Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make — and one that most of us are expected to figure out in our early 20s with little real-world experience. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are ways to choose with clarity and confidence.
Here’s a simple framework I would like to share:
1. Know Yourself – What are your strengths, interests, and values? What kind of problems do you enjoy solving? Write it down somewhere. Thinking alone won’t help. Writing it down will actually open up your mind and will have you think ‘literally’.
2. Understand Your Options – Don’t limit yourself to what you see around you. Explore traditional paths, interdisciplinary roles, and even careers that didn’t exist a few years ago. Invent possibilities and then explore. You’d be surprised how often what you dream up is already being done by someone, somewhere. The future belongs to those who dare to explore beyond the obvious.
3. Test Before You Commit – Shadow someone, volunteer, intern, or take a short course. Test the waters before you dive in.
4. Think Long-Term, Not Short-Term – Look for growth, impact, and sustainability. Choose a path you wouldn’t mind doing for free — then learn how to make money doing it. Money is important, and that is why you don’t have to risk all the good money you have to make in future by making a wrong short-sighted decision today.
5. Visualize Your Ideal Workweek – Not a vacation — but a regular, fulfilling, non-vacation week. What are you doing? Who are you working with? How do you feel?
🎥 In fact, I made a short video on this powerful exercise — close your eyes and imagine your ideal non-vacation work week. It might just change your perspective forever.
Look at the Lifestyle – Some careers may seem attractive but demand 80-hour weeks or constant travel. Ask yourself: will this lifestyle make me happy?
Check the Earning Potential & Growth – Money isn’t everything — but it does affect your freedom, stability, and options. Consider growth potential as well as starting income.
Talk to People in That Field – One honest conversation with someone 5–10 years into a career can save you years of regret. When seeking advice, choose your sources wisely—listen to those who have walked the path successfully, not those who gave up or became disillusioned. People who didn’t make it often speak from their pain, not perspective—and their reasons for failure may have nothing to do with your potential.
Don’t Choose Just to Please Others – This is your life, not theirs. Guidance is good — but ultimately, the career should align with your purpose, not others' expectations.
Allow Yourself to Change Later – Your first career decision isn’t your last. Most people pivot once or twice. Think of it as choosing a direction — not a forever path.
🎓 A Note for Dental Students and Graduates
I’m excited to invite you all to my free Career Guidance Seminar for BDS students and fresh graduates. If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or stuck deciding what comes next after your degree — this session is for you. We’ll explore both clinical and non-clinical paths, opportunities within Pakistan and abroad, and how to make a decision that aligns with you. I can’t wait to see you there.
⸻
Did you know there was a time I used to write poetry?
These days, I rarely find the time—or the stillness—to sit down and put words to paper. But this reel I just shared… it’s a kind of poetry in motion.
That’s all for this week’s edition. I hope it gave you something valuable to reflect on as you shape your own path forward. Remember, your career is not a race — it’s a journey, and it’s okay to pause, pivot, or dream bigger.
Until next time, take care, keep growing, and I’ll see you in next week’s Smile Gazette.
Warm regards,
Dr. Haris Ghole