Various external forces affect a tightroper's ability to stay balanced. Two of these are wind and noise from the crowd. Compare these external forces to forces that affect your career development. The sound of the crowd can be compared to messages received from family, friends, society and media. While these messages can sometimes be insightful, they can also distract you or encourage you to pursue career paths that don’t match your needs or desires.  The wind is similar to uncontrollable market trends that as a career planner, you can address and prepare for, but not change.

There are also internal factors that affect the tightrope walker's ability to stay focused. These may include fear, excitement, nervousness, passion and love of the craft. The internal factors that can affect your career planning include your interests, values, skills, and personality traits. Finding a career that fits these internal factors such as work that is interesting and enjoyable, fulfills your values, uses your skills, and matches other preferences can result in meaningful life & career balance. Being able to identify and speak clearly about these qualities can help you secure a satisfying job in the short term and also build a rewarding long-term career.

There are other considerations in career satisfaction.  Besides liking his or her career there are other benefits the tightrope walker might get from the job? These may include money, variety, independence, recognition, and being part of a team. Values such as these and others like security, stability, prestige, and contribution to society are important needs to clarify for yourrself when choosing a career direction.

If the tightrope walker falls off frequently, no one will hire him or her. All jobs require a variety of skills to be performed at different levels of expertise. Before embarking on a career path, it is wise to consider what skills are necessary for that particular career and if you have or are willing to acquire them. If you do not have or cannot learn the necessary skills, you may not be successful, regardless of how desirable a career may be.