When it comes to choosing a career, it’s easy to get caught up in one big shiny number: the average salary. After all, who wouldn’t want a high-paying job? But here’s the truth—most teens and young adults miss out on some key details that could make or break their future happiness. The reality is, there are a lot of factors that play into the national average salary, and depending on a variety of factors such as where you plan to work and who you plan to work for, your salary can look very different from the national average.
Here are the factors you may be overlooking when thinking about your career path:
1. Salary Isn't Black and White
Sure, you Googled the “average salary” for your dream job, and the number looks amazing. But... this national average does not paint the whole picture. Salaries for the same career vary widely based on employer, experience level, education, and location.
Location: Salaries vary a lot by location alone. A $70,000 salary in New York City might not go as far as $50,000 in a smaller town.
Experience: Focus on the entry-level salary, which is what you’ll earn when you start—not the salary of someone with 10 years of experience. A good way to gain a more realistic understanding of salary is to look up job listings for your desired job in your desired area and be sure to look at how many years of experience are required for each job listing.
Education: When considering salary, also consider education. For example, you can be a Registered Nurse (RN) with an Associate's degree, but those with a Bachelor's degree earn significantly higher salaries. So be sure to look at the average salary for the level of education you plan to obtain.
Employer: Some employers notoriously pay higher salaries, but they're also typically the employers that are notoriously more difficult to land a job with. And not only that, but these employers that are highly competitive, are often very demanding. So sure, you may earn more, but you may also work a lot more.
Don’t just chase numbers without understanding their context. Research the cost of living in the area you plan to live in.
2. Your Lifestyle Matters More Than You Think
Imagine landing a job that pays well—only to find out it rules your life. The truth is, a paycheck alone isn’t enough to make a career worthwhile if it leaves you burned out and unhappy.
What’s the schedule like? Say you might dream of becoming an ER doctor, envisioning the prestige and the satisfaction of saving lives. But imagine working long, grueling overnight shifts and being on-call at a moment’s notice, often sacrificing time with family or sleep. Alternatively, a high-powered corporate job could sound appealing—until you realize those 60-hour work weeks leave little energy for hobbies or personal time. Do you thrive with a steady 9-to-5 routine, or are you comfortable with unconventional hours, such as nights, weekends, or unpredictable shifts?
Does this job fit your personality? Extroverts may flourish in customer-facing roles like sales, event planning, or broadcasting, where engaging with people is part of the job. On the other hand, introverts might excel in quieter settings, such as research, writing, or software development, where focus and independence are valued. For example, working as a teacher might sound fulfilling, but if you’re not a fan of constant interaction and multitasking, it could be draining.
Can you see yourself living this way long term? A traveling job might sound adventurous, like becoming a flight attendant or a global consultant. But could you handle constantly being away from your home base, missing family milestones, or struggling to maintain close relationships? On the flip side, remote work may offer flexibility, but it requires a high degree of self-governance, and for those who are very social, can also lead to feelings of isolation.
Ultimately, a career isn’t just about earning a paycheck—it’s about how you’ll spend your days. The choices you make in your career will deeply impact your lifestyle, your relationships, and even your health. Beyond the salary or title, consider the day-to-day realities that come with the job. After all, your lifestyle is your life. Make sure it’s one you’ll enjoy living.
3. Consider Your Skills and Strengths
What are you naturally good at? If you dislike math, a job in data analysis might not be the right fit, even if it offers a lucrative paycheck. On the other hand, if you excel at storytelling, a career in content writing, journalism, or marketing could be a great match.
Characteristics:
Do you enjoy solving problems? Maybe you’d thrive in engineering, IT, or project management.
Are you creative? A role in graphic design, advertising, or filmmaking might be a natural fit.
Are you detail-oriented? Look into fields like accounting, quality assurance, or research, where precision is key.
Passions: What excites you?
If you find joy in helping others succeed, consider teaching, coaching, or human resources.
If you’re passionate about the environment, you might explore careers in renewable energy, conservation, or urban planning.
Communication Style:
Are you a strong verbal communicator? Careers in public relations, sales, or customer service might match your style.
Prefer written communication? Consider roles in copywriting, technical writing, or editorial work.
Hobbies and Hidden Talents: Think of what you enjoy doing in your free time.
Love cooking? Consider exploring culinary arts, food blogging, or becoming a nutritionist.
Enjoy gaming? You might excel in game design, coding, or esports management.
The key is to choose a career that aligns with your unique talents and passions. When your work allows you to lean into your strengths, it becomes less of a chore and more of an opportunity to thrive.
4. The Education Factor
Some careers may initially seem thrilling, but it's important to consider the commitment they require in terms of education. Many professions demand years of schooling along with potentially thousands of dollars in tuition costs. Before diving into a career path, it’s crucial to evaluate the educational requirements and fully understand what you’re committing to in terms of both time and financial investment.
Before jumping in, find out:
What level of education is required? Can you get started with a certification, or will you need a four-year degree (or more)?
Will you enjoy the educational process? If you dread the thought of more school, reconsider careers that demand graduate degrees.
There’s nothing wrong with investing in education, but make sure the time and money are worth it. Consider what you will pay for an education and what you could earn with the career that education bought you.
5. Long-Term Growth and Stability
The job market is constantly evolving, driven by advancements in technology, shifts in consumer behavior, and global economic factors. When choosing a career, it’s critical to future-proof your decisions by asking yourself:
Is this field growing or shrinking? Certain industries, like technology and healthcare, continue to experience substantial growth. For instance, the demand for software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts has skyrocketed in recent years as every industry leans into digital transformation. Similarly, healthcare careers, like nursing and physical therapy, are thriving due to aging populations and expanded access to medical care.
What’s the potential for advancement? As industries change, climbing the ladder can look drastically different. In growing fields, opportunities often include new roles emerging alongside technological advancements, such as AI trainers or robotics maintenance specialists. But even in stable industries, such as education or public service, career ceilings can exist if you don’t proactively invest in new skills or certifications that align with trends. Are you willing to adapt and evolve to stay relevant?
It's essential to think about not just where you’ll begin, but where you want to be in 10, 20, or even 30 years. Will the field you’ve chosen still exist in its current form? Are you entering an industry that could be automated in part or in full by AI?
The key to long-term career stability lies in developing future-proof skills: creativity, adaptability, critical thinking, and the ability to use technology, rather than compete with it. Take proactive steps to stay ahead of the curve—continuously learn, seek out ways to leverage AI, and pivot if necessary.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a career is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. While salary is important, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Consider your lifestyle, skills, education, and long-term goals to find a path that’s truly fulfilling.
Remember: Your career isn’t just about what you earn—it’s about how you live.