Most people make career decisions based on vibes. Not surprising, since a lot of them get made when we’re barely adults.
At 18, you’re told to pick a major or career direction with almost no real-world context. You don’t know which industries are growing, which skills will hold up, or how the economy is shifting. So you go with what feels right in the moment.
Sometimes it’s just what’s familiar. You pick a major because you like the subject. You follow a path because someone you know did. You stay in a job because it feels safe, even if the industry is dying.
Other times it’s about chasing what’s visible. You keep hearing about a field in the news or online, so you assume it’s the smart move.
The problem is, what’s popular isn’t always what’s best. Headlines are meant to grab attention, not give the full picture. A big layoff doesn’t mean an industry is gone. A hot job title today might be irrelevant in two years. If you base your choices on whatever’s loudest, it’s easy to get misled.
To make a truly informed decision, you have to zoom out. Start with three questions:
- What’s happening in the economy?
- Which industries are growing or shrinking?
- Which skills are gaining or losing demand?
This way, you’re not choosing a path just because it feels good in the moment or because it’s what everyone else is doing. You’re making a decision that fits you and the reality of the market you’re stepping into.
Next week, I’ll share the specific reports and indicators I track to answer these questions.
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