Life, like lunch is full of difficult choices. The same is true when it comes to making decisions about your career. Career decisions are full of choices. However, one thing makes lunch decisions and career decisions easier…you. You know what you like to eat and what you don’t like to eat. If the Chef’s Special is liver and onions and you hate liver why order it? In fact I don’t know anyone who would order liver in such a situation. And I know no one who would ask a lunch companion “should I order the liver? It’s the special of the day and the chef probably prepared it superbly.” In 100% of the cases the liver would not be ordered and no one’s advice would be sought. Why? Because only you truly know what you like and don’t like.

When it comes to career decisions the process seems to change for many people. If a job is offered many people think they should take it. And these same people seek the advice of others re: the career decision in front of them. The decision process is often:
– the salary is higher than I currently earn
– the title is a step up from my current title
– since it is more money and a higher title I should accept the offer.

There a few caveats to career decisions like the one I outlined. First, a higher salary means more is expected of the person. The salary difference is not for the same work; it is rather for more work, better work or more typically both. The additional money will be earned.
Second, the higher title means more responsibility. It is usually one of the key reasons for the higher salary. The person facing the career decision should be very aware their role and daily routine will change. Titles are not bestowed, they are earned.
Thus, more money and a better title come with more demands.

This is where the reference to difficult lunch choices comes into play. The decision not to order liver is easy. You don’t like liver and the fact it is the Chef’s Special of the day has no bearing on your decision. You know you, and you know what you like. You also know if today is the day you want to try liver. It might take a few seconds but the decision is rendered rather easily. The same discipline and process should apply to your career decisions. You know you and you know what you like to do in your job and you know the direction you want your career to follow. If the so called “Chef’s Special” is not what you want to do, or not the direction you want to follow turn it down just like you turn down the liver. You know you better than anyone.

Whenever I get asked to contribute to a person’s career decision I try to get them to follow the liver example. I ask them:
– is this what you want to do every day?
– is this company one you want to join for a career?
– are you ready for the new responsibility and demands?
– in essence, is this the path you want to follow for your career?

Two things concern me and they are the reasons I wrote the blog. First, a number of people appear to want someone else to make the decision. Second, many people cannot get past the title and money or both. When I get a response to my question “is this what you want to do long term?” I often hear in reply “but it’s more money; it’s a promotion”.

When placed in this position try to remember the liver example. If the new position is liver turn it down. If you’ve always wanted to try liver then consider it and decide if today is the day. If you love liver [and I do love liver and onions] then take the offer. But keep in mind you are the one who knows best what you like. Make your career decisions with that in mind!