Ever asked yourself: “What should I do with my life?”

Want to learn how to figure out what to do with your life?

Unsure about what career path to take?

In this article, we are going to explain our scientific framework for picking the most fruitful career, regardless of your education, background or even how old you are.

Introduction

In the world of work, there’s a big difference between having a job and building a career. 

A job is simply trading time for money – it’s necessary for survival, but often leaves people feeling stuck and unfulfilled. Surprisingly, research shows that a vast majority of workers don’t enjoy their jobs, with many even hating what they do.

The root of this problem lies in not realizing the distinction between a job and a career…

This is because a job may make you good at one thing, but it limits your options and growth. 

A career, however, is about investing in yourself every day, gaining new skills, and opening doors to better opportunities.

Let us explain:

Imagine you’re a basket weaver…

If all you do is weave baskets, you’re confined to that skill. But if you add other tasks like selling baskets or training others, you’re building a career. That means you’re not just limited to one job – you have the flexibility to explore different paths and move up the ladder.

To turn your job into a stepping stone for your career, ask yourself: 

  • Does this job help me gain valuable experiences? 
  • Is there room for growth? 
  • Will it help me build meaningful connections?
  • Does it enable me to create or control value?

Even if your current job isn’t ideal, there are ways to leverage your past experiences and skills to create new opportunities. So, remember, building a career is about more than just working – it’s about investing in yourself and seizing every chance for growth and advancement.

A Career of High-Value Jobs

Our focus is getting our students and members high-value jobs. What sets these roles apart is their worth, which surpasses good or great jobs by a wide margin.

While (according to Gallup) good jobs ensure a consistent paycheck for at least 30 hours of work per week, and great jobs prioritize personal development and meaningful contribution, high-value jobs take it up a notch. 

In a high-value job, you’re not only earning at least double the average income (which is currently $59,428, meaning a high-value job earns at least $118,856), but your daily tasks also serve as an investment in your professional growth. These roles not only provide financial stability but also pave the way for substantial career advancement.

Here’s our 7 step method to help you pick a career filled with high-value jobs…

Step 1: Behavioral Analysis

As is inscribed upon the Temple of Apollo: “Know Thyself”.

But how?

One word: Science.

We start by turning to the science of behavioral analysis. It’s all about understanding yourself objectively, and for that, we have powerful tools at our disposal.

Think of it as a deep dive into your psyche. We’re not talking about astrology or seeking advice from random people. We are talking about psychometric assessments and personality tests – specifically the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Big Five Personality Traits. You need to take one or the other…

These tools aren’t just gimmicks – they’re backed by solid research and insights. By delving into your personality traits, we can unearth valuable insights into what makes you tick and what environments you thrive in.

Research shows a strong correlation between personality traits and career satisfaction.[1] By leveraging these assessments, we can pinpoint the career paths that align best with your unique strengths and preferences.

(Sidenote: If there is one thing you do for picking your career, make it behavioral analysis. You will thank us profusely in a couple of years. By the way, we don’t sell any behavioral analysis; we have no stake in this game. It’s just what works.)

Step 2. Skills Gap Analysis

To begin, compile a comprehensive list of your skills, ranging from technical competencies to soft skills such as communication and teamwork. 

Once you have this inventory, conduct an honest self-assessment. Take a critical look at each skill and determine your level of proficiency. Identify areas where you excel and those where improvement is needed.

For a structured approach to this analysis, or if you need additional help, consider Skill Matrix or Competency Model. These tools provide a systematic method for evaluating your skill set, ensuring that no aspect is overlooked. 

When analyzing your skills, also make sure you are aware of the five core skills and seven high value disciplines. These are skills we’ve uncovered, based on the work of the World Economic Forum and McKinsey, as future proof skills that help individuals get high-value jobs.

Step 3. Market Research

Demand is the most important force that governs your career.

If you have a career that is in demand, you will not only make significantly more money, but you will also have a much better time moving up the ladder and finding new opportunities.

If you have a career that has weak demand, you are likely to suffer from wage suppression  as well as bouts of unemployment.

