<human>: Can you give me the gist of the text in a nutshell?

I'm a civil engineer-in-training.  I decided a few months ago I was going to try to develop a career in X.  Or then, maybe I just wasn't happy where I was at the time.  I quit my job, sought out all the opportunities in that area, and some of them look bright...but things are moving very slowly in general right now.

Recently I've been sought out by a local organization. They're public so amazing benefits, very secure, etc.  They want me to fill a new position they're putting together because I came very highly recommended by my former employer.  The problem? Not civil engineering -- not even close.  I've been out of school for a few years now and the longer I'm out of the engineering realm, the harder it is for me to get back into it.  Still, it's a very attractive opportunity.  The position is largely undefined and part of my role would be to develop it as I see fit.

So then. How does one become successful? Should you map out where you want to go and stick with it? Bypass opportunities that don't align and wait for something to come up so you can gradually take yourself through a steady career development? Or do you take things as they come and hope for the best?
<bot>: An opportunity came up that will take me in a very different direction than what I studied/planned for. Do I pursue it?