- Reflect. What do you enjoy, what are you good at and what matters to you? The CPI self-assessment helps here.
- Generate more than one option. Aim for at least two or three. One option is not a decision; it is an assumption.
- Research. For each option, find out what the work involves and how people get in. Use at least two credible sources each.
- Talk to people. Speak to someone who does the work. They will tell you things no website will.
- Test your assumptions. Try a small project, a short course or a workplace visit before committing years.
- Reflect and decide. Compare what you found against what matters most to you. Decide your next step, not your whole life.
When options pull in different directions
Rank what matters most to you right now. If stability and variety both matter, which would you give up first? Your answer is useful information, and it can change over time.
It is fine to stay undecided while you gather evidence. Leaving with one clear question to investigate is real progress.