Professional risks worth taking

4 professional risks to take

If you’re considering making one of these big career moves, it may be worth the risk.

1. Choose a job based on culture rather than salary

When choosing between two jobs, you might be tempted to choose the one that offers the higher salary. Even if you want a job that pays enough to cover your expenses, money isn’t always the most important aspect of a job and you shouldn’t accept a role based solely on salary. Higher salary often comes with higher demands, which doesn’t always equate to a good work experience. (Related article: How to get hired with little experience)

Instead, it’s increasingly common to take the risk of prioritizing company culture. Today’s job seekers are more willing to sacrifice a big salary and a more comfortable lifestyle for a work environment where they are highly valued and have more long-term opportunities.

“When you’re happy with your work and align with the company’s core values, you do your best work,” said Nate Good, former chief technology officer at Idelic. “If you find the right cultural fit, your career – and your salary – will thrive too. »

2. Find a job abroad

Finding a job abroad is a major undertaking. It’s not as simple as sending a job application. You will of course need to obtain the appropriate certifications and visas. Additionally, it is important to consider the company you will work for, if there is a language barrier, where you will live and how to move your essential personal belongings with you.

Working abroad can require considerable effort, but comes with great rewards. Crossing international borders (or even crossing them frequently for business travel) is intimidating but offers great personal and professional growth. Traveling abroad for business is also a great way to expand your network.

“Go international if you get the chance,” said Douglas Baldasare, founder and CEO of ChargeItSpot. “The perspective you build and the people you meet will stay with you forever. »

3. Ask for more responsibility

Many people feel dissatisfied with some aspect of their current job, but don’t do anything about it. Whether you deserve a raise, want bigger projects, or need professional development opportunities, asking for more can be intimidating.

As famous author Nora Roberts once said, “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” » Employees should keep this in mind when managing their careers. If there is something you need to succeed in your role, don’t hesitate to ask. Prepare the appropriate documents to support your request and arrange a meeting with your manager to discuss the matter.

If the answer is still no, find other ways to get to where you want to be. A good manager will be ready to help you grow professionally and achieve what you deserve.

4. Quit a job you hate

No one wants to be stuck in a job they hate, but many professionals end up taking jobs that don’t allow them to reach their full potential. If you find yourself at a company with a toxic work culture or in a position without opportunities for professional development, you may have to take one of the biggest career risks: quitting your job. Leaving a job can be scary and uncomfortable, but it makes no sense to stay in an organization whose values ​​and goals don’t align with yours. Learn how to smoothly navigate a mid-life career change.

It’s always wise to have another job lined up before leaving your current job. If there’s something you’re more passionate about than the work you do in your career, find a way to make your passion your job. This could involve working for another company, going out on your own as a freelancer, or starting your own business.

How to assess potential career risks

Like any other aspect of your life, your career requires risk management strategies to succeed. Taking professional risks means being willing to embrace change. Make sure you have all the relevant information before taking the plunge.

“We always ask ourselves whether we should take the risk now or wait until we have the perfect plan,” said Mohamed Elgendy, co-founder and CEO of Kolena. “More often than not, we find ourselves faced with the question: ‘What’s next?’ » Clarity comes from commitment, not reflection, so you don’t need to understand everything to move forward. Take a leap of faith, believe in yourself and take action.

Before pursuing a career opportunity, ask yourself the following questions to help you decide whether or not you are prepared for it:

• What is my risk tolerance right now? Taking a risk creates disruption in your life. When considering a potential career opportunity, think about it in the context of the rest of your life, especially if you’re experiencing significant changes outside of work.
• What are the benefits and costs of this change? You may not be 100% sure of the outcome, but estimate the positive and negative outcomes – both in your career and personal life – if you took this opportunity.
• Can I cushion the negative impacts of this change? For each downside you identify, think about how to cushion the negative impact. For example, if the change involves longer hours and more strenuous travel, check to see if the new employer offers flexible work options like remote or hybrid work.
• Can I live with this decision if it doesn’t work out the way I planned? Not all of your career decisions will turn out exactly as you hoped, but risk fosters wisdom and growth when you accept that responsibility.

Keep your overall career goals in mind when identifying and evaluating career risks. If the potential risk brings you closer to achieving your goals, seriously consider it. Otherwise, stay patient until the next opportunity presents itself.

Big risk can sometimes bring big rewards

In business as in life, taking risks can sometimes pay off big time. Of course, it’s important to take calculated, not reckless, risks. If you’re preparing to make a big move in your career or entrepreneurship, ask yourself the questions above and do your homework in advance. If you think the time is right and you’re ready, take the plunge and hope for the best – it could result in great success.

Tejas Vemparala and Skye Schooley contributed to this article. Interviews with sources were conducted for a previous version of this article.