This message is from Professor Jim Pouliopoulos’ recent LinkedIn Post. We appreciate him allowing us to post it here.

Every college freshman is told the same joke: you can have fun, good grades, or sleep. Pick two.

Well, spring break is over, and for graduating seniors, the job search is hitting full gear. So here’s a framework I share with every student navigating their first career move, though honestly, it applies just as much to anyone considering a job change.

It’s another “pick two” situation.

When evaluating any new role, there are three things you’re trying to optimize for:
– The role (what you actually do day-to-day)
– The industry or company
– Location

Here’s the hard truth: you get to pick two.

If all three align? Amazing. But that almost never happens, and waiting for perfect alignment is how people stay stuck. Instead of hoping the stars line up, get brutally honest about which of the three matters most right now. Then ask: of the remaining two, which could you live without?

That’s your answer. That’s the direction you move.

Location might be non-negotiable because of family, relationships, or roots. “Work from home” adds another layer of complexity here. I think it’s better to physically go to an office and work with other humans; it helps you build the network that you will need later in your career, but everyone has their strong opinions about this one.

The role might trump everything because you’ve finally figured out what you’re actually built for.

Or, maybe you have an industry or a specific firm you’ve targeted as a dream opportunity. Great, but which of the other variables are you willing to de-prioritize?

Whatever the priority order, naming it gives you clarity. And clarity beats staring at job postings hoping something magically jumps out.