Don't regret any choices you make in your career. Once you make the choice you will need to commit to it and move forward from there. Likewise, do not let the fear of uncertainty block you from exploring other opportunities. We only live once.
Our careers are the most important decisions in our lives because the effect the very nature of the decisions that follow. Where we work determines where we live or what options we have for work. We will likely spend more than 1/3 of our lives working. When we make a career choice it is often an emotional and painful process.
There is a major risk to being uncertain in our career choices. If we make a choice which we regret it can damage our lives and wellbeing. Likewise, if we are overly optimistic about a career move, we can be blind-sided by the difficulties only once we are inside the role.
Every opportunity we approach offers us risks and rewards. To avoid paying the price of uncertainty, I suggest asking yourself two questions when evaluating a new opportunity:
1) Do I know what I will do every day?
2) Am I excited by it?
If your answer is no to the first question, you need to stop and ask a lot more questions until you are sure you know what your job will be. If your answer is no to the second question... well... you should know this isn't the right choice.
Don't let fear keep you from taking a look at new opportunities. Be open to opportunities, but be careful. When you are pretty sure that this role isn't what you are looking for, it is time to walk away. When you have answered "yes", and are ready to take on that new challenge, be prepared for feelings of doubt and regret. Running through your list of benefits and advantages to the role helps a lot. You will make a good choice, stick to it.
