One of the most valuable pieces of advice I can give about your career is simple: think five years ahead. While some people might roll their eyes at this advice, calling it cliché or a standard interview question, it’s actually incredibly important.

Too many professionals make career decisions with only the short-term in mind. They focus solely on immediate salary and perks, taking the job that offers the most money at that moment. Unfortunately, this often leads to disappointment. They may end up in organisations that aren’t growing, with high staff churn, difficult clients, or limited opportunities for progression. The result? They feel stuck, frustrated, and unsure of the next step in their career.

Think Long-Term, Not Just Salary

A better approach is to evaluate potential roles with a long-term perspective. Look for organisations that are growing, provide strong training, have quality clients, and offer opportunities to advance. Map out where you want to be in five years, whether that’s staying with the same organisation and climbing the ranks or moving on if you hit a plateau.

By planning ahead, you can make career decisions with a holistic view, prioritising growth, experience, and opportunity over immediate financial gain. This strategy will help you build a career that is not just lucrative in the short term but also sustainable and fulfilling in the long term.

Take Control of Your Career Path

Thinking five years ahead doesn’t mean everything will go exactly as planned, but it gives you direction. It allows you to identify the skills, experiences, and connections you need to develop to reach your career goals. With a clear plan, you can make intentional choices that align with your ambitions rather than reacting solely to what seems immediately attractive.

If you’d like advice on navigating your next five years, we’d love to help. Whether it’s guidance from me or one of our experienced consultants, we can provide practical strategies to ensure your next five years are impactful for your career.

Key Takeaways

• Career decisions should consider long-term growth, not just immediate salary

• Seek organisations with opportunities to progress, good clients, and training

• Map out a 5-year plan to guide decisions and career trajectory

• Intentional planning reduces the risk of getting stuck in a role or company