Most people play life too cautiously. They overestimate transactional cost and greatly underestimate opportunity cost. When providing career coaching, I am mindful about all the time, energy, and money that goes into career change. These are transactional costs. I understand. But most everyone underestimates – or doesn’t think – about opportunity costs. Every day that you stay in a mismatched career is one less day that you could be doing something better.
“You are not serving anyone by playing small.” A friend sent me this quote a few years ago when I was contemplating adding service locations of The Learning Consultants beyond our Connecticut borders. I said something about being modest and needing to focus on our Connecticut clients. She noted that we would still serve our Connecticut clients but we could also be helping others. The career counselor received some great career advice. Our Manhattan and Westchester County, New York locations are thriving.
Playing “bigger” creates stress. As a father of 3 college age students and the primary breadwinner for 5, I more than understand!
But if you want a happier and more successful career, you must.