If you’ve ever been sailing, you’ll know that boats don’t go straight, even with a motor. The best we can do is aim in a direction. As we get closer to our target like a dock or favorite diving spot, we get more accurate. Even when we have coordinates locked into the onboard GPS, we have to tack and adjust to environmental conditions (eg. waves, weather, other boats). Careers are like shoreline coordinates – we can head in the right direction but where we land is determined as much by luck and conditions as by skill.

Don’t pick a career. Choose a compass heading.

The most satisfying career (and ultimately life) is found at the intersection of your ability, interest, and compensation.

• Ability – Your career must be something you can actually do (or figure out quickly). The greater your skill, the less friction you’ll feel and the further you’ll ascend.

• Interest – Your compass heading also has to be in a direction you have moderate to significant interest in. It takes time, even after college, to figure out what we like.

• Compensation – A satisfying career must provide enough to pay your bills, fund retirement, and have agency over your life. This is also something that takes time to figure out. Most students think the highest income is the starting point. It’s simply one factor.

The career you discover will be more satisfying if you find the intersection of these three. BUT…the frustrating truth parents know is that you can’t KNOW where this intersection is when in college. The best we can do is choose a direction, adjust as needed, and be patient. It just…takes…time.

Just like sailing, enjoy the process and stay focused on keeping the boat afloat and in the right direction.

Thanks for reading.