Someone once told me that when you are at a crossroads, it’s a defining moment.

At some point in our careers, we face situations that require us to make decisions between two or more options. A dilemma arises when the choice entails that a loss which could be avoided by selecting the other options, is incurred.

One common example is being offered a position that has all the experiences that you need at that particular point but with less remuneration and even a lower title than what you are enjoying presently.

The realization that you would only reap the benefit of having opted for the lower paying position after enduring the experience over a number of years, just makes your choice look bad in the short to medium term, whatever the case may be. Should you stay stagnant and make more money or make a career move that will propel you to a whole new level where you can easily recover what you had lost?

Resolving this dilemma has made me recall that first of all, one must consider their personal goals and circumstances. For example, if your salary is encumbered by a long-term debt such as a home loan, the prospect of losing your property in favour of a career move is hardly a wise decision unless you have firm commitments to meet that obligation in your new appointment.

Setting priorities in terms of milestone achievement and estimated timelines are helpful considerations. Support structures around these decisions are little spoken about but critical. There are advantages in tapping into the security provided by family, mentors, coaches and confidants in this somewhat difficult situation.  I would propose that in making career movements that appear to be a backward move, it is important that you are equipped with as much information as possible about the benefits of the choice you are actively considering and that you can clearly envision where you would be if you just slugged it out! I have always told myself that the person that drives my career agenda is the person in the mirror. After all the consultations and back and forth with options, the decision is made by the individual.

Being satisfied with the work that goes with your career is among the top on the agenda for those that aspire to be peak performers. It is difficult to excel at something you are unhappy or not passionate about. Imagine the priceless thrill you get after conquering a complex matter and executing it with finesse! These are the times that should cause you to agree that you could have made a good career choice.

Knowing that the move you are making is part of the grand plan, gives you a measure of comfort around the perceived loss of monetary perks. After all, you know what they say in business; you must spend money to make money! I for one have had to remind myself of this fact during the times I have had to invest money in the advancement of my academic and professional qualifications.

All in all, my thoughts on the matter can be summed up by stating that there must be some rhyme and reason for making such choices and the considerations may be few or many depending on what time it is for you.

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