In my reading about choosing a career path, I found some valuable areas of focus that might be helpful to those looking to start a new career. Here are some essential areas that you surely should keep in mind:

• Values
• Interests
• Skills
• Environment

These four can help you determine your best career path. But you also have to be careful and keep your eyes open for things that lead you astray. These decision makers might lead you to a job of dissatisfaction for years to come.

Take note of the worst ways to pick your new career:

1. Picking a career because everyone says you'll be good at it.

It’s nice when friends pump your ego by saying that you’re talented or super smart. But translating those skills into a career might be more difficult than you’d expect. And will you still enjoy that task when you’re doing it at work 40 hours a week? Many people are good at typing to complete a report yet, they don’t want the pressure of being used as the secretary or admin assistant on a regular basis.

Idea: If you think you have a strong skill, show it off to people who are already successful in that field. They’re more qualified to assess your ability than friends and family. Check social media to find industry specialists for areas you would like to work in and have them review your skills and abilities to see if you would be a good match. With easy access to Twitter and LinkedIn, it’s almost always possible to find someone. Don’t hesitate to contact them and ask whether your skills would translate to the working world. Be sure and check the persons bio before asking for advice.

2. Picking a career vs picking a job.

Choosing work because of how much money you will make could pose some problems. Or you may want to have every Wednesday off and are therefore seeking a company that might accommodate you. Using these parameters as the primary focus will leave you with a job, not a career- and these normally don’t end well. Some companies offer flex or alternate work schedules to give people a bit more freedom and help with daycare and on time arrival. If you’re smart, you’ll land in a career that does offer favorable perks, but picking a job because of short sighted perks is not a good idea.

Idea: Before embarking on a career path, write out a list of pros and cons. Assign a number of importance to each item on the list (1-10 is fine). If the perks are worth more than the job itself, it’s probably a good idea to look for another career. Don’t sell yourself short and not go for the best benefit package with a great salary. Be careful in your search and don’t be pulled into a good salary but horrible work environment. It’s about how you feel about what you do everyday that will sustain you for the long term.

3. If possible, try internship with a company you like.

Many of us start out in the workforce with whatever we can get and then eventually rise to a level that is considered successful. Others may see it that way yet there is always more ladder to climb. You might want to check and see if the company you really like has an internship program. Try it before you buy it. Maybe you are changing career interests and now you want to work in a field that you really like. Prepare yourself to make the leap. Do rely on guesswork.

Idea: Find an internship before you commit to a certain career through education or a full-time job. It’s easier—and more important—than ever before to work as an intern before you make big career decisions.

Many employers would be happy to have a driven person volunteer to join their company and learn the ins and outs with sincere interest. This is a very valuable way to kick the tires a bit. You also can find a way to connect with people. With online networking groups and friends and family. Or find another creative way to give yourself a sneak peek of what the job really entails.

4. Trying to impress others.

The grass is always greener. Choosing a career to impress other people—your friends, family, or even an enemy—is a recipe for unhappiness. I think you will always be driven by the idea of doing better and showing your folks that you can make it big. The drive is admirable, but don’t go into depression of you are not where you want to be in 20 years. Choose carefully. Think about how much time you spend at a job. Is it worth entering that profession simply to impress certain people?

Idea: Visualize yourself actually doing the job. Figure out the best parts—and the worst. Do abundant research in order to feel yourself in that position already. Focus on what you’re good at and what would make you happy, as opposed to what makes someone else happy.

5. Picking a career as a temporary fix.

Ever notice how temporary situations often become permanent? Life is complicated, and it’s easy to get trapped in a career you don’t like. Some chose to join the military or go for a federal job because a friend said it was a good idea. And at the time, that might have been true. Now, time to choose. You can always make changes, of course, but it’s easiest if you get it right from the start. Career transitions are challenging, especially after you’ve put significant effort into your initial job.

Idea: Take your time and be confident when applying for jobs. If you have the opportunity to consult with a career coach or take a personality assessment to help you in your career search, go for it. Now if you have to pay bills or support your family, we understand. But it does good to step back and re-evaluate. If you do choose a career you hope will be temporary, set a deadline for change and hold yourself accountable by sharing it with someone you trust.

As a final note, beware of the family business option.

Following in your parents’ footsteps may be good for your family, but it also has to be good for you. Alleviate pressure from your parents by establishing a strong party line as soon as possible and consistently remind them that the family business is a great opportunity, but it may not be for you. Pursue your dream career, but also keep the family business in the back of your mind. Having that as a safety net may give you the courage you need to land an awesome gig.

-L3 Coaching Solutions