How to make your career work for you

Written by: Sarah Edwards, Edited by: Emma Breitman

Published: May 9, 2025

Are you looking to build a career you love? While you may be qualified for many jobs, not all of them will work for your lifestyle and goals. Whether you're just starting your educational path or are a highly experienced professional, learn how to make your next career move your best one yet.

Portrait of a smiling businesswoman standing in an office meeting room. She is wearing a navy blue blazer and purple sweater, and is holding a tablet device.

Three tips to steer your career in the right direction

When exploring how to make your career work for you, a concrete blueprint isn't always available. You may need to:

Engage in self-reflection
Research your options
Make a plan to reach your goals

By taking these steps, you can put yourself on the path to personal and professional success.

1. Take inventory of your needs and goals

Before you make your next career move, take some time for quiet reflection. Consider:

Your passions, interests, and hobbies
The salary you need to reach your financial goals
Whether or not you like to travel
The city you want to work in
Your personality and temperament

Pursuing career options that fit with who you are and what you want can lead to greater fulfillment.

2. Seek information about your options

Once you have considered your needs, you may want to research which career options can best meet them.

Consider exploring options in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook to understand what different careers entail and to get information on yearly salaries, education requirements, and growth potential.

3. Create concrete goals and a plan

With your research in hand, you can now select the career path that's right for you and make a concrete plan to pursue it. Some elements to consider writing down include:

Individual courses you may need to take
Degree tracks or concentrations you may need to pursue
Internships and experience you'll need to gain
Employers of interest who hire for these positions

When creating your plan, consider drafting a timeline for each milestone to ensure you're making satisfactory progress toward your career goals.

FAQ about how to make your career work for you

How do I find my career path?

To find your career path, consider your current passions, hobbies, and interests. You may also think about your preferred lifestyle. Then, use resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook to find career options that can work for you.

How do you know if a career is not right for you?

You can know a career is not right for you if it doesn't align with your interests or passions. If you find staying engaged in your job or coursework challenging, you may want to consider switching majors or careers.

What is the secret to career success?

Finding a role that fits your personality, lifestyle expectations, and interests may be the secret to career success. This is one way to figure out how to make your career work for you and find a job you love and can commit to long-term.

Career Tips