If you had to pick another career, what would it be?

Psychologist - realized this much later in my career, after having received the feedback from multiple people over the years.

I have been interested in history and international relations since my childhood. If I hadn't been a realist and had chosen a career with my interests in which I couldn't advance, I definitely would have become a politician. Unfortunately, in most parts of the world, being successful and hardworking is not enough to rise in these sectors.