As a millennial, I know plenty of people around my age who are young and hungry, and have their noses to the grindstone — chasing a dream. After spending eight years working with lots of baby boomers, seeing the good, the bad and the ugly, it makes me wonder if these young guns are on the right path, or if they know what the path even looks like.

Since it’s a good idea to start saving for your future as early as possible, identifying your career crossroad — the path that will take you where you want to go — is vital. What follows are some questions to ask yourself based on three common crossroads.

Corporate for Life

You’re comfortable working within a corporate structure and aim to earn that “gold watch.”

• Can you identify someone a few steps ahead of you who can be a mentor, guiding you in your quest to climb the corporate ladder?
• How much security do you see in this industry?
• How do you feel about traveling or having to relocate — based on what’s best for your family?
• How aligned are you with the company’s mission?

Corporate to Entrepreneur

You understand corporate processes, but you’re itching to deliver a solution yourself.

• Are your financial ducks in a row, i.e., how much do you need to save before you take the leap to go entrepreneurial?
• How much startup capital do you need to get things rolling?
• What are your personnel needs; can you go it alone or will you need a team to help you get started?
• Are you prepared to be agile and patient?

Retire Early

You’ve never wanted your job to be the only thing that defines you, so your sights are set on focusing on a new purpose at some point in time — a hobby, charitable pursuit or consultancy.

• What is your purpose outside the corporate structure?
• What lifestyle do you want to maintain in retirement?
• Where do you hope to live?
• Will you have enough money saved to live your dream?

Did you see yourself in any of those crossroads? Have you asked yourself the applicable questions? As a financial planner, I can help you prioritize your savings and investing with the end in mind — whatever that end is to you. Remember, it’s never too early to start the conversation.