Deciding what you want to do with your life is a damn difficult question to answer. So here are some other questions to get rolling around in your brain, which may help you answer the big one…What should I do with my life?

1. What fascinates you?

Look at the topics or events or objects that capture your whole attention. What makes you lose track of time? When you’re in a conversation with a group of people, what makes you perk up when mentioned? Is the core of the work you do, something that you love?

Why it’s critical: Whatever career you end up doing, no matter how much you love it, there will be days, weeks, or maybe months when it just doesn’t feel the way you thought it would. Bosses will be hard to talk to, crises will need your immediate attention, business will be slow. If you choose work you love, getting through the hard times won’t seem too hard.

2. When was your last “shining moment?”

Do you remember a time when you felt like you were on FIRE? A time when people approached you to personally thank, congratulate, or praise you for something you did? Look back on the times when you were at your best — maybe speaking about a particular subject, up on stage, building or crafting something, or helping someone.

Why it’s critical: When you do this thing, you’re good at it! If you can do, say, or make something that compels people to speak out in praise of your work, you’ve got mad talent. And while there is always more to talent and skill than just natural ability, it’s a damn good place to start.

3. How much money do you really need/want to be happy?

What will it take for you to find financial satisfaction? Lack of research will usually result in lowballing or highballing our own worth.

Why it’s critical: Honestly, nothing gives me the heebie jeebies more than trying to figure out my own salary, but it must be done. Our salary is also going to partially dictate the kind of lifestyle we will have. And while it will always be a perk to make a million a year, really doing our research allows us to be realistic about the kind of work we want to tackle.

4. What kind of work environment do you desire?

Your work environment is about setting the style of your job. Do you like more team-based work from the office or solo projects from your living room? Is working outside more appealing than being inside a lab or office? How do you want to feel when you walk into work every day?

Why it’s critical: This environment is where you will be spending the majority of your day so it needs to feel right. We all have certain work environments that are compatible with who we are so picking a work zone that feels comfortable can seriously cut down on the “living for the weekend” mentality.

5. What is it you hope to gain from your career?

This is the big goal question when it comes to your career: what do you want to get out of it? Satisfaction, giving back to the world, financial independence or stability, becoming the best in biz? What takes priority in your career search?

Why it’s critical: There are going to be outside sources, like family, friends, or partners that may pressure you into choosing work based on their own ideas. Go for the prestigious job! Or the bigger salary. Get the job with more free time. Or the job that lets you travel all the time. And these choices are fine — as long as the motive behind your choice is intrinsically what you want! Down the road, it’s only going to be you driving, so make sure it’s the place you want to go.