Those days, I'm confused by myself. Do I really want to leave current job to open a startup? That's a question. There is a old post here about startup, and I do question myself right now that can I really open a startup without the "superhuman confidence"?
Big Risks, Big Rewards
If think about it, most accomplished people are entrepreneurs who have taken big risks to net proportionally high rewards.
Tough as it is for cautious people like me to accept, if you don't occasionally take calculated gambles, you won't get ahead as quickly as those who do. You will also never get over your fear of the unknown, and life will be predictable and dull.
But how can I go about deciding if a career risk is necessary and will bear fruit?
First, it helps to think long term. Where do you want your career to be in five years, and what actions will you have to take to make sure you get there? Next, clearly define the challenge and the opportunity -- or the upside if the risk goes well.
Then, consider the downside. Will the worst-case scenario be career-ending, or something that can be overcome?
What's the Backup Plan?
Finally, what are some clues to assess if the risk is going bad, and what is your backup plan if your risk isn't successful?
In thinking through these questions, you might determine, for example, that quitting your well-paying job and spending your savings to pursue an invention idea isn't a risk you find tolerable.
The smartest risks have a limited downside and a huge upside. They involve research and the counsel of experienced people -- but also the willingness to step back and let the cards fall where they may.
Believe that you've made the right choice, and have faith that everything will turn out all right in the end. Insecurity and negativity won't serve you well, because you'll be constantly holding your breath, waiting for things to fall apart.
Speaking of which, if a risk doesn't work out, don't let it stop you from taking similar actions in the future. It's normal to feel disappointment and even embarrassment. But it's essential that you pick yourself up and move on.
Take stock of what went wrong and make a note to do it differently next time. There is no shorter path to career fulfillment.
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