I cannot make a choice

When all possible options are clear, but you struggle to choose one and develop it further, it becomes frustrating and impedes progress. For example: 

  • studying in Lithuania or abroad;
  • studying law, psychology, or economics;
  • quit unpleasant studies and choose another study program or stay and finish it;
  • after finishing a bachelor’s degree continue to study master’s degree or go straight to work, etc.

Career decisions touch all areas of life and affect other people who are important to us, so it's a good idea to consult your loved ones and listen to their opinions and advice when making them. However, remember that you are solely responsible for your career, so you will have to make the final decision on your own.

We offer you these steps:

+ - Name the evaluation criteria Click to collapse
No. Criteria for the evaluation of an alternative

The score for the evaluation of the criteria is given in order of importance
1. e.g., meaningfulness  e.g., 3
2.    
3.    
4.    
5.    
Total:   (The sum of all points given to the criteria may not exceed 10)
+ - Evaluate the alternatives Click to collapse

Based on your criteria, evaluate which alternative is the most acceptable.

Use this table (listed alternatives and criteria are examples only):

Evaluation criteria

Criterion score

Possible alternatives
Internship X Internship Y Job Z Job Q Stay in lab
Meaningfulness

3

 

 

 

 

 
Salary

3

 

 

 

 

 
Flexibility of working hours

2

 

 

 

 

 
Opportunities for development

1

 

 

 

 

 
Distance from home

1

 

 

 

 

 
Total

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write down your possible choices in columns. On a 10-point scale evaluate how important those choices are to you, using former criteria. Multiply each choice score by the criterion score and sum the total score of alternatives. The alternative that gets the highest score, rationally, should be the best one for you.

+ - If rational evaluation is not enough Click to collapse

It might be that a decision is connected with internal limitations or a lack of confidence. Decisions about career touch us in all aspects of life. You can read more about internal barriers here (information is being prepared). Sometimes difficulties in choosing come from deeper career or personal life problems. So if you feel stuck for a long time, we recommend getting help from a career counselor.