Finding a career that aligns with our true selves and brings us fulfillment is no easy task. Many people reach the end of their lives with regrets, realizing that their chosen career path didn't make sense for who they truly are. This is often because we are not taught how to navigate our career paths from a young age, and even as adults, we struggle to make sense of it all.

Finding a career that aligns with our true selves and brings us fulfillment is no easy task. Many people reach the end of their lives with regrets, realizing that their chosen career path didn't make sense for who they truly are. This is often because we are not taught how to navigate our career paths from a young age, and even as adults, we struggle to make sense of it all.

The truth is, our careers consume a significant portion of our lives. On average, we spend anywhere between 50,000 and 150,000 hours on our careers, including time spent commuting and thinking about work. This means our career choices have a profound impact on the world and the future, depending on the values we live by and where we direct our energy.

So how do we go about picking a career that truly fits us? It begins with understanding our personal yearnings. Each of us has unique desires and values that shape our personality. Fulfillment is a complex and challenging human need, and it is important to identify which tentacles of our yearnings are pulling us towards a particular career path.

However, our desire for acceptance and the fear of judgment often cloud our judgment. We have a Social Survival Mammoth living in our heads, constantly obsessed with what others think of us. It craves acceptance and inclusion while fearing embarrassment and disapproval. It is important to recognize this inner voice and separate it from our true desires when considering our career choices.

To uncover our true yearnings, we can play the Why Game. We start by asking ourselves why we want a certain career path and continue to dig deeper until we reach the core reason behind our desires. By doing this, we can establish a hierarchy of yearnings and understand which ones carry the most weight in our decision-making process.

In the world of Product Management, certain skills are valued more than others. Communication, execution, and product sense are highly valued, while design/UX, empathy, and raw intelligence are often undervalued. However, the influence of Product Managers varies widely across companies. Some companies, like Zynga, give PMs significant control, while others, like Apple, limit their influence.

When picking a career, it is crucial to consider not only our personal yearnings but also the market demand and the opportunities available in our chosen field. It is essential to find a balance between our own desires and the external factors that will impact our career trajectory.

Based on these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice for picking a career that truly fits you:

1. Reflect on your personal yearnings: Take the time to understand your unique desires and values. Unpack why certain career paths appeal to you and identify the tentacles of your yearnings that are driving your decision-making process.

2. Play the Why Game: Dig deep into your motivations by continually asking yourself why you want a particular career. Get to the core reason behind your desires and establish a hierarchy of yearnings to guide your decision-making process.

3. Consider market demand and opportunities: While it is important to follow your passions, it is also crucial to consider the market demand and the opportunities available in your chosen field. Find a balance between your personal yearnings and the external factors that will shape your career trajectory.

In conclusion, picking a career that truly fits you requires introspection, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of your personal yearnings. By uncovering your true desires and considering market demand, you can find a career path that aligns with who you are and the impact you want to make on the world. Remember, the choices you make regarding your career will shape not only your own future but also the future of the world around you. So choose wisely and follow your true path.