In life, there are many critical moments when we have to make decisions that may have far-reaching implications. There was a time I was faced with such a moment in my career. I worked for an international financial institution and I just got an offer from a local financial institution. I had just returned from a foreign trip which was a reward for meeting set targets when I got the local offer.
I was confused. The local offer was alluring but the institution at that time faced serious challenges. It represented a new terrain—one that wasn’t clearly defined. It was also littered with possible regulatory challenges and uncertainty. I thought to myself, is a bird in hand not worth two in the bush? The pay of the new entity was enticing but there are more considerations than just the pay package when you’re making a career move.
Every career will bring you to a valley of decision. Comfort or growth? Safety or uncertainty? Here’s how to choose well when the stakes are high. Share on XI want to suggest a few tips if you’re caught in the valley of decision and you’re unsure of how to make a move.
1. Seek counsel
There are certain decisions you shouldn’t make without speaking to others. You should have a few people you can seek guidance from—possibly mentors or others whom you look up to and are sufficiently more experienced than you in that area. I usually tell others not to resign from their jobs without speaking to someone first. In the multitude of counsel there is safety.
In the case above, I spoke to two people: one is a professional colleague and the other a long-time friend. One asked me if there was anything left that I wanted to achieve in the current institution. He said I was already a big fish in a small bowl. The other person told me that light shines brighter in darkness. Those words settled it for me. I made the move and it redefined my career.
The more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.
2. Ask the right questions
When David faced Goliath, he asked a question: “What will be the reward of the person who defeats Goliath?” The answer to that question put the risk he was taking into proper perspective. Who would miss a chance to get out of poverty forever, become the king’s in-law and get their family exempted from taxes?
Ask questions about the new company. Look over the board. Snoop around. Use the internet. If you know people who work there, speak to them. You might get some information that can help you to make the right decision.
3. Consider the implications of your choice another year from now
Will you be proud of the choice you’re about to make one year down the line? In five years? What are the advantages? What are the likely outcomes? Will this matter another year from now?
Life will always present you with choices. And the choices will oscillate between either comfort and convenience or growth. You can choose either but almost never both.
4. What’s the worst that could happen?
Sometimes, you need to consider what could be the worst scenario if you get it wrong. Will it be life-threatening? Can you walk back? Can you reverse any wrong? Is there any opportunity for recovery? Will there be a second chance? An appraisal of the worst possible outcome can help to guide decision framing.
5. Visualize the outcome
Examine all the possible scenarios. Dig deep into your imagination. Which one gives you joy? Consider the scenario that brings peace and calmness to your heart. What gut feelings do you have? Don’t discard them. Many times our hearts can perceive what our physical eyes can’t see.
Some decisions look good on paper but carry hidden risks. Learn how to ask the right questions before you commit. Share on X6. Seek God’s face
For me, this is the most important. Not every open door is the right door. All that glitters is not gold. Some opportunities are traps in disguise. Our humanity is limited but Divinity is infinite. God knows what we don’t.
So many years ago, I was invited for an interview at a high-flying brand. It was an organisation many people wanted to work for. As at that time, it ranked as one of the highest-paying institutions. When I started the interview process, I prayed for God’s leading. I then knew I would go through the process and get an offer but would not accept it. I met a friend at the final stage of the interview and told him I wouldn’t resume even if given an offer. I was given an offer—a very good one—which I did not accept. About eight months later, that organisation was liquidated.
I must say that there are times when you go through all these steps and it seems you still made the wrong choice. Please take that as part of the learning process. Failure is a learning process. Learn your lessons and move on.