I have a career path decision but why cant i just make the decision?

Dear Sunshine,

It sounds like you have a tough decision to make right now with your career. From a pro and con standpoint, it sounds like the cons for the one job are that it requires a lot of driving and makes you feel like you do not know enough to have the job. Then it sounds like the cons for the second job are that you would work 12-hour shifts three days per week and if you only keep this job you would possibly set yourself back in your field because of the nature of that job. I think it is important to consider what are the pros of keeping both jobs, and what the pros are for each job in particular.

It seems like it is also important to think about your work-life balance and what you want from your career on a long-term basis. Do you want to have a job that gives you the type of work-life balance where you work three days a week and then have time for other things in your life? Are you looking to have a different type of work schedule? How is your current work schedule affecting other aspects of your life? Do you have time to spend with your family members, friends, or your significant other? Do you see yourself staying in this field throughout your entire career? Ultimately, ask yourself where you see yourself in five years when it comes to professional and career goals.

Then when it comes to comparing the two jobs side by side, you might want to think about which one you feel provides you the most stability and opportunities for growth. How do you get along with your coworkers at each job? What is your relationship like with your boss at each job? Are you compensated fairly for your work at each job? Is there one job that you look forward to doing more? All of these questions might help with the continued reflection on which job is the best one for you to keep.

Making a decision like this can put anyone in a rut since there are a lot of factors to consider, so the pro and con list technique for making sure every factor of each job is laid out there is beneficial. Once you write out your pros and cons for each job, you want to think about what your ideal job situation is and then see how these pros and cons align with what you envision for yourself. I hope you will find this information helpful. Good luck with making this very important decision.

Best,

Jasmine