers in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Your previous experience isn’t wasted; it gave you transferable skills that make you unique. Employers value life experience and resilience.

How do I know if a company culture is right for me?

Ask questions during the interview. Ask about team social events, how they handle crunch times, and what the interviewer loves about working there. Also, check reviews on sites like Glassdoor—but take them with a pinch of salt (people rarely leave reviews when they’re perfectly content).

Ready to love Mondays? View all available jobs now.