This isn't really the best strategy though. Sure, it feels easy to slide through life and grad school this way, but that's because this is the path of least resistance. Think about it. You are only exposed to people (professors) who finished that career path one way. In terms of statistics, it is most certainly NOT a random sample.
The issue is that there are way more PhDs awarded than there are academic positions for them above the postdoc level. A good portion of graduate students will not end up following a path similar to that of their mentors and advisors. There's a good chance that could be you. So, have you thought about what you can do outside of academia?
First, let's get over the term "alternate career". Sure, if you want to do a search on the subject, that's probably the best phrase to use. But it implies that a career in academia is the "right" end to a graduate school start, and all other choices are second-best. This stigma is still present, especially among older faculty members, but it no longer makes sense. In a society focused on work-life balance, your career choice is no longer a strict indicator of your intelligence. Never feel like choosing an non-academic career path is a step down.
Now that your head is in the right place, you need to figure out your options. This will depend on your field, and also on what degree you end up with. And any extra experience you may have. It's not always obvious at first what you can do with a grad school degree besides academic work.
The first option that typically comes to mind, at least in the sciences, is science writing or outreach. You can also consider a job in industry. Almost every science-based field has a corresponding industry, but it may not be clear at first. I found some of the best information in library books and by signing up for job boards and email lists. Another option is to consult a career counselor - and there's a good chance your university offers a service like this.
In the end, it's up to you to choose the career that best fits your skills and lifestyle. The first step in this direction is to know what your options are. So don't be taken in by thinking academia is the only path. Find people who have done something different with the same background. After you know what's out there, you'll be able to make much better career decisions.
