There’s so much to think about when deciding on your future career: passion, education, job availability, quality of life, potential for growth, etc. These issues, on their own, will not define your path, but will work together to help narrow your options. Kacey Crawford, in Drowning in Career Options at thedailymuse.com outlined 5 important things to consider when choosing which path to follow:

Researching the job market—what’s currently available, expected trends for that industry
Considering your future lifestyle hopes—regional availability, estimated compensation, flexibility
Volunteering/Interning—take a test-run before you decide
Hobbies as a separate passion—hobbies to take you away from work
Realizing you don’t have to narrow it down to just one

Some more things to consider:

What’s helped guide your career decision-making?