I have been thinking about that Merlin idea: “is this the group of people I want to hang out with an be associated with?” and how it drives long term career planning. Except for me, I think it’s “ideas,” and people in so much as they’re mediums for ideas. (Things have mostly worked out for me over the years here.)
Also note-worthy: all too quickly Clay Christensen raises and scurries past an incisive point in How Will You Measure Your Life?. Namely: don’t create a life-style that prices you out of the career you want. Don’t let your family-life ruin your work-life.