Start by analyzing market trends and labor data. Look for emerging career opportunities and industries experiencing growth. Utilize reputable sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or LinkedIn Workforce Insights for reliable data. (Or checkout our market trends articles)

Focus on careers with high demand and projected growth. By aligning your career choices with market demand, you’ll increase your chances of finding lucrative and stable employment opportunities.

Step 4. Mentorship and Coaching

You need to seek out experienced mentors or career coaches who can provide personalized guidance. Look for individuals with proven track records in your industries of interest.

When looking for mentors, keep in mind that while career coaches might be helpful, they are not as effective as individuals who have “been there and done that” themselves. (Hint: that’s why we are a network of real world professionals with Fortune 100 success, and not a group of career coaches)

Research has shown the significant impact of mentorship on career progression and decision-making. For instance, a CNBC survey showed 91% of survey respondents who had mentors reported being satisfied with their job. 

By learning from the experiences of others, you can avoid common pitfalls and make informed choices that align with your goals.

Step 5. A/B Testing Career Paths

Imagine you’re trying to find the best route to your destination, but you’re not sure which way to go. That’s where A/B testing comes in.

A/B testing is a digital marketing term. It’s like trying out two different paths to see which one gets you where you want to go faster and easier. It’s a methodical way of figuring out what works best for you.

So, how does it work in picking your career? First, you pick two different career paths you’re interested in. Then, you spend some time trying each one out. Think of it like trying on different outfits to see which one fits you best.

During this time, pay attention to how you feel and what you learn. What do you enjoy about each path? What challenges do you face? This is your feedback. The shorter your feedback cycles, the faster you’ll find your way. (We’re not talking about testing one career over 3 years, then trying another one for another 3. We are talking about trying different gigs, different projects, different assignments, temporary jobs – over the course of a few weeks, or at most, a few months.)

The key is: you react to market feedback.

Which job do you think will get you promoted faster?

Which job will pay more?

Which job has greater demand?

Which job do you enjoy more?

Where do you see most opportunity?

Where can you create and control the most value?

You make adjustments and keep moving forward. Maybe you decide to spend more time on one path or try out something completely different. The key is to keep experimenting until you find the career path that feels right for you.

By A/B testing your career paths, you’re not just guessing. You’re making informed decisions based on real experiences. And that’s how you navigate your way to a fulfilling career.

Step 6. Decision Analysis Frameworks

At certain junctions in your career you will need to make decisions. Here’s how you make them.

When faced with a decision about your career, use either a Decision Tree (which helps you visualize possible outcomes), or the Expected Utility Theory (which helps you calculate the potential value of each choice).

Or if you don’t want to get into the technical details of these frameworks, anytime you are faced with the decision, just write down the pros and cons.

In other words, when it comes to your career, leave the guesswork behind. That’s the point. By using decision analysis frameworks, you’ll be equipped to make informed choices that set you up for success.

Step 7. Continuous Learning and Adaptation

In today’s fast-paced job market, it’s not just about what you know – it’s also about your ability to learn and adapt. 

You will need to polish your skills every now and then, that’s a given. That has been a given for the past two hundred years.

But that’s not all…

Considering the incoming disruptions from globalization as well as artificial intelligence, chances are, your career path will need to evolve multiple times. You will need to learn new skills, adapt on the spot, and master the art of getting employed doing work that you’ve never done before. (i.e. Language of Value) 

That’s where career skills come into play.

While job skills (hard and soft skills) help you do your job, career skills help you get the job. Career skills are what set you apart and open doors to new opportunities. 

Remember: There’s a big difference between having an aspirational career where you can’t even get an entry level job, and building a track record of high-value positions because you know how to navigate the corporate world.

Don’t underestimate the power of ongoing education, especially when it comes to career skills. If you want a successful career, they are no longer optional.

Conclusion

The evidence-based strategies outlined above will help you pick your career, if you give them a chance.

They provide a solid foundation for informed career decisions. 

We encourage readers to implement at least one evidence-based strategy in their career exploration, within the first month of reading this article. 

Additionally, consider developing your career skills by taking the Launch Your Career program.