4 Career Risks That May (Or May Not) Be Worth The Gamble

Career decisions are rarely straightforward. Career change calls for thoughtful reviews.

Career risks aren’t always obvious. What seems to be a high-risk move may actually turn out to be the most likely to assure your future. What seems to promise job security turns out to be a myth.

Your mother or grandmother probably grew up hearing, “Become a secretary and you’ll always have a job.” Or even, “If you can type, you’ll be employable.”

Look where that would get you today!

Each risk has to be evaluated independently. For example:

Risk #1: Going Back to School.

Even if you don’t heed a degree you may find that the experience gives you access to a new network. However, I find many professionals (especially those who have achieved success by degrees) feel lost in transition. They want the degree or piece of paper to signify, “You’re ready!”

Often you have a two-sided risk. First, you invest tuition expenses and lose salary you would have earned. Second, your educational experience may not lead to the outcome you had hoped.

When I returned for my Ph.D., academic jobs were plentiful in business schools. I earned a good living even while I was taking classes…