Career decisions are never easy, and having to choose between a desirable career and a job you love can be one of the most difficult career decisions you’ll ever make. Part of you will think about the opportunity for career advancement and recognition, while the other part will consider living with true peace of mind.
Let’s look at some pros and cons of both scenarios:
Are you willing to take on additional responsibilities?
Taking on more responsibilities comes with more challenges. Are you ready, willing, and able? Opportunities for career advancement come with an expectation for even more job effort.
- The fact that the opportunity is open to you speaks to your work ethic, so it’s not a question of whether you’re shying away from work. But what happens when you get to the point that you can’t handle additional duties?
- Do you have the experience and training necessary for the new position? Don’t let the lack of expertise in some areas be the reason why you hesitate about taking a job. On the other hand, if your skills best serve the job you love, you may want to stick with that one.
Determine which job offers more opportunity for balance in your life.
A job that facilitates balance should give you more time to tend to other aspects of your life. It also helps toward optimal performance.
- Will the compensation contribute to creating more balance? Maybe it does for you. Having sufficient earnings for other components in your life is important.
Consider your commitment.
At this stage in your life, what are you prepared to commit? Are you able to give every ounce of your energy to a job? Does one of the jobs require more energy than the other?
- It’s easier to commit to a job that you love. If it makes you happy, you’ll invest as much energy as you can to it. But is that also the case with your “dream job?”
- Also, consider if years down the road the job will give you the same amount of fulfillment. Is it possible that the excitement will wear off? Is it possible to see yourself being less committed if that happens?
What are your expectations? Write them down.
Connecting with what you expect from your job is important. Devote some time to writing down the things that you need from your job. Make this list an important factor during the process of making your career decisions.
- Do you want to feel comfortable discussing ideas with co-workers?
- Do you want an opportunity to show your creative side? Even with a career advancement opportunity, being able to give your creative input can help to create a comfortable environment.
Lots of thought and consideration of what’s imperative to you is necessary to determine the direction of your work life. Consider all the factors to help you choose the job that contributes most to your ultimate happiness and satisfaction.
