Dear Ellen,
I graduated from college about two years ago, and while some of my friends are still struggling to find a decent job, I have the opposite problem — I have too many options!
I could stay at my current job (they’d love me to stick around) … or apply for a higher-paying job at another company (I had a great conversation with a hiring manager there at a networking event. The job sounds amazing!).
I could also go for a totally different challenge — like spending a year working overseas. Or I could apply for a scholarship to go to graduate school, which is something I know I want to do, eventually!
The problem is, I can’t figure out which option is the best choice for me, right now, and I’m driving myself crazy trying to weigh all the pros and cons.
I’m starting to feel overwhelmed — but I can’t talk to my friends about this, because it feels like I’m rubbing all of my “amazing options” in their faces.
Any advice on how to just CHOOSE something, already?
Signed,
Too Many Options
Dear Too Many Options:
You’ve got the best kind of problem — too many amazing possibilities to choose from!
But you’re not feeling “amazing.” You’re feeling overwhelmed and indecisive.
I get it. I really do.
As an entrepreneur with lots of different passions + interests, I know how agonizing it can be to have to choose “just one thing” from an array of tempting options. It’s so easy to get trapped in an infinite cycle of cross-comparison, spinning your wheels, afraid to choose and commit.
But here’s what I know for sure…
There is no 100% accurate way to predict if a decision is the “perfect” one.
There just isn’t. And there probably never will be.
So rather than weighing (and re-weighing) all the pro’s and con’s of each option, the best thing you can do is change your whole attitude about what it means to “choose.”
In other words: to starting thinking about “choosing” as something that expands your world, instead of shrinking it down.
Try saying to yourself:
ANY decision I make will be a good one. ANY path I choose will hold its own rewards. ANY option I select will allow me to grow, explore, gain skills + serve others.
And TMO? It’s completely true.
If you embrace that kind of attitude, you’ll be able to commit to any decision fully — and savor the adventure without regrets.
Need a little more guidance?
Here are a few of my favorite role models — smart writers + entrepreneurs, each with their own perspectives on how to make a good career decision:
Marie Forleo — who has guided tens of thousands of women into new careers + businesses — suggests asking yourself a simple question: In 10 years, what will I regret NOT having pursued?
Dr. Meg Jay — author of The Defining Decade — talks about the importance of making intentional choices, especially in your twenties. Think you’d like to work in film someday? Then choose a job (even if it’s a menial gig at minimum wage) that will expose you to people in the film industry. You never know who might be impressed by your focus + passion … and give you an opportunity to rise up through the ranks.
Simon Sinek — author of Start With Why — urges you to understand what drives you — WHY you want to go to work — before worrying about WHAT you’re going to do or HOW you’re going to do it. When you “start with why,” you’ll always feel inspired by your work … and inspire others along the way.
Marie, Meg and Simon all have excellent tips + perspectives to help you choose your next move.
But at the end of the day, the only way to really figure out what the “best” choice is going to be…is to pick one thing and just do it.
Try things on.
See what fits.
Yours,
Ellen
Image: Willie Franklin.