Answering Tough Job Interview Questions: "Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?"

Question incoming from Brandon in Bellevue, Washington. Brandon, I lived in Bellevue for 10 years, we’re practically neighbors despite the fact I now live 2,882 miles away. Yes, I googled it.  “Hey Brian, I’ve been doing a bunch of mock interviews to prepare and there is a pattern that keep emerging. I’ve had two of my professors and three different family members conduct mock interviews, and they all asked me the same question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” Is this a very common question, and if so how would you answer it because my first instinct is, “I have no idea.” Help?!” Let's dig into this!