Instead of formulating the logically perfect ending job and the optimal path to get there, begin with a direction, based on a real desire, and complement that with a strategy to discover and create opportunities consistent with that desire.

In an uncertain world you can’t even come close to saying what a specific job might be, but you can say what’s valuable and important to you. Who are you? What matters to you? Is it working in a specific industry? Managing people or not? The answers will point you in productive directions.

via Harvard Business Review

I've never been very good at having a career plan, having just taken interesting opportunities as they arose. I've often been challenged on this by managers and ambitious colleagues. This article feels like it's finally validating my approach.