This viewpoint seems a bit fear based or conservative to me. I wouldn't be shocked if the author wants a high degree of wealth as well. I guess that is a defensible approach but there is another approach of trusting the process, learn from your experience (and the experience of others if you can) and bring a perspective that most experiences have a positive aspect that you can focus on. Why be afraid, you die either way. Life isn't a zero sum game where if you get divorced or don't become a famous person or a really rich person it has no interest. Everyone has interesting experiences and the chance to learn and form connections and help out and find meaning strewn all over. And even the wrong career will give you skills and perspectives that you find yourself drawing on when you get the perfect career. Even if only to deeply appreciate the perfection, that is worth a lot of lifetime savings.