What I Learnt This Week - How to Make Better Career Choices Than Me

As life would have it, you have to make some of the most significant and important decisions at a very young age. For instance, the quality of your university or college education is often the product of choices you made when you were only a teenager.

If you’re reading this site, you’re probably a good decision maker. However, I would like to share some of my experiences, both good and bad, which you should be able to learn from and make better decisions yourself

1. Take the time to understand how the system works – In the same way that you learn how you’re assessed in high-school or college, it’s important to be aware that despite the fact that you have all these interesting experiences and soft skills, when it’s all said and done, what really matters most are the metrics to which you’re measure. This will always be the first hurdle early in your career, so focus on that.

2. Work out what you’re not good at and don’t do that thing – this seems obvious, but it’s really not. A lot of people are in the career they are because of the will of their parents and friends, or perhaps just because of the money. Winning at life is already difficult, so best to do something you’re naturally good at.

3. Make your own decisions – This doesn’t just apply to careers but also life generally. Sometimes things don’t work out and bad outcomes are a lot easier to live with if they were a product of your own decisions. Take charge.
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4. Simplify things – Work out where you want to be and work backwards to design your path to get there. Choose a path that will allow you to learn while closing the fewest doors.

5. Be great at whatever you do – This might not sound like a career choice. It is.