While it is now the norm to have two or even three major career changes during your working life, how do you know you’re on the right career path at any one time? The following seven tips are designed to help you figure out a career path that’s right for you.

1. What do you want to do NOW?

By choosing areas of natural interest to you, you’re more likely to succeed in your career. Also, we are constantly evolving and changing and what we like and enjoy at 20 will be very different to when we are 40 and 60. So focus on what feels ‘right’ for you now. If it doesn’t work out, figure out why and use that information to more clearly articulate your next move. Sometimes in life, we can only figure out what we want by experiencing what we don’t want.

2. Do you enjoy study?

Study is a fact of working life, irrespective of what job or career path you choose. However, the volume and intensity of study is vastly different based on what industry/profession or trade you choose. If you enjoy study, then you’re more likely to choose a more academic path rather than a vocational one. If you’d rather just get a job and get on with it, look into vocational education and training, which is designed to provide you with job-ready skills. Courses can range from days to years and cover a wide range of industries and roles. For more information on this, take a look at education providers such as Careers Australia.

3. What drives you?

One thing to consider in choosing a career path is who you are as a person. How motivated and determined are you, do you prefer to lead or follow, what do you value in life and do you feel you have a purpose or mission in life? Mapping out your personal values is one of the best ways to help you figure out a suitable career path.

4. Do you want to be a high flyer?

How ambitious are you? Where do you want to be in five or ten years? For some, climbing the ‘corporate ladder’ is key, while for others, making a meaningful difference and contribution in life is more important.

5. How important is money to you?

Money is essential for living, but stop and have a think about how much you really want and more importantly, how much do you actually need? If you want to make money, be prepared to work for it. If working hard comes naturally to you, your choices will be very different to someone who prefers a slower, less stressful pace.

6. Do you want to travel with work?

Do you envisage travelling with your work? If so, this can also help you articulate what career path to pursue.

7. Do you want work/life balance?

Your work/life balance ties back to the issue of how hard you’re prepared to work and how important money is to you. For example, if you have children or know that you want to start a family, consider how your job might impact your work/life balance. Even if you’re young and single with no dependants, achieving a good balance between work and play is important.

Choosing a career path can be challenging, but focusing on what you’re good at, what you enjoy and what you want now is an excellent place to start. If you’re thinking longer term, incorporate your personal values and drive to help articulate more specific industry and job choices.