Swallow a giraffe whole

If you're in transiton in your career, or considering what course to take in the next chapter of your education, it makes sense to review your priorities, your finances and also your values. It's also in your interest to remain optimistic about the future. Collecting information and reflecting honestly will help you transform your conditions into new commercial or other opportunities. On this note, its been said that 'to swallow a giraffe whole,' would be like reaching beyond what you think is possible.  Perhaps its time to to stick your neck out further like a gutsy giraffe?

1) Should you pursue a career you think you'll love at any cost? Every experience is a warning of what is to come, so you're better off not doing what isn't necessary. If you're only option is to borrow money to pursue further education, or to set up a business and you already have big debts, your future will be constrained, even if you think you'll enjoy what you plan to do. When it comes to expanding on education, more people are choosing to work days and take night courses to obtain credentials gradually, with less stress and less debt. Decisions about business ventures or other risks are best pursued only if you believe in you and can afford to lose if you fail. Each person has to make the decision that works for particular circumstances.

2) Where would you place more emphasis; on school, work, marriage, family?The choices you make are those which you will have to live with, along with any ensuing stress or emotional strain you do or don't learn to handle.  If your decisions will affect the lives of other people financially or emotionally, its wise to sit down together and evaluate the pros and cons of significant decisions. Your former choices aren't necessarily bad choices, but you need to reassess what would work or not work based on your newly revised priorities.

3) What part does an income play in your career choices? Whatever you do, you will benefit from exploring you interests and committing to pursuits you connect with. No amount of income will be enough if you haven't learned how to live responsibly. No void can be filled by hard work if you don't enjoy what you do either. I've met professionals who pursed careers and realized they're unhappy, but often chose not to change paths because of financial debts, being unwilling to admit mistakes, false pride, or confusion about options. Only you can know how influential money is in your career choices, and only you can decide whether you will choose to accept your present reality or leave it for another path. Each decision has its own consequences. What makes you feel good about yourself and your future?

4) How can a person take wise risks?If you had a choice to take a co-op program and didn't have to obtain a loan, taking the work grant might contrain you to work for the sponsor for a few years.  Yet, if you ran up huge debt during that period paying for school yourself, you'd constrain yourself for at least that time, working to pay it back. So much of life depends on what you'd consider responsible at a given time. No matter which phase of life you're in, whether you've been laid off, fired, or seek a new position, what works or doesn't work for you will be measured against your goals and expectations. Taking wise risks would not imply saying you desire one thing and choosing to pursue others. Heighten your awareness about what you do/did, how you can impact desirable outcomes, and make more informed choices.

Comments

[Lynne Morrell]

This is a good list for folks to get an idea of where to start. I especially like #2. When you sit down with your family...or those close to you who will be effected by a career change...it is eye opening to hear what everyone has got to say. If there is support for you and your dream...fantastic!!! If not, there may be some more exploration left to do:)

Thanks for writing this!

[Liara Covert]

Hi Lynn,
I'm glad you found this posting useful. Over time, I've met many people who find themselves in a quandry about career choices and job transitions. We can all benefit from reflecting more on adaptability and adjustment appropriate in our own circumstances. Like you say, it will likely be mutually-beneficial to communicate openly with people in your life who will be affected by your choices. They shouldn't make your decision, but keeping them in mind will likely enable you to make a better choice for you. All the best!