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Plan four weeks of research before switching careers

  • For Job seekers
  • You practice Setting limits and rules
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

You're thinking about leaving retail to become an electrician but aren't ready to decide. Get a 4-week research plan: exactly 4 numbered lines starting "Week 1:" to "Week 4:", each one concrete action that names a source from your notes. Under 130 words, plain text, no advice on whether to switch, and skip what you already know.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Asking the AI to decide. Ask 'should I' and the AI gives you a pep talk or a pros and cons list, not a way to find out. Try: Ask for a research plan and add: "Don't tell me whether to switch."
  • Getting generic research steps. The AI says 'research online' instead of using the sources you already have. Try: Add: "Each week names one of my sources: uncle Ray, the open house, the IBEW site or the state page."
  • Repeating what you know. The AI has you look up apprenticeship length, which your notes already cover. Try: Add: "Skip what I already know."
  • Not fixing the shape. AI plans come as long phased guides with headings. Try: Show it: "Week 1: Ask uncle Ray what a normal day is like." and "exactly 4 lines".
  • Forgetting where it's going. AI adds bold and headings that show up as stray symbols in your phone's notes app. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Asks for a plan, not a verdict
  • Shows the week labels
  • Uses your sources
  • Skips what you know
  • Sets a length limit

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