When one is faced with a decision that may drastically alter the rest of their life, what is the right choice to make? How long will it take to decide?

Take the question about career choice, for example. In my opinion, this is one of the most vital decisions for someone to make in their life. There are many factors to consider when the question of a career path presents itself which can leave many people, including myself, stumped.

Salary is one leading way to address this important question. Many believe that high school students pick a career solely based on how well it can pay the bills.

“I just want a job that makes me a lot of money,” sophomore Sadie Zoll said. “What am I going to do when I’m broke?”

While some may believe that a future career choice should be based solely on financial stability, another prominent factor reveals itself in family.

“I definitely want a job that pays me well, but that’s not the main thing that makes me want a job in the medical field, though,” Spring-Ford sophomore Jessica Hin said. “My sister is the biggest influence on me, even over money. She wants to go into the medical field someday too and I kind of look up to her.”

Money and family, two popular elements that contribute to the large decision of choosing a career path. But are these the only ones?

Heart plays an important role.

“The way I think of it, everything just comes down to following your heart,” sophomore Colin Wenzel said. Colin sways his choice to go into science on his own personal preference.

Sophomore Ishaan Nagarajan also claims that neither family nor finances made his choice; he decided on a leading interest of his.

“Engineering has been my dream for over two whole years” Nagarajan said. “It’s just what I’m interested in, you know?”.

Out of all of these important choices, which draws the most success for a stressed high schooler trying to figure out what to do with their lives-should they listen to their parents? Whether someone is into Math, English, Science, or History-personal preference is certainly important to consider regardless of family influence. Though, it may not be wise to follow a career path that won’t pay well, no matter the joy it brings. People can ask themselves all sorts of questions about which is the best deciding factor, but I’ve found that the real answer lies in all three.

Many may stick to one route as a way to consider their future career and fumble with the difficult decision forever. However, family motivation, financial stability, and personal preference are all equally important to consider in making the right decision.

Without considering each factor, one may be left with a job that is not the right fit-a boring office job, a dream pursuit that barely pays bills, or a stressful doctorate that parents are impressed with.

There is no reason to choose to pick with a brain or heart, why not use both? After all, this choice is a large decision that can dictate the future; and it is certainly no easy job.