Ask AdaMarie: How can I balance passion, skills, and opportunity in my job search?
Hi AdaMarie, how can someone who is early in their career balance passion, skills, and opportunity in their job search?
Dear Finding My Fit,
This is such a common and important question. When you’re early in your career, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which direction to take. A helpful way to think about it is by balancing three areas:
What you’re good at. Start by naming 3–5 strengths. If you’re not sure, ask friends or mentors what they see as your “superpowers.” Then look at roles that highlight those strengths. Do they seem exciting to you?
What you love doing. Think about the tasks that bring you energy. When have you worked on something that made you lose track of time? These moments are clues about what kind of work will keep you engaged long term.
Where you’re needed. Explore what industries and roles are growing. Check job boards, read about emerging fields (like AI, climate, or healthcare innovation), and think about how your skills could translate into those spaces.
When you find the overlap between what you’re good at, what you love, and where opportunities exist, you’ve discovered your “sweet spot.” That’s where you’re most likely to find a role that fits—not just for now, but for the long run.
Remember, your career is a journey. You don’t have to get it “perfect” right away. Each role you take builds experience and gives you new insight into what you want next.
P.S. Pro Tip: As you explore opportunities, keep a simple journal of roles you apply to, what excites you about them, and what doesn’t. Over time, patterns will emerge that make your “sweet spot” even clearer.
