Ever heard of the saying “no risk, no reward”?
I’ve always been a believer of this thought; I mean what’s the fun in taking the safe route all the time? But when it comes to your career (especially in this economy), sometimes even the biggest risk takers are hesitant to stray away from the beaten path.
Ron Ashkenas recently wrote an article titled, “Embracing Risk in Career Decisions.” In this article, he explains his belief that judging your happiness and attitude are much more important considerations than the actual risk itself. These factors are critical when making difficult career decisions, and I’ve outlined three additional considerations to keep in mind before taking a career risk.
Don’t burn any bridges.
Even if you are leaving a position you hated and have no intention of ever working for the company again, it’s important you leave on good terms. Hiring managers almost always inquire about your past job experiences and if they are interested in you they will likely contact your past employers. So no matter how much you despise the place, behave in a professional manner when calling it quits. Plus, you never know who you will cross paths with again…as the song goes, “it’s a small world after all.”
Carefully calculate the risk.
I know part of the thrill of taking a risk is the impulsivity of the decision. But when making decisions about something as important as your career, decisions that could easily affect you the rest of your life, use your best judgment. Carefully map out your career goals. Ask yourself how or if this risk will help you achieve your ultimate goal. Ask people you trust and admire for advice. If you still think it’s a risk worth taking, what are you waiting for? Go for it!
Expect the best, prepare for the worst.
Preparing to fail does make risk taking much less appealing, but you need to make sure all your bases are covered. Have a backup plan in mind in the event that your decision doesn’t turn out the way you had hoped. But also know that even if things don’t pan out, it’s not the end of the world. Sometimes the road to success is full of winding roads and detours.
Have you ever taken any career risks? Share your experiences with us!
