This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
Decisions about our careers can be daunting, especially when we weigh the pros and cons of a promotion. In a recent letter to Nyakundi Report, a reader shared their concerns about turning down a career-changing opportunity last year.
They had been offered a promotion to a well-paying but highly demanding position, which would have required them to work extra hours, including on Saturdays. However, they felt that this job would limit their chances of ever settling down.
Now, they are in a well-paying eight-to-five job, but it is not fulfilling. They have had to deal with difficult colleagues, making their work uninspiring.
So, did they make the right decision? How can they make better choices in the future?
Choices can be hard to make due to poor visibility of their consequences and the dilemma posed by options that are either unpleasant or worthy.
When asked about their decision, the reader revealed that they had been in their current position for some time and planned to remain there for a while longer.
However, settling down appears to be a priority for them at this point in their life. They wonder if they need more time to work on settling down than they will when they eventually have a family.
It's also worth considering that some jobs have repetitive aspects, and colleagues can be a challenge to work with. Moving to a new organization does not guarantee pleasant colleagues, and some workplaces may have a dreadful social environment.
Ultimately, certain choices do not present themselves often, and some do not altogether recur. It's essential to make decisions based on our values and not just the convenience of the moment.
