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Feeling paralyzed by career decisions that seem to carry finality? Whether you’re stressing about what your major should be in college or what kind of job you want next, remember these 2 things in those moments that feel high-stakes.
Change is always possible. Stuck in a job that sounded promising but isn’t delivering? Consider moving up into management for a change of scope, or look outside to other companies or fields entirely. If you’re looking to step out significantly, make a list of transferrable skills to help identify what you want to do next. This exercise will also provide a confidence boost as you’ll be reminded of skills you have mastered.
Your path is not predetermined and there are no shortcuts. Perhaps you decide to study psychology undergrad and then find yourself drawn to publishing after college, or you’ve worked in a field for 15 years and are ready for a change, the thing that comes next could not have happened without the things that came first. This sounds a little cliche but I’m serious. The thing that you did first (study psychology or your 15 year career) prepared you for the next thing—either you got your fill and wanted something else, realized that wasn’t the thing that was going to make you happy, or just decided to explore something new. You had to fulfill your interest in that first thing first. Don’t regret it; see it as something that helped you figure out where you are going (or not going).
How do you lower the stakes of these career decisions that seem to carry too much weight? Share your experiences in the comments below.