Marcio Saito
My recent role leading Google Technology for consumer support has been the pinnacle of a corporate career shaped by rapid technological evolution. From the rise of personal computers and Open Source, to the Internet, to the emergence of AI Language Models, it was an exciting trajectory ranging from hands-on work in startups to leading large global organizations.
Choosing Engineering in 1983, moving to California in 1993, even contributing to the Linux kernel – none of these decisions were made with a master plan in mind. While tempting, it is unrealistic to attribute my success solely to foresight. Hard work, bold choices, and a healthy dose of luck all played their part.
That unpredictable, ‘whirlwind-tossed’ feeling is why choosing a career path can be overwhelming – especially in your early years. Let’s figure this out together.
Lost in the Labyrinth: The Pressure of the ‘Perfect’ Path
Society pushes the myth of a neat, linear life plan: graduate, get the job, and climb to success. But the truth is, our twenties are about exploration, growth, and even some healthy confusion. Early career choices are stepping stones, not an unbreakable vow. The ‘perfect path’ is the one you create along the way.
The world of work is vast, and the sheer number of career possibilities can be overwhelming. It’s normal to feel paralyzed by the fear of choosing wrong. Every experience teaches you valuable lessons.
Well-meaning advice from friends, family and mentors can feel overwhelming. While their input is valuable, it’s essential to distinguish between what’s right for them and what’s right for you.
Don’t have a vision on where you want to be at the end of your work career? Don’t bother. Nobody truly does.
Follow your passion?
Celebrity advice to “follow your passion” does not take into account the luck that was part of their success. While talent and dedication matter, as an example, for every NBA passion-for-basketball success story, thousands of hopefuls fail to achieve a professional career in sports. Get inspiration from your heroes, but find your own path instead of following someone else’s footsteps.
Choosing a line of work should consider the future, not today’s job market trends. What worked 30 years ago might not be the best line of action today. The Internet eliminated old, created new and reframed many jobs over the past 30 years. Emerging technologies such as AI LLMs could have similar impact in the future, affecting how language content is produced, consumed and transformed and replacing humans in tasks that require simple judgment.
Ideally, find work that both energizes you and aligns with in-demand skills. Expect your career path to solidify over time, but be ready to adapt early as technology reshapes the job market. Work is essential for a livelihood, but finding meaning and passion in your profession enriches your life.
So, What Can You Do?
Choosing an early career path isn’t about getting it perfect the first time, it’s about starting on your journey of discovery. Here are some strategies to help:
- Explore with curiosity: Give yourself the permission slip to try different things. Take classes on subjects that intrigue you, volunteer, intern, or pick up side gigs. The more you dip your toes, the clearer your likes and dislikes become.
- Introspection over Perfection: Pay attention to what sparks your interest, what you lose track of time doing. While competition might be an indication of where the money is and being influenced by your peers is part of the game, don’t be afraid of being different.
- Seek Multiple Mentors: Don’t just rely on one person’s perspective. Talk to people in different fields, job shadow, and get a feel for the day-to-day realities of different careers. Most people would love to help, don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
- Reframe ‘Failure’: Early ‘failures’ aren’t catastrophes, they’re valuable lessons. Building a career takes experimentation and course corrections to find what fits. Resilience is your superpower – embrace those ‘detours’ as part of the journey.
- Don’t Compare Your Timeline: Your friend is on their second promotion while you’re still feeling lost? Everyone has their own timeline. Obsessing over others’ achievements leads to misery, not clarity. Focus on your process, not your relative position in some imaginary race.
Marcio’s View on Career Development
Success is the result of talent, dedication and preparation. To me, the timeless essence of career success involves knowing more than just what is necessary, being attentive to recognize opportunity when it strikes, being decisive and taking bold action to seize them, nurture relationships and act with empathy, generosity, optimism, and integrity.
Helpful Tools and Resources
Besides real-world exploration, several resources can provide guidance during this time:
- Career Aptitude Tests: While not a foolproof solution, these tests can highlight your strengths and patterns in your interests, creating a good starting point to narrow your focus.
- Informational Interviews: Reach out to people whose careers spark your curiosity. Ask insightful questions about their path, challenges, and rewards.
- University Career Centers: Your college/university likely offers excellent resources, such as career counseling, workshops, and networking events. Utilize them!
- Online Career Resources: Websites like, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/, and even niche job boards can provide insight into different career paths, required qualifications, and job availability.
Follow-up Action
If you find this article thought-provoking, share with your friends, mentors, children, parents and use it to have a conversation.
After a relatively successful career, Marcio dedicates a portion of his time sharing experience, inspiration, and advice with the younger generations. Schedule a conversation here. The coaching fee (he has bills to pay) can be waived for students and early-career professionals. Sessions can be specific (job interview preparation, thought leadership, etc.) or general career advice.
Marcio Saito 