The Reason I Embrace Risk in Career
Quantifying the decision making and when to make the leap.
Questioning the meaning of life, has puzzled humans for millennia. Some people believe that life has a predetermined purpose, while others think that life is what you make of it. Some people seek happiness, while others seek meaning. Some people follow the rules, while others break them. In my view, the meaning of life is not something that you find, but rather something that you create. No matter which way you believe, one thing remains true, our limited time is precious.
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life...have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." - Steve Jobs
The history of humankind is shaped by extraordinary risk taking by a few individuals fuelled by curiosity and the will to succeed. Succeeding in modern day life and career requires risk taking built into our apetite. You have a choice. You can either live a life of conformity and mediocrity, or a life of creativity and excellence. Anything too secure and comfortable isn’t always the best state to be and it restricts us from achieving progress and exploring new experiences.
"You take the blue pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes." - The Matrix.
There is always a choice.
Taking risks in career is not easy. It involves facing challenges, setbacks, and failures. It means letting go of what is safe and familiar.
But it also means opening yourself up to new possibilities and opportunities. It provides a scope for learning new skills, meeting new people, and having new experiences. For some, it means finding your passion, your talent, your purpose and an impact.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu
The calling.
For some, some situations in life dictate the terms of risk. For many, realising the need to move out of comfort zone might be blurry.
There are several signs in one’s career that may indicate it's time to take a risk and move ahead. For example:
Unfulfilled ghost inside: Unfulfilled feeling in the current role or industry may indicate that it is the time to take a risk and pursue something that aligns more closely with your passions and interests.
Growth stalled: If you feel stagnant in your current job and aren't learning new skills or taking on new challenges, it may be time to take a calculated risk and pursue opportunities that will help you grow and develop.
Undervalued: If you feel like you are not being recognized or compensated for your contributions, it may be time to take a risk and seek out opportunities that will value your skills and expertise.
Quantify the decision making process? As an attempt to calm the nerves.
Sometimes quantifying risk can help to reduce anxiety and fear by providing a clear and objective assessment of the situation. By assessing the potential risks and rewards and weighing them objectively, you can make more informed and confident choices. I have used a decision making table similar to the one shown below in some situations.
While taking a risk mostly means to get out of the comfort zone and to try do something that drives you to next step in life, impulsive decisions and common calculative mistakes can cause harm. These mistakes include failing to consider potential downsides, not researching or planning adequately, and allowing emotions or short-term thinking to cloud judgment. Seeking advice and support from trusted colleagues or mentors, and having a backup plan in case the risk doesn't pay off, can help mitigate these risks. Additionally, it's important to have a clear goal or purpose in mind when taking a risk, and to avoid overestimating your own abilities or underestimating the challenges involved.
“Believe” - Ted Lasso
Taking a new step in career or life can be daunting and often makes us fall back to our comfort zones. But we humans are dreamers and believers who fight the odds and rejoice in miracles. While not every instance can result in a miracle but every instance provides a chance for a miracle. Only when you “believe”.
Believe in yourself and your abilities, for they are the key to unlocking your full potential. Believe in your passion and the power it holds to shape your destiny. Believe in the journey and the challenges it brings, for they are the building blocks of your success. And above all, believe that taking risks and following your heart will lead you to a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